It’s been a little over a year since the world was shaken by a pandemic that hasn’t been seen in over 100 years.  Even though we have a while to go before our world is in a “herd immunity” mode, vaccinations are on the rise, and approximately a third of the U.S. population has been fully vaccinated. For me, being grateful for this massive scientific achievement is an understatement!  Warmer weather and longer days of sunlight have us clamoring to go outdoors to exercise, play, and socialize.

We’ve All Experienced Some Level of Trauma from the Pandemic

Having to re-think attending school for our kids and ourselves, religious services, running a business, traveling, shopping, wearing masks, etc. has turned our way of life around.  Being isolated in our homes had been our “new normal”. Now that public venues such as restaurants, places of worship, and sporting facilities are slowly opening back up, there may be a sense of anxiety about what we’re to do, and when to do it.

These feelings are viewed almost as a form of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Along with having our lifestyles greatly disrupted, many people are experiencing what’s being referred to as “Post-Pandemic (COVID-19) Anxiety” or “Post-Pandemic Stress Disorder” (PPSD).

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What are “Post-Pandemic (COVID-19) Anxiety” and “Post-Pandemic Stress Disorder” (PPSD)?

*Note:  I am not a physician, and these are not official diagnoses but are generic terms for trauma, related anxiety, and stress from dealing with COVID-19-related issues. These are for informational purposes only.  In that, I encourage you to seek assistance from a specialized professional for clarification and help.

As I see it, these are basically two terms for the same issue.

In a May 3, 2021, online article by Carolyn Reinach Wolf in Psychology Today called “Post-Pandemic Stress Reaction Awaits Many as COVID Subsides,” dealing with emotional aftermath is a distinct possibility for many of us:

“Though falling infection rates and increased rates of vaccination have left many of us feeling hopeful, emotional fallout awaits others, even as we’re able to embark on a return to normalcy.

Consider the tragedies that so many of us must process:

• Premature deaths of loved ones whom we were not able to mourn together
• Lost once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, like a senior year of high school or college
• Missed occasions like weddings and other family gatherings
• Loss of employment or income, and the identity, status, and comfort that came with it

While we’ve been experiencing these tragedies for much of the pandemic, the adrenaline that sustained us for so many months, literally enabling our “fight-or-flight” reflexes, will now wane, leaving many of us struggling to cope. All the while, many will feel incredible pressure to enjoy opportunities for socialization previously denied, regardless of what their true needs might be.”

In a May 10, 2021 online article (“Could You Be Dealing with Post Pandemic Stress Disorder? 8 Qs About PPSD Answered”) from Women’sHealth.com by Claudia Canavan, “Post-Pandemic Stress Disorder” is explained in relation to experienced PTSD:

“Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder happens when people have been through a traumatic life event. They have either seen, witnessed, or experienced a traumatic event, and then months or years later, people can start getting symptoms of PTSD, which could include anything from anxiety and depression to flashbacks or trouble sleeping. A lot of people have experienced some degree of trauma this past year to a lesser or greater degree which is where PPSD (Post Pandemic Stress Disorder) can come into play.” 

She goes on to say how the stress of PPSD is unique:

“The difficulty with this type of trauma that’s come from the pandemic is that it’s invisible. If we had been in a war over the last year, it would have been quite obvious and no one would question the trauma. But a pandemic is invisible. It’s a virus that you can’t see, so it’s not as tangible. But actually, we were still being exposed to headlines every day telling us that thousands of people were dying. So we know that the losses were real.”

Although the article was written in the United Kingdom, its information about recognizing the signs and symptoms of Post-Pandemic Stress Disorder (PPSD) in yourself and others can be applied universally.  Seeking professional help when needed is recommended.

Healthline.com’s April 28, 2021 article by Ann Mayer called“Why You May Feel Anxious About a Post-Pandemic Return to ‘Normal’”, states that:

“Avoiding crowded places during the pandemic has been a public health measure.

In non-pandemic times, avoidance of crowds, unfamiliar places, or fear of places you might not be able to escape is known as agoraphobia.

Eventually, public health won’t require ordering groceries online and Zooming into holiday dinners. That doesn’t mean you’re going to jump at the chance to RSVP “yes” to a 250-person wedding.  Depending on your vaccination status or the COVID-19 positivity rates in your community, you may still be feeling the urge to stay home. There’s still uncertainty about variants, which can heighten fears.”

There Is Help:

If you feel symptoms persist, then don’t hesitate to get help.  Outside of the United States, seek out comparable resources and organizations in your country. 

Healthline’s article also offers resources available, outside of contacting your primary care physician, that can help you with persistent emotional stress:

Therapy and Support Resources:

• APA Psychologist Locator
• FindTreatment.gov
• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
• Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists
• Anxiety & Depression Association of America
• National Center for PTSD
• Online-Therapy.com
• Black Mental Health Alliance
• The National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association
• Therapy for Latinx
• WeRNative

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):

“DBT for Dummies”. by Gillian Galen (Author), Blaise Aguirre (Author). 2021.

According to Psychology Today, the definition of DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) is:

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) provides clients with new skills to manage painful emotions and decrease conflict in relationships. DBT specifically focuses on providing therapeutic skills in four key areas. First, mindfulness focuses on improving an individual’s ability to accept and be present in the current moment. Second, distress tolerance is geared toward increasing a person’s tolerance of negative emotion, rather than trying to escape from it. Third, emotion regulation covers strategies to manage and change intense emotions that are causing problems in a person’s life. Fourth, interpersonal effectiveness consists of techniques that allow a person to communicate with others in a way that is assertive, maintains self-respect, and strengthens relationships.

Conclusion:

Folks; we will get through this!

Using good, common sense, compassion towards others, seeking professional help when needed, and keeping hope and a positive attitude will give us all a balanced, abundant life!

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