Some Americans Feel Anxious About "Return to Normal"

Thursday, June 3rd, 2021 -- 12:00 PM

(WBAY) Now that we’ve entered this next phase of the pandemic where masks are no longer required for vaccinated people in certain scenarios, some may feel anxious or uneasy getting back to a more normal routine.

“It took some time to get used to wearing a mask,” said Shilagh Mirgain, a UW Health psychologist. “We’ve done this for over a year. It’s going to take some time to get used to, if you’re vaccinated, not wearing a mask.”

Mirgain said it may not be easy for everyone to shift their mindset again so quickly. “Masks have been a security blanket for us in the most tangible way that we have to see that we’re protecting ourselves against the virus and they work,” said Mirgain.

“So we’re seeing that a lot of people are feeling a sense of feeling uncomfortable or unease about this phase of the pandemic.” Mirgain said people should take it slow, without judging one another about mask wearing.

‘Really give yourself permission to just take it at your own time. You might do little experiments like you might go outside with a friend who’s vaccinated, if you’re vaccinated, and not wear a mask or maybe you go indoors with the loved one and you’re both vaccinated and not wear a mask,” said Mirgain.

She said you’re not alone in feeling this way. According to the American Psychological Association’s 2021 ‘Stress in America’ report, over half of Americans report feeling uneasy about life returning back to normal.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.