Learning to be social again

Photo by Nandhu Kumar

By:  Holly Numan

​            Over a year ago, we were told to stay indoors, mask up, and avoid others not directly in the home. We started pursing new, independent hobbies; we cleaned, we baked, and some of us even learned new things we thought we never had time for. I myself started gardening on my patio to pass the time. But with this forced isolation, we’ve been going out less, having less opportunities to talk with others, and having to figure out ways to reach out using technology.  
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            For someone who thrives on social interactions, this change was hard. I, for one, look forward to the world opening back up where I can talk with others not through a screen. But for some, going back outside one’s safe space can be hard, almost frightening to even think about. High levels of anxiety can hinder social interactions and having the perfect excuse to avoid all those things you found frightening and horrible was great for a while. But now with things beginning to return to a version of normal, you may find yourself still stuck behind a screen, stuck indoors, or stuck making new excuses as to why you cannot come out and engage in the world.  

            For those out of socializing practice, jumping back in could take some time, but is not all lost. One thing you could start out with is using the pandemic to connect with others. Use your new hobbies as a way to chat with others and begin a dialogue from there. But if you’re still terrified of what’s out there beyond the safety of your front door, seeking out the proper help can be beneficial.  
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            If you’re one who would rather the pandemic and quarantines continue just for that perfect excuse to avoid, you may have social anxiety and we can help at the Wisconsin Anxiety and Depression Clinic. Contact us today for information or set up an appointment to take that first step into a new world.  
 
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For the full article on ways to interact again:
Don’t Worry, You Can Learn to Talk to People Again - The New York Times (nytimes.com) ​