Originally, I was planning to write about anxiety around going back to work, but as someone who works from home (and has for years), I didn’t feel qualified. Anxiety about going back into the world? That, I could handle, especially as someone who has struggled with being in the world at all for years now.
It took a few years, but now I am consistently leaving the house multiple times per week, to go to the store mostly but also various other places (with social distancing and a mask, of course).
Therefore, here are a few of the ways I manage coping with going out into the world (as someone who has suffered with agoraphobia) in a pandemic era.
Anxiety – and Going Back Into the World
- One of my favorite tips my previous therapist taught me was to count out of order when I felt anxious or overwhelmed. Instead of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 in sequence, those numbers could look like 2, 4, 3, 5, 1 – or any other combination you can think of. The key is to switch up the combination – if you use the same one each time you might memorize it, and that would taint its effectiveness.
- My husband (also a therapist) likes to tell me that it’s easier with practice. When I’m scared or anxious about doing something – like driving, or going outside – he tells me to push through and each time I push through the anxiety for the same task, it will get easier and easier. This could look like practicing going to the grocery store (with a mask and social distancing), and gradually it should get easier if you push through the anxiety and do it regardless.
- If your insurance covers help, a good therapist is invaluable when it comes to anxiety, someone to work out problems with, and general support.
- If you prefer not to go to a therapist or cannot afford one, using a journal has been very helpful for me in this season when I’m not seeking therapy. Paper and pencil is a great option, or for a (slightly more expensive but not as expensive as therapy) digital option, 750words.com is a wonderful resource.
P.S.
There’s one last important point I want to make before we part ways for the week …
Push yourself before the fear takes up residence and refuses to leave!!
If you wait, the fear can/will take hold, and it will become harder and harder to accomplish the tasks you set out to do – such as going to the grocery store, or driving, or even leaving the house. You could be setting yourself up for an illness such as agoraphobia (ask me how I know) or severe anxiety, or even panic attacks.
You are valuable and worthwhile – and you have to step up and help yourself before helping yourself is more difficult than you bargained for.
Looking for more? Overwhelmed? Has more tips and tricks for handling anxiety.
How do you fight anxiety about going back into the world? Let me know in the comments below.
Christian, wife, “hybrid” mama, I run the site All Behind A Smile to help others like me.
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