After more than a year of living through a global pandemic, staying at home and being afraid has become the “new normal.” There is a lot of anxiety surrounding being around people again; there is anxiety about vaccinations and anxiety about finances and the global economy. As the numbers of infections drop and the number of those vaccinated rises, the fears and anxieties of the general population remain. One of the biggest challenges of returning to some semblance of normalcy will be conquering fears related to COVID-19.
Fear of Illness, Death, or Loss
The most obvious fears are surrounding the coronavirus and COVID-19. The stay-at-home orders that were nearly global in scope gave people plenty of time to watch the news and see the rising numbers of people infected, as well as the number of people who have died. Many people knew someone who passed away due to COVID-19, which added grief to their fear. Many of those people were not given the opportunity for closure that a memorial service provides, which intensified feelings of fear, grief, and loss.
After more than a year of living like this, some people have accepted the risk of catching COVID-19. As treatments have improved and fewer people are dying, many in lower-risk populations think it is “no big deal” to have the virus. That, coupled with the large number of people who are being vaccinated, has helped some people get past their fears. But many others are still afraid to do approved activities or go back to normal life. The fears of illness, death, and loss have been harbored so long and at such a global level that they have become more anxiety than just fears now.
Social Fears
Having been isolated for so long, some people have developed a fear known as agoraphobia or fear of leaving the house. This type of anxiety can be crippling, especially when returning to work in person or participating in family or social activities.
Because of living so carefully for so long, others have become germaphobes and have developed anxiety surrounding any type of germs or bacteria. After staying away from others for so long, here are new types of anxieties about being around people again. Even as restrictions are lifted and vaccines administered, people are still afraid of other people.
Economic Fears and Uncertainty
So many individuals and families have lost incomes and faced food uncertainty this past year. The prospect of finding a new job is that much more difficult because financial needs exceed the available jobs. This uncertainty can be devastating, leading not only to anxiety but also depression and more.
Beyond the individual financial uncertainties are fears surrounding the national and global economic stability, COVID-19 has impacted everyone from businesses to entire nations, and the long-term financial effect is not known. Despite the fact that these are the fears that individuals have the least control over, there are still fears about what the future holds.
Addressing Mental Health
The most effective way to address these new fears is to make mental health services more available to everyone. Telehealth services have helped plenty of people to get mental health care in their homes this past year, but more needs to be done to meet the growing mental health crisis. Many people who have developed anxiety or depression due to the global pandemic may not realize that their fears have developed to a level that requires professional help.
Normalizing mental health care, providing better access to it, and educating people about its importance will help more people get help. As life returns to normal more and more each day, those who have debilitating fears will become more obvious. Hopefully, there are loved ones who can encourage those with anxiety or depression to access mental health care. Having members of the community be aware of the fears and offer compassion will help, too.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Substance Abuse
The increase in mental health issues has also led to an increase in substance abuse. Being at home for so long has created time for more drinking and using recreational drugs to self-medicate feelings of depression, anxiety, or boredom. This combination has led to a sharp increase in substance use and developing substance use disorder. It is important to be compassionate in addressing this as well. Helping people who need treatment find access to it will be key in conquering the fears and more surrounding the pandemic. Offering information and education about treatment for substance abuse and mental health will help our society as a whole to truly begin healing. Together, we can conquer the fears surrounding COVID-19.
With so much fear and uncertainty because of COVID-19, anxiety has become the “new normal” for many people. Being sensitive to others’ fears around infection, interacting with people again, as well as financial and economic uncertainties, can help people begin to heal. Providing awareness of and access to both mental health care and substance abuse treatment will be crucial in helping the world heal. At Rancho Milagro Recovery, we understand the fears and anxieties that can be crippling for some. We also know that treatment for substance abuse is more important than ever before. Our beautiful Temecula, California ranch is a perfect place for those struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues to find help and healing. Secluded and yet easily accessible, our ranch also features many rescue animals that can help provide social support for those with social and other anxieties. Call us today at (951) 526-4582 to find out more about our treatment program. The world is beginning to heal, and you can heal too. Your recovery starts now.