Anxiety around going back
California, the land of opportunity: Disney (65.4 Billion), Agricultural Industry (50 Billion), and Hospitality Industry (29 billion), each netted billions of dollars in 2020. The year where most of us struggled to not burn our houses down for the insurance money. It’s been a strange evolution from the stark highway wastelands of late March 2020. To the now congested highways that resemble the lungs of covid patience struggling for air. More stores are opening with the call for the rest to follow. It’s created a conversation around our transition back to normalcy. Whatever that may end up becoming is up to the individual.
Graph Created from the Census Bureau Data on Symptoms of Anxiety
A poll taken by the Public Policy Institute of California shows trends, anxiety about contracting covid even with 58% of adults believing the worst of COVID is behind us. This gives a distinct picture of our fears’ weight determining our willingness to engage with a reopening economy. The rate of anxiety, in general, reflects those numbers with a striking 116 million individuals suffering from anxiety at least several days a week out of the 192 million individuals surveyed by the United States Census Bureau. Anxiety hasn’t been the only mental health crisis facing our state: depression, feelings of isolation, and suicide the most pressing. In light of the mental health struggles that have reached us all at some point during COVID, many of the cities, counties, and countries worldwide have created several outreach resources.
At the end of the day, if you’re feeling overwhelmed with your choices like one LA Native, “There’s a lot of anxiety around going out or back to work. I’ve seen the positive tests and covid deaths I have gone through in my emails sector. I know there’s plenty more that I don’t see.” This similar train of thought keeps individuals locked in their fear of transitioning back or even if it’s safe too. If the anxiety or feelings of hopelessness are present, don’t hesitate to reach out to a loved one. There are plenty of county resources and non-profits willing to support you with a willing ear, coping skills, or other resources.
Resources & Reference’s
StrategiesForCoping.pdf (lacounty.gov)
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Mental Health Resources - Department of Mental Health (lacounty.gov)
Mental Health Hotline Numbers and Referral Resources | HealthyPlace