Post Pandemic Anxiety

When the pandemic first hit and we went into lockdown it felt surreal and I had a sense of ‘is this really happening’. During the lockdown we have had our own unique experiences and emotions evoked in lockdown are magnified. Being enclosed in our homes has given space for reflection on life and this may have released feelings suppressed through the distraction of life. Many people are feeling anxiety which may be something that has always been there or it may be Post Pandemic Anxiety (PPA).

I am not the expert in your anxiety, you are, however I do understand what anxiety means and how it can affect an individual in many different ways not just emotionally but physically. Now that we are coming out of lockdown, you may be experiencing heightened feelings of anxiety and your mind may be consumed with thoughts such as:

Is it safe to be out there?
What if we have another spike?
How can I keep safe?

These thought may be entangled with euphoric feelings of freedom:

It is so good to be out again.
I am so happy to see my family face to face.
It is amazing to simply be out and about.

The incompatibility of these emotions will add to your anxiety.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a complex emotional response that is similar to fear. Anxiety is a brain process resulting in behaviour and physical responses. Anxiety feels uneasy, such as when you are worrying about the safety of a loved one. This may be something familiar in the light of the pandemic. Anxiety can limit people’s lives in many ways however, when anxiety interferes with our day to day lives it can become consuming. This is the point when talking to someone will help.

If you are experiencing anxiety there is support out there. The NHS has dedicated pages with information to support you:

The Every Mind Matters page on anxiety and
NHS mental wellbeing audio guides provide further information on how to manage anxiety.

You can also call your GP or contact a local counsellor to support you. During these very different times it is a natural reaction to feel anxious so ask for help if you feel you need it. We are here to help you.

Written by Caroline at Caroline Ellison Counselling – these are my opinions. Carpe Diem.

Face-to-Face and Online Counselling

I offer Individual Counselling and Couples Therapy in-person and online. I will support you with kindness, compassion, empathy and understanding. Working collaboratively, I will provide a safe, confidential space for you to express and process your emotions. I work with adults and carers.

I have experience and work with a wide range of issues such as: anxiety, stress, overwhelm, bereavement, grief and loss, depression and low mood, family and relationship difficulties, building confidence and self-esteem, trauma, long term and life limiting illness, counselling for carers.

I have a special interest in counselling for carers, patients and family members of long term and life limiting illness such as Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Cancer.