Post-Pandemic Anxiety: What to Expect

Monique Toda shares the post-pandemic anxiety that the world has yet to face

I am not alone when I say that reopening anxiety is real. It’s happening and we must prepare ourselves to step into a post-pandemic world—cautiously, slowly. As the COVID numbers and alert levels go down, it is inevitable. Denmark, despite its rising numbers of infections (of the Omicron variety), has lifted all its restrictions due to their claim of low hospitalisation rates. In the UK, the easing of COVID-19 regulations is underway. While in the US, some states have removed restrictions and fully opened their economies. Many countries will definitely follow suit in one way or another. We can’t stay in our caves forever.

Above Photo: Two Dreamers / Pexels

Anxiety has accompanied us since the start of the pandemic. And it will continue to be by our side after. The New Yorker calls the times The Age of Reopening Anxiety in a piece penned by Anna Russell. The article cites a report by the American Psychological Association mentioning that close to half of adults in their survey “did not feel comfortable going back to living life like they used to before the pandemic”.

Anxiety number one is health, and it is a foremost concern. Mask wearing is so normalised now, that when the time comes when we could remove it, I would feel naked. I actually like the anonymity of mask-wearing, plus there is no need to use lipstick. But I do miss the faces of people and sometimes, my own. The fear of the “outside” world will linger. Entering a hospital, eating at a restaurant, or going on a plane, will never be the same for a while.

Lurking in the back of my mind is the question “am I 100 per cent safe?” The view of Dr Arnelle Y. Quaimbao, facial plastic surgeon and medical director of You+ Intelligent Aesthetics, is reassuring. “I fully support the easing of COVID restrictions and full reopening of medical facilities. We are now in a better situation than in previous months. And I am cautiously optimistic that the end for this pandemic may be well within sight, thanks to the highly effective vaccines. They have defanged the deadly virus such that caseloads, and more importantly, mortality rates have plummeted.”

Above Photo: null xtract / Pexels

The thought of a pre-pandemic style of socialising is overwhelming too. As we enter this new “civilisation” and meet people once again, we have to re-learn how to acquaint ourselves with others. The removal of our masks is not just a physical act, it is now a mental and emotional one. Pre-COVID-19 dynamics had us seeing ourselves through our own lens and that of others. That changed when we were on lockdown and our circle got smaller. It was a transformative time and many “found themselves”.

The bigger concern in re-entering society is the dreaded noise. We have become so used to looking at ourselves from our own quiet perspective, and now we have to take into account other people’s opinions and views. Marketing consultant Margaux Hontiveros moved to the beach at the start of the pandemic and is living her life in this peaceful setting. Inevitably, she has to go to Manila and meet with people. She says, “because I’ve been cloistered, I don’t know how to behave in the city. When to wear a mask, when to take it off, where to place it while I’m eating. I’m afraid of touching someone, to even ask ‘could you please pass the salt?’ as it might make them uncomfortable. I’m afraid of laughing too loud. Will someone in the next table get angry that my droplets are flying all over the place?”

Above Photo: Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels

She adds, “My anxiety is over the roof when I’m about to go out these days. I go through days of making and breaking plans, even with people I trust. I have to psych myself out. But as soon as I’m out, very quickly, I ease up.” Despite all the uneasiness, human interaction is sorely missed. “I’m so excited to meet people again! I think it’s been long enough of a time that I know who I can trust and see again face to face. Even if let’s say I do get COVID, for one thing, I’m vaccinated. I trust in the science behind it and barring any real irresponsible behaviour, there’s no one to blame for getting sick if everyone follows safety protocols. But more importantly, this time away has given me a chance to evaluate my circle and the people that I want in my life. If I trusted them with my life before the pandemic, why wouldn’t I trust them now? Do I think it’ll be the same as pre-pandemic? No, definitely not. I think it’ll be better. Time is all at once faster now, I guess because we’re trying to make up for the lost two years, but it also feels like I have to be deliberate of how I spend my time.”

Above Photo: Gustavo Fring / Pexels

This may seem like an insignificant question but what do I wear to meet people? After using comfortable clothes and slippers for so long, it is a valid point. The pandemic taught us to strip down to what is essential. The realisation is that an excess of things is not really vital in our lives. All of a sudden, we are searching for meaning, and it doesn’t include material possessions. What does one really need to live happily in a post-pandemic world anyway? I asked Singapore-based Claudia Bermudez-Hyun what makes one happy.

“After two years of lockdowns and restrictions, being outdoors biking, running, power walking, and discovering what nature has to offer, became my ‘happy high’. Also, deciding to be more selective with how and whom I spend my time has given me a clearer picture of my goals and real interests which in turn also brings me happiness.”

Above Photo: Daniel Frank / Pexels

There has been a global focus on mental health, more so during COVID-19. The World Health Organisation (WHO) addresses the issue on their website. “The new realities of working from home, temporary unemployment, home-schooling of children, and lack of physical contact with other family members, friends and colleagues take time to get used to. Adapting to lifestyle changes such as these, and managing the fear of contracting the virus and worry about people close to us who are particularly vulnerable, are challenging for all of us.” Post pandemic fears add to the anxiety already in place. People have started to become aware of their mental health and prioritise it.

The “great resignation” phenomenon in the US, where a wave of resignations took place during COVID-19, mentions that included in the reasons employees quit their jobs, is work-life balance and mental health. The importance of mental health has been on the radar of some local companies as well. Recommended psychiatrists and therapists are now made available to assist employees having these issues due to the pandemic.

Above Photo: Julia M Cameron / Pexels

The pandemic has been cruel to the world but it gave us gifts—the opportunity to look inside ourselves, have the richness of alone and family time, to cherish what we have, prioritise well, and to show kindness and love to others. With this experience, it is my hope that we will retain the wisdom and humanity gained, and that it won’t get lost in external events. We can then re-enter our post-pandemic world with our improved selves—and navigate through life again.

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