After an unprecedented pandemic, which saw millions of deaths across the world and a new technologically savvy era for the workforce, what does “normal” even mean now?
It’s been two years since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. In that time, vaccines were developed and distributed to millions. Restrictions were put in place, lifted, put back in place, and lifted yet again. Masks are down, crowded events are back, but not everyone is comfortable getting back to a semblance of how things used to be.
“Normal” simply won’t look like it did pre-pandemic. That notion looks different for everyone, depending on a varying degree of factors — if you live in the city versus the suburbs; if you have a medical condition that could put you at risk; if you’re caring for someone who is not vaccinated. Or perhaps, you’re just not comfortable with it at all.
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“I know some individuals who have still barely left the house or their apartment, their homes over the last two years and are now tentatively venturing out very, very cautiously,” said Dr. Gerald O’Brien, a recently retired licensed psychologist in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.
And, he said that’s OK. It’s OK to be cautious or to continue wearing a mask. O’Brien said it’s been a traumatic two years for many people.
It’s OK to ask for help
“When this thing started happening, I really, really was depressed,” remembered Clay Bennett of Philadelphia, who called himself a “party guy.” “I mean, sad, depressed, like the world is coming to an end.”
Similar to what O’Brien said, Bennett believes this will be the year that he begins to venture out of the house again. “I’m trying to get out there. I’m trying to go on my vacations. I haven’t been on vacation in a minute; all these quarantines and things like that.”
According to the American Psychological Association, there was a huge increase in demand for treatment of anxiety and depression in 2021 compared to the previous year. At the same time, getting an appointment requires patience. Nearly 70% of psychologists with a waitlist reported that it had grown since the pandemic.
“Many individuals have been reporting increased levels of distress in general and anxiety, depression, fears, and there has been a definite increase in demand for mental health services,” O’Brien added.
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As people ease into normalcy, O’Brien said it’s important to look for signs of concern.
“Worrying frequently and feeling emotionally and physically tense and anxious; if going out to take a walk outside or going to the local park causes a significant amount of discomfort or distress,” he said.
Employers should pay attention, too. “I think listening to employees, having as much flexibility as possible. I do know that employers do want employees to get back to the office, but it may not be the typical Monday-to-Friday, five-day-a-week.”
O’Brien advises finding a balance and accepting the uncertainties and risks in life. “In order to engage in life and engage in activities, we do need to face our fears and face changes,” he added.
The turning point
Some businesses still feel just as hesitant to drop restrictions, and rightfully so — they’ve been through trauma of their own. Exactly two years ago — March 13, 2020 — businesses across the United States began to close. Some never reopened. Others changed their business models to adapt to a new remote-centric world.
The beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown was a turning point for many people, representing the moment that concerns and news reports became palpable. We turned that page and haven’t looked back since, for better or for worse.
“I’m just so proud and grateful for all of the businesses and people who have stuck it out,” said Amelia Williams of Philadelphia.
Like many others, she adopted a dog and started working from home. But as an introvert, she discovered that she thrived in that environment. In fact, after two years, she said she’s never going back to the office.
“It’s a little bit easier to even say over text or something, like, ‘Hey, I need 10 more minutes or just give me a moment, I’ll call you back,’ ” she said. “It can be kind of hard to look someone in the eyes and be like, ‘I can’t handle you right now.’ ”
After working remotely, Jason Thurman of Philadelphia realized how many things he had taken for granted pre-pandemic: “Just like, day in and day out with connections, with communication, with my job, with fresh air.”
He’s learned to prioritize his time.
“There was a big period where the world first closed down where I kind of had all the time in the world, and I realized I still wasn’t getting all this stuff done that I thought that I was gonna be able to do. That put a little bit more emphasis on me to know that I’m in charge of my time,” he explained. “I’m hoping that we appreciate the time that we spend together a lot more than we have.”
The overall consensus, if anything else: These COVID-19 years serve as reminders to cherish each day.
“I’m just trying to enjoy life because you never know what’s gonna crash,” said Bennett. “We are still on the edge, you know, with the war going on, the gas prices. Oh my God — I don’t know what the world’s coming to now.”
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