The Rock & Roll Shrink Radio Show Ep. 127 - Overkill - Post COVID Return Anxiety

Tonight’s topic highlights the growing trend of unexpected and atypical anxiety that many people are suddenly experiencing when it comes time to even partially return to hybrid or fully in-person work, school, social events, shopping, and other activities. For the last two years, most of us have either been foregoing these things altogether, or doing them in furtive nibbles of limited in-person time, coupled with virtual gatherings and spaces.

We have had so many false starts, and starts that got rolled back when science and answers were updated and adjusted. We naturally have trouble becoming mentally prepared for such a big shift, because of this. Many have become irritable or emotionally fraught with the changing landscape, and a long list of missed opportunities, some of which cannot now be made up, such as being present when a loved one is sick or dying; actual funerals, or even activities involving someone who has since passed away. We’re struggling with resilience, resolve, and patience, and this affects our state when we return.

Some are not handling it well.

Tonight, we will discuss:

1. Reactions to the idea of post-COVID Reintegration
2. Why Reintegration is a stressor for some
3. Ways to cope with Reintegration Stress & Anxiety
4. Conclusions, Closing Remarks, & Final Suggestions

We'll start off the evening with some topic-relevant Classic Rock played by Dr. Mathis, followed by Classic Rock trivia in "The Rock & Roll Shrink Recalls," followed by our topic discussion.