How to Ease Covid Anxiety After You Have Been Vaccinated
Even after being fully vaccinated, many people are still living in fear of catching Covid-19. It’s understandable considering we spent the past year or so isolating from others in an effort to stay safe during the pandemic. With more than 100 million people now fully vaccinated, NBC News discovered two distinct camps emerging – those who are making up for lost time by going out, socializing, and traveling, and others who are still afraid of this potentially deadly disease.
A survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that almost half of adults who have been vaccinated said they feel “uneasy” about returning to in-person interactions. Public health officials say a little nervousness may be a good thing, as it could keep people from engaging in risky behavior. The pandemic is far from over and we must continue to follow health guidelines such as wearing a face mask indoors or outdoors in crowds.
However, the APA says for healthy, fully vaccinated people, the fear of catching Covid-19 should not be debilitating. Some trepidation is to be expected, especially because we don’t know how long vaccine protection will last. Scientists are already hard at work developing booster shots.
If you have been vaccinated against Covid-19 but are suffering from anxiety, psychologists recommend you take baby steps as you try to return to your pre-pandemic ways. For example, if you have been relying on grocery delivery services, maybe it’s time to go back to the store to shop because grocery stores have been proven to be safe as long as you are wearing a mask. Or maybe make plans to meet a friend who has also been vaccinated for lunch at an outdoor restaurant.
Experts say you don’t want to continue to live in isolation or avoid going out because this will only reinforce your fears that Covid is scary making it harder to overcome. A little anxiety is to be expected as we adjust to a post-pandemic world, but don’t let it paralyze you from enjoying life and reconnecting with friends and loved ones.
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