Feeling anxious about returning to the office? Here's what you can do

It's been a long couple of years, with many of us feeling some level of anxiety in some (or many) aspects of our lives since the pandemic began. Typically, when we talk about anxiety, it is about a sense of foreboding and fear that is not linked to any immediate danger.

But nowadays, many people continue to experience ongoing anxiety because of COVID-19 and the myriad of affects it has had on the economy, personal finances, and more.

While our understanding of COVID-19 has grown since the early days of the pandemic, some of us still find ourselves worrying about the impacts and risks of the virus as we return to work.  

When we talk about anxiety, it isn’t so much about imagined fears, but valid concerns about our own well-being. For many, these concerns are amplified every time we leave the house, and while many of us can continue working from home for the foreseeable future, plenty of folks cannot, either because they are unable to or they feel a need to change their work environment.  

The process of venturing out daily to return to work may elevate this fear. Sometimes we may not be able to completely control everything, but we can proactively address the anxiety that so many of us are feeling.

Returning to the workplace evokes a myriad of emotional responses. While some are looking forward to breaking the work-from-home cycle, others can be overwhelmed with the anxiety of reintegrating with multiple people after working from home for many months.

Here’s how to support yourself and your co-workers:

• If you’re not ok, that’s ok! Whether we say it or not, many of us are feeling the same loss of control and anxieties. While succumbing to the anxiety is not the goal, give yourself a break for needing some time and support to adjust.
• Educate yourself. Find out what safety measures are in place at work to keep you healthy. Ask your employer what protocols will be enforced to ensure that everyone is kept safe and that risk of contact with the virus is mitigated.
• Focus on what is going right. While you are adhering to habitual safety practices, noticing the positives of seeing coworkers and getting out of the house will help you to recognize the improvements these social interactions can have on your mental health.
• Know your limits. Before your anxiety gets untenable, reach out for help. Talking to a friend or getting some professional guidance is always a smart self-care choice.

These times are not normal, so don’t expect yourself to feel normal! So many changes and uncertainties are bound to bring about undulating levels of concern. The key is to keep the discussions open and continue to support each other as we all navigate this next stage. Stay safe out there!  

If you’d like to talk to a healthcare professional, check our Locations page to find a clinic near you or book online to schedule an appointment.