For almost a year, we haven’t been able to casually meet friends at a coffee shop, or anywhere. If you used time with friends or family to connect, and to process the newest developments and troubles occurring in life, the absence of that ability is likely felt. The pandemic has interrupted normal coping strategies for things that cause stress, sadness and anxiety in life. Many have had to rewrite their strategies for social interaction and connection. FaceTime has replaced face-to-face time, and while it has taken a while to adjust to that, the idea of emerging from lockdown can also be overwhelming (Liu, 2020).
As we grow more and more tired of the pandemic and its rules, we can also notice that meeting up isn’t even as appealing anymore (Ballard, 2020). For many, this change in social atmosphere has been one of the hardest challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.The Thursday afternoon routine of meeting a friend for coffee can easily become overwhelming, and anxiety producing.
What we are set up for, is social fatigue. Social fatigue is when a person is overwhelmed by being put in too many or too new social situations for their comfort (Ballard, 2020). Social fatigue is being experienced by many more people, in a shorter amount of social time than in our pre-pandemic world. It is often noticed by physical exhaustion, and the feeling of being emotionally drained. Irritability, hypersomnia, and avoidance can be noticed by individuals who are experiencing social fatigue.
Social fatigue, among other reasons, is justification to be mindful of when you ease out of social restrictions as the pandemic resolves. Taking a look at what we need and want from our social lives might be helpful when feeling pressured to “get back out there”.
How to Manage:
Spend intentional time alone, find a new solo hobby, or simply do nothing
Become comfortable with saying “NO” to invitations, become comfortable to hearing “NO” when you are the one inviting
Always have a “get out” strategy for social activities that you do agree to
Notice your limit of social interaction, respect it
Notice the role that social media can play in your social fatigue symptoms
Be understanding of family and friends who avoid or change plans
If daily social fatigue is becoming a constant struggle, connect with a therapist. At Ascend, we offer in person and telehealth options!
*If your symptoms reach beyond social fatigue (such as depression or thoughts of suicide, etc) recognize what you are feeling. Then, confide in someone if you are able and seek professional help immediately.
National Suicide Hotline : 800-273-8255
References:
Ballard, Allencia. “Pandemic Fatigue.” National Safety Education Center Blog, 23 Dec. 2020, nsecblog.niu.edu/2020/12/23/pandemic-fatigue/.
Liu, Ling. “Is Covid-19 Changing Our Relationships?” BBC Future, BBC, 2020, www.bbc.com/future/article/20200601-how-is-covid-19-is-affecting-relationships.