As Coronavirus pandemic restrictions are slowly being lifted, many Americans will face physical and mental health challenges -- including fear and anxiety -- as they return to work.
In a recent article, Dr. K. Luan Phan, head of psychiatry and behavioral health at Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, said, "Uncertainty and unpredictability can really create an unhealthy amount of fear and stress, especially when it's sustained over such a long period of time."
Reopening the economy after a global pandemic is not something we have faced before. With many people now returning to work, there may be a lot of people feeling anxiety about possibly being exposed to COVID-19 or even returning to their old routine after months of change and uncertainty. For some employees, returning to the office may be a welcome opportunity. They may have worked in a makeshift office with uncomfortable furniture and poor technology or felt isolated from colleagues. For others, such as those who are taking care of their children or elderly parents and/or concerned about their health, leaving home to return to the office can increase stress and worry.
Anxiety over going back to work can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach issues and trouble sleeping, as well as behavioral changes, such as feeling irritable and isolated.
If you find yourself struggling with anxiety around returning to work, there are steps you can take to make the transition a little easier.
View COVID-19 Checklist for Returning to Work from the Ohio State Department of Health
Steps to Take to Make the Transition Back To Work Easier
- Speak with your boss before returning to work. It can be helpful to think about the source of your worries. If your concern is around health and safety, it might be worth discussing the issue with your employer to understand the steps being taken and finding a mutually agreeable solution. If childcare or caring for a parent is the issue, it can be a good idea to inquire about a flexible work schedule to coordinate care with a partner.
- Be Realistic. It is important to set realistic expectations of yourself and the week ahead. It is perfectly acceptable to be kinder to yourself and do what you need to get by for the first few days back in the office, rather than take on too much.
- Practice Mindfulness. For some people, back to work anxiety is all about projecting ahead and worrying about what may - or may not - happen. Mindfulness, being aware of your surroundings, can help you stay in the moment and improve your mental wellbeing. One of the key issues is that people with anxiety tend to experience 'what if' thoughts, which can lead to worry over future scenarios that may or may not happen. Watch this 3 minute video on the benefits of mindfulness.
- Exercise. We know exercise is good for our mental health; physical activity releases brain chemicals such as endorphins, which help boost our mood. Although going back to work can be exhausting, making time for a yoga video, a short gym class or a short walk can help overcome feelings of anxiety by releasing those feel good endorphins.
- Start using the ICU Program. Last week we spoke about Manatee County implementing the ICU program in the hopes of creating a work environment that is free of the fear, shame, and silence that prevents many people from getting the help they need to cope with mental distress. The ICU program encourages employees to take the following three steps:
Identify the signs of distressConnect with the person experiencing distressUnderstand the way forward together
By caring and connecting, employees can provide each other support and improve emotional wellbeing. If more help is needed, remind your co-worker of their LAMP benefit.
