Tips to fight pandemic FOGO (fear of going out) and get back to life, according to psychologis卜ts
"It's perfectly natural to have FOGO after one year or more in lockdown," Sheva Rajaee, a licensed psychotherapist and the Director of The Center for Anxiety and OCD tells CNBC Make It.
Over the past year it's been ingrained in people's minds that interactions with others, especially in enclosed spaces can be dangerous, if not lethal, so many people may find themselves anxious at the thought of re-entry into society, she says.
But FOGO is more than the fear of getting sick, it can also be influenced "by a kind of situational social anxiety," which many have developed as a result of a year or more in lockdown, says Rajaee.
"The reality is that most of us are out of practice," she says when it comes to socializing.
But Rajaee says its important to note that, for most people, FOGO is likely to be temporary and will subside naturally as the world opens up.
Here are some tips on fighting FOGO and getting back to life, according to three psychologists.
Take things slow and be 'sure enough'
When it's deemed safe to attend gatherings and be in close proximity to strangers again, Rajaee says its important to take things slowly and start with small outings.
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Write down your fears and have a mantra
People often interpret anxiety as a sign that they should not do whatever is making them anxious. In reality, it is sometimes just your body to signaling that a situation is new or different, says licensed clinical psychologist Hannah Weisman, who is the Clinical Director at the virtual group support platform Sesh.
To deal with such anxiety, Weisman says you need to acknowledge and get to the bottom of your fears, and a good way to do that is by writing them down. Naming your fears turns them into "something you can evaluate and prepare for," she says.
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Take a few moments and visualize
To fight FOGO, Oettingen suggests taking a few moments to visualize how wonderful it would be to finally be out, with others, in life again. Imagine how free and relieved you would feel, for instance.
"Then ask yourself, 'What is it in me that holds me back from getting into life again? What is my main inner obstacle to taking the first step?'" she says. "Is it an anxiety, an irrational belief, just the habit of the past months hiding away?"
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PS
more readings
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/end-pandemic-horizon-fogo-fomo-160000472.html
https://www.purewow.com/wellness/fear-of-going-out-post-pandemic