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How To Reintegrate Into Social Life After The Pandemic?

For almost 1 and a half years, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced a good portion of the workforce to operate remotely from home. With flexibility in working hours and the continued closure of popular public places like malls and parks, many of us have transitioned into an isolated sedentary lifestyle. 

As we get ready to return to the workplace, we have all realized that it will take quite a bit of effort to acclimatize ourselves with the old normal. Many people noticed that they have started to feel a strange reluctance and emotional discomfort to go out and interact with people. This is called Social Anxiety and for those with existing social anxiety symptoms, post-pandemic life and socialization are set to become really challenging.

People with Pre-existing Social Anxiety

For most people, health anxiety and anxiety regarding finances have been the major cause of stress during the COVID-19 lockdowns. With the regular vaccination drives, gradual relaxation of social restrictions and opening up of the economy, much of this anxiety and the signs of anxiety have been allayed. 

However, people with pre-existing social anxiety symptoms may have a hard time transitioning back to the old normal. The period of being socially isolated has actually had a reinforcing effect on the symptoms of people with prior social anxiety. To such people, everyday social interactions are extremely stressful. They had welcomed isolation and the chance to do everything from the solitude of their homes. The thought of returning to a bustling office, having to deal with multitudes of people at work or during the commute and sitting in a crowded room for hours can trigger their anxiety and panic attacks. 

Thankfully, due to widespread general awareness about mental health, the possibility of the onset of post-pandemic elevated levels of social anxiety has been accepted and efforts are on to help people with social anxiety deal with the new change that is about to come.

The Effects of Social Isolation on people who did not have Social Anxiety prior to the Pandemic

For people who are more accustomed to social activities, the long duration of isolation has led to more stress due to a lack of social interactions. Popular studies have found that such isolation can lead to reduced production of hormones associated with stress relief and can therefore harbour paranoia and negative emotions for many. Moreover, since most people have been restricted to conversations with their family members during these months of lockdown, post-pandemic socialization may lead to several conversational and interactional difficulties. 

It has also been found that continued social isolation may lead to shrinkage of some parts of the brain that can even impair memory retention and recall. Further research has found that the emotional centre of the brain, the amygdala, becomes less active due to a lack of social interactions and this can lead to the development of social anxiety symptoms even among people who are extroverts. 

Social Anxiety Symptoms

For people who did not have pre-existing signs of anxiety, this continued isolation can lead to the onset of social anxiety. This can also be accompanied by Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) characterized by the refusal to attend school, college or work physically, as well as some amount of Agoraphobia (fear of places/situations that may cause panic). 

Regardless of whether you have always been reluctant to socialize or this disinclination to mingle with people happened recently, there are a few social anxiety symptoms that can help you understand whether you should seek professional help to reintegrate into society.

Coping Strategies for Social Anxiety Symptoms

Reintegration and Re-learning Social Skills

Since isolation and quarantine have made us feel comfortable only in the presence of our family members and it has been long since we met and interacted with anyone new. So, it can be quite awkward for some of us to meet new people post-pandemic. While avoidance of social situations will only lead to continued social anxiety symptoms, it is best to follow a gradual re-learning curve rather than force yourself into normalcy.

Conclusion

To cope with the signs of anxiety in a post-pandemic world, it is necessary that you take mental health seriously and identify the warning signs and social anxiety symptoms early on. This is something very common that anyone may experience, validating your emotions and sharing with your close ones can help. In case you need professional help, it would be beneficial to reach out to a registered clinical psychologist for therapy or even a psychiatrist can help you very well. Finally, the most important thing to take note of is to never push yourself into normalcy because these home-isolation months have rendered many people socially challenged and you are not alone in this emergent post-pandemic world. 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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How Important Is Social Connection For Elderly Health?

Humans are social creatures from the very beginning. We have evolved from our ancestors who interacted socially with the members of their clans and tribes. One of the benefits of socialization was survival, however, today an active social life still holds many benefits.

With lockdown measures across the world calling for social distance, everyone has had to take a step back from regular social activities. When we were younger, our parents made efforts to ensure we had proper socialization but being socially active is important as we grow older too. 

What is Social Life?

Social life is simply having interactions with people outside of your immediate family, typically on a regular basis. These interactions may involve recurring activities (walks, games, meetings, gatherings, etc.) or simply conversations, some people also consider their regular religious activities as a social activity. 

Who are Seniors?

In anticipation of Senior Citizen Day – 21st August 2021, here is a brief definition of who exactly is a senior citizen. Although the specific age varies by country, seniors or senior citizens are those people who have passed a certain age milestone, typically 60 years or more. In India, for example, people who have passed 60 years of age are considered senior citizens.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, remaining socially active can reduce risk for depression, as well as support brain health and potentially even delay the onset of dementia. Overall, staying socially active can create a positive impact on both mental and physical health.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Why is Social Health important for Seniors?

The benefits of an active social life have been studied and are well known, both in medicine and sociology. It helps to boost brain health, provides emotional support and can even reduce the risk of Dementia. On the other hand, being socially isolated is terribly bad for emotional and physical health. It has been linked to depression, loneliness and in the elderly, it may lead to feelings of being unwanted or being a burden. 

Social isolation has such a strong effect on us that in some countries and situations (for example, prison), forceful social isolation is used as a means of punishment. So, for the elderly, the importance of socialization cannot be ignored. Many people retire from their work at the age of 60-65 years, an active social life holds a lot of significance during this phase. As they get older and their independence is reduced due to age-related complications, being socially active can help them feel needed and improve their self-confidence and overall mental state. 

What is the Physical Importance of Socialization for Seniors?

Although the primary benefits of social life in seniors is an improved mental state (and therefore, improved psychological health), there are also some physical benefits. This is true especially if socializing involves age-appropriate physical activities. Having a friend or group of friends with you when you exercise not only improves your regularity with your fitness regime but also improves your motivation to persevere with it. 

The same goes for seniors, they too can improve their physical health with regular exercise and activities like yoga and walking with the added motivation of a social group helping them along. Besides this, regularly interacting with others, regardless of age can help to keep the mind and brain sharp. 

Senior Communities: Can they benefit the Elderly?

It is not required for seniors to interact with only people of their age, since any kind of active social life still brings with it all the associated benefits. However, elderly folks may find a certain charm to mingling and socialize with people who are in the same age group as them. Whether these meetings are in an elderly home or a community centre or even at someone’s home, a social community specifically for elders can provide a place where they can be themselves. 

But is Socializing really helpful for Seniors?

Although it may not seem like it, there are real and physically measurable benefits to an active social life for elders. In one study, seniors with active social lives were found to have higher physical mobility than those with poorer social lives. Additionally, people who are socially active are more likely to seek medical screening at the appropriate times when it is required. This is especially useful with older adults since cancer affects older demographics significantly more than any other age group. So not only can socialization help with getting physically better but it also helps to remain aware and informed about the latest news and ongoing health updates.

This Senior Citizen Day, take some time out of your schedule to socialize with seniors that you know. Whether it’s your parents, grandparents or other elderly folk near you. A few minutes of your time every day will be fruitful and takes little to no effort. Although the pandemic has thrown a wrench in our ability to keep our social lives active, we can still have responsible socialization by the use of technology, maintaining physical distance and wearing a mask. In the long term, make efforts to keep your social activity consistent and regular, whether you are a senior yourself or someone who interacts with them. 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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