Lockdown lifted causing anxiety

[Lil_b]

In the last 24 hours, Melbournes lock down laws have been lifted, to which at first I was so excited about it, quickly called my hairdresser, texted friends and so forth, however within the hour I found myself crying and all the societal pressures I put on to myself came creeping in so rapidly and now I find myself today with the freedom I have been longing for for these last 4 months...locked away in my room not wanting to do anything.

I don't have secure work at the moment, I am only studying, and I am embarrassed at the prospect that as my housemates/friends go back to work that I won't join them for god knows how long and i'll fall behind in life.

My anxiety has enjoyed the predictability of each day that lockdown has offered. I am by no means wishing it to be extended as I am aware of the hideousness Corona has caused..but is there anyone else who relates to what I am feeling? How are you coping with it?

[sunnyl20]

Hey Lil_b,

I don't live in Victoria, but I am sure that you are not alone in what you are feeling. I have no doubt that there are many others who are feeling overwhelmed & anxious about the new changes. I know many people for who the predictability of lockdown has felt safe & contained which can really help to quash anxiety. If you feel able to, maybe try to incorporate other aspects of routine into your day as lockdown eases so you can still find some predictability / habitual things that give you a sense of calm.

Please try not to be so hard on yourself - you don't need to feel embarrassed for not having secure work, not at any time & especially not right now. I know how hard it is not to compare yourself to the people around you - I struggle with this myself. But comparing yourself to others is not helpful & can really sap your energy - focus on what is important for you right now & what you want to change or improve. Give yourself the time & space that you need to adjust to the changes that are happening. Make time for self-care.

Take care Lil_b

[Lone]

I see the positives and negatives with lockdown. It has provided a little bit of predictability but also been really unsettling to me. I too am scared of opening up and what this might bring so I think what I am going to try and do is just take small steps.

[The Snu]

Hi Lil_b,

Yes, I also lost most of my work during the pandemic and was bullied by my last remaining boss too, who got me to work for free until I shouted at him via email. It is awful watching other people going to work while my life has been turned upside down for no reason. It is particularly hard to know that others always seem to be doing well while I am given the lowest paying jobs and smallest hours, especially considering I am the most highly educated person I know, and also the person with the most life experience. It is galling.

I don’t think we will fall behind in life at all, because life in this society was never entirely natural in the first place. I think we need to find our hope and find our sense of self. Best way is to imagine the person you imagined you were when you were young and feel that person again. Then talk to yourself about what you’d like to hope for in the future. What will you do with the next ten years? It doesn’t have to be money related at all, either.

I also haven’t left the house since lockdowns were eased. This virus seems to live in the body like HIV and herpes and therefore it is not a wise idea to be getting it as it could flare up for years to come. Maybe you could do the baby step of going to hairdressers and visit one friend and then stay home and just do baby steps once or twice a week until things feel more normal to you? After all, we all changed our habits for many months now.

Hope this helps.

[SarahZ]

Hello Lil_b,

Thanks for reaching out. I'm really sorry to hear about the difficult time you are facing and how society's pressures on having things like a stable job are taking a toll on your anxiety. The lifting of restrictions is definitely something that requires some time to process as isolation and quarantine has been the normal for so long now. I can definitely see how overwhelming it can feel, so please do take extra care and time for yourself to take each day as it comes. In regards to feeling anxious about not having a secure job, I know many people who can't find jobs/ got fired from their jobs, especially in such a climate I think it's more rare when people are in a secure job. So please don't be too hard on yourself especially during such circumstances. Everyone is on their own journey, and although easier said than done, it's best if we don't compare ourselves to others but rather focus on what's best for us mentally, spiritually, and physically.

Wishing you the very best and sending you positive thoughts ~