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If You’re Scared for Quarantine to End, You’re Not Alone
Change is hard, but think of all the changes you’ve survived so far
In some cities and states, people can once again see their co-workers in person, get a dental checkup, or make plans to safely visit family again. In others, it will happen soon.
For many, the return to some semblance of normalcy offers a sense of relief. But that’s not true for everyone. If you’re feeling worried about the gradual end to sheltering-in-place, or — even more confusingly — already know that you’ll miss it, rest assured that you’re far from alone. There are legitimate reasons to feel uneasy about quarantine ending, especially if some aspects of this time (however paradoxically) improved your habits or mental health in some meaningful way.
Here’s how to cope:
Recognize why you’re anxious
The first step is getting to the core of why reopening worries you. Andrea Bonior, PhD, author of Detox Your Thoughts, says she’s seen clients express two different types of anxiety. One is tied to uncertainty, such as fearing a second wave of infection or having to adapt to new situations, like wearing a mask at work. The other is linked to real emotional perks that quarantine may have offered, and not wanting to feel…
