TITLE

Why the pandemic’s end spurs anxiety

DESCRIPTION

This American Psychological Association takes the form of a very timely interview with Ellen Hendriksen, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Boston University’s Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders.  The article focuses on the topic of both the feelings of general anxiety and social anxiety related to returning to life in the post pandemic world of work, school, and the social world.  Mental health issues have significantly increased through out the entire country.  Dr. Hendriksen was asked:  “What do you think is driving the anxiety many people are feeling about reopening?”  Her reply: “Anxiety is driven by uncertainty. There is so much uncertainty right now, from the vaccine roll-out to society reopening to the new normal workplace to the virus and the variants themselves. Every day there is more evidence that vaccines keep us and people around us safe, but there are lingering questions about how long immunity lasts, how susceptible kids are to COVID-19, and when they will get vaccinated.”  The brief interview continues with issues around social anxiety as well as how to cope and readjust getting back into the world.   The article ends on a positive hopeful note and is a good read taking only a few minutes.

SOURCE

American Psychological Association, May 4, 2021, by Stephanie Pappas

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/pandemic-end-anxiety

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/b92b3pr9

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•What are some of the reasons offered as to why some people are finding it difficult to readjust as the pandemic ends?

•According to Dr. Hendricksen (interviewee), how has anxiety affected many individuals?

•How does Dr. Hendricksen characterize “social anxiety”?

•If you were giving a lecture to a group of students experiencing social anxiety, what advice would you offer to overcome the feelings?

•Anecdotally, can you relate your own feelings and experiences to the discussion in the article?  If yes, how so?