Social Anxiety and COVID Pandemic

Forced to Socially Isolate - a dream come true?

For our own protection and the protection of others, we are all being being asked to socially distance. Have you noticed there is a lot of variety in how people are dealing with the prospect of social distancing?

I've noticed three different reactions.

For some people, it's a relief to finally have a good excuse to stay inside and read a book, or relax and just watch Netflix. These are people who have a hard time saying "no" to invitations, who feel obligated to go out and do things they don't necessarily want to do. For them, permission to stay inside and be alone has felt so good. It is an unexpected siver lining of the COVID pandemic.

Others feel disconnected and desperately lonely without the ability to be with their friends in person. They try to do their best to stay connected using technology, organizing Zoom meetings, games on House Party, and posting on social media. Sometimes they feel it's one of the worst times in their life. They may feel lost and sad with nothing much to do.

Still others feel that the requirement to socially distance has made them feel normal for the first time in their lives. It's a dream come true in many ways. No longer feeling like they are missing out on some big social event they are either deliberately avoiding or were't invited to, they now feel like everyone else has been transported into their regular lifestyle. A lifestyle that they are the experts in managing. There's a certain sense of mastery, a sense of superiority to be able to emotionally handle being alone, without the need for constant human contact. Finally, they say, my way of living is the 'right way to be'.

EDIT 2023 - I'm writing this edit years after the pandemic began. One of the biggest impacts for many people coming out of the pandemic has been the lack of social contact.

Most people find themselves feeling lonely, anxious and cut off from others. Even those who normally feel relaxed socially are finding it difficult to connect with others - after years of so much time alone.

I receive many messages from people who feel they are suddenly socially anxious and wonder if they have lost their social skills.

Just lack of practice can make anyone feel incompetent, awkward and shy.

Social anxiety can and does impact anyone. You are not alone in feeling this way. For many people these feelings will simply go away once you get used to connecting socially again.