“We were thrown into the position of disconnecting across so many avenues, giving us permission to retreat inward inside our homes,” says Sarah Carstens, LCSW, LCADC, Clinical Manager of the Women’s Program at Princeton House’s Eatontown outpatient site. “For some people—particularly for those who were already struggling with mental health issues—the usual advice to ‘join a club’ may not be attainable yet.”
Carstens notes that the frequency and intensity of these issues has been striking, including among those who have never previously experienced social anxiety. And the longer isolation persists, the harder it can be to reintegrate.
Taking Small Steps
In cases where anxiety can be paralyzing, treatment may be akin to a harm reduction model, using small steps to build mastery. For example, providers can encourage patients to go to the grocery store early in the morning or later at night when it’s less crowded, and try striking up a conversation with a cashier.
In other cases, anxiety may transition into convenience. When working from home has been successful, it can seem pointless to return to the office setting. Many people are now questioning their work and life choices given the magnitude of the pandemic experience. Likewise, certain social connections may not be missed given the polarity that has flourished over the past few years.
Focusing on Fulfillment
“The key to connection is to first rediscover what brings someone fulfillment as an individual,” says Carstens. “Then the focus can become establishing connections with others.”
Carstens suggests that both behavioral health providers and patients scale back expectations, as lofty goals can set patients up for failure. Instead, they might:
- Work to accumulate positive experiences on a small scale. This could be something as simple as choosing which movie to watch with the family or which restaurant to order from.
- Plan one activity during the coming week that might be enjoyable.
- Understand that rethinking a career choice is perfectly reasonable and even timely, given the multitude of options in the current job market.
“This is one experience we’ve all been through collectively, making it easier to recognize that we’re not the same as we were before,” she adds. “As providers, we’re navigating the best answers, too. Helping patients identify what meets their individual needs and makes them feel more fulfilled can better support emotional stability and, in time, reconnection.”
Article as seen in the Winter 2022 issue of Princeton House Behavioral Health Today.
