It's been about a month since our social calendars abruptly opened up at this point in the pandemic. But some, particularly those with social anxiety disorder, it's a harsh transition.
"The hallmark of social anxiety disorder is really a persistent fear and avoidance of social situations due to fear of evaluation by others," Dr. Christopher Vye, the chair of the Graduate School of Professional Psychology at the University of St. Thomas, said, adding people could also fear humiliation. It is common and treatable could be hard to open up about.
Dr. Vye said pandemic-related restrictions may be missed by those with social anxiety.
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"The pandemic enabled a lot of people to be in a relatively safer space interpersonally," Vye said. "They may have stayed connected to people to a degree by social media, maybe by telephone, possibly over a video platform, that kind of thing; but in terms of being out and in some of the situations that give people some of the most trouble -- let's say at a school setting or occupational setting, maybe with expectations to go out with friends -- those things just haven't been part of the landscape."
Dr. Vye added that the pressure and expectations of getting out immediately and making big plans with many people could make people with social anxiety order uncomfortable.
Dr. Vye recommended people enter a social experience for a short time at first and bring along a trusted friend to buffer concerns.
"If they struggle with social anxiety it's a very common thing, one of the most common mental health issues actually, so to be compassionate with one's self and really emphasizing that gradual reentry."
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