Page 20 - AreaNewsletters "Aug 2021" issue

How To Deal With
SOCIAL ANXIETY
After COVID
It has been a very long year. Lockdowns and social distancing have had a profound impact on our hearts and minds. But thankfully, as the vaccines roll out and the country begins to slowly open back up, we are beginning to return to some kind of normal. With Festival Park hosting events such as the Farmers Market and First Friday movies or the MAC Summer Concert Series, there is plenty to get back involved and connect with our great town and community. https://www.crgov.com/calendar.aspx
However, while many people are jumping for joy with the idea of taking part in normal social gatherings and getting
Authentic Connections Counseling Center
back to life pre-pandemic, there are also those individuals who are feeling a bit of social anxiety at the same time. This is to be understood.
Another thing to consider is that not only were we away from our usual community and society, but we all went through a pandemic; a trauma; a collective crisis. We weren’t just isolating because we wanted to. We had tons of information coming at us and frankly had a hard time deciphering what was true and what wasn’t. And we all had to make choices that not everyone in our lives agreed with. Anytime control and choices are taken away, it is hard.
August 2021 • Castle Rock “AreaNewsletters”
20
HEALTH • WELLNESS • LIFESTYLE