Manage your COVID-19 re-entry anxiety

When COVID-19 lockdown was first instituted it might have felt unfathomable to stay at home almost 24-7. Now despite the easing of alert levels, for some of us it may feel strange and nerve-wracking to do anything but stay at home. Psychotherapist Louisa Niehaus explains why we may be feeling so-called “re-entry anxiety”. It manifests as we contemplate or act on reintegration to society, as we go back to schools and universities, to shops or work. This anxiety can also present as we interact with others, especially where we don’t trust that they are making every effort to limit their exposure to COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic is now a part of life and we must make space for the emotions that adjusting to this reality brings. Louisa explains what drives re-entry anxiety and how to deal with it best.