While some people may be ready and eager to reconnect with family and friends at social gatherings post-pandemic, it’s OK to feel apprehensive.

As restrictions loosen because infection rates are plummeting and more people are getting vaccinated, many people are experiencing feelings that they didn’t expect—such as anxiety about returning to social situations, according to a psych services expert.

“For some people, these changes are exciting, and for other people, they’re daunting,” said Dr. Itai Danovitch, chair of the department of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

It’s normal to struggle with change, even when it’s positive, Danovitch said. After so many months spent at home, returning to the workplace or attending a family barbecue can cause many to feel worried, anxious or even panicked.

“Fear or anxiety is normal,” he said in a center news release. “We feel things for a reason, and anxiety is basically a threat response.”

These feelings will vary from person to person. Even one individual’s perception may change from day to day.

It is possible to work through these feelings, Danovitch said. He suggests that people take the time before a social event to think about exactly what parts of the upcoming interaction make them anxious, then strategize about what they can do to work through their concerns.

“Think about what factors are within your control,” Danovitch said. “For example, if you have concerns about an upcoming event or a gathering, talk to the host about those concerns early. Get the information you need to make a decision about your comfort level, and don’t be afraid to communicate that decision.”

This may mean having to limit the time spent at a social gathering or even declining an invitation.

“We need to have honest conversations with each other,” Danovitch said. “It takes a certain amount of bravery and courage to do that, to be honest about how you feel, because there’s risk of being misunderstood.”

These feelings aren’t always a sign of an anxiety disorder, he said. They may just be trepidation or shyness that will be alleviated over time.

That’s not the case when anxiety and fear cause dysfunction, impairment or severe distress. For those who struggle with social anxiety to the point where it impedes their lives, Danovitch recommends talking to a primary care provider about care and treatment options.

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