{"id":453,"date":"2021-01-04T07:52:00","date_gmt":"2021-01-04T12:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rachelfreedlandmsw.com\/?p=453"},"modified":"2021-01-06T14:18:53","modified_gmt":"2021-01-06T19:18:53","slug":"getting-back-to-normal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rachelfreedlandmsw.com\/pt\/getting-back-to-normal\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting Back to “Normal”"},"content":{"rendered":"

A multifaceted challenge<\/h2>\n

As we get ready to go back to “Normal” life, we wonder what the future will bring.\u00a0 We conduct business differently, celebrate occasions differently, and manage our relationships differently.\u00a0 Which changes will we keep and which will we reject?\u00a0 COVID has primarily affected us in three broad categories.<\/p>\n

Professional<\/h3>\n

COVID-19 has overturned our work routines and education modalities. Many continue to be out of school or work and find it difficult to find employment in a difficult economic time.<\/p>\n

Those who continued working find a totally different landscape<\/a>: Many are working from home and adapting to a radically different work environment, setting up their own schedules, and losing their coworkers’ networking.<\/p>\n

Social<\/h3>\n

The social landscape<\/a> has drastically changed in the last year. Going out to a bar, restaurant, or concert is out of the question. Video get-togethers replace dinner parties, and simply hanging out with family and friends, even when possible,\u00a0 has an entirely different flavor.<\/p>\n

Health<\/h3>\n

The lasting health effects of COVID-19 are still being uncovered. Common long-term symptoms<\/a> range from fatigue to body aches to “brain fog,” among many others.<\/p>\n

All of these effects of Covid-19 have brought up questions like:: “Will I be safe?” “Will I find a job? “Will I be able to reconnect to my social circle?” “Will I ever recover my health?” These concerns tend to increase our levels of anxiety and depression and affecting our sleep and general health.<\/p>\n

The Mental Health Effects<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Even after Covid-19 is gone, the effects on our professional lives, social lives, and physical health may affect our mental well-being.<\/p>\n

We are uncertain about the future, coping with losing loved ones while trying to move forward.\u00a0 We feel overwhelmed by conflicting reports about what to expect and when to expect it. These circumstances and emotions can easily trigger post-traumatic stress symptoms, depression, anxiety, insomnia<\/a>, and substance abuse.<\/p>\n

Tips for getting back to “Normal.”<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While it might be impossible to eliminate our concerns, here are some ways to help us face the post-COVID world:<\/p>\n