Health Female: Find Comfort in Your Social Life as We Return to Normal

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Find Comfort in Your Social Life as We Return to Normal

From the Editors:
Caring for Your Mental Health in the Return to Normalcy

Every Wednesday throughout Mental Health Awareness Month, our editors will share insights from our new "Return to Normalcy" collection. The theme of this week is finding comfort in your social life.

As COVID-19 vaccinations roll out and restrictions are lifted, we're in a state of transition that may impact your mental health in many ways. Verywell Mind is committed to guiding you through this uncertain time with helpful, trustworthy content that will support you no matter what you're feeling.

Emily Rose,
Associate General Manager, Verywell Mind

Last night, I attended a group dinner with friends inside of a restaurant. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, this would not have been a groundbreaking experience worthy of a special newsletter to our Verywell Mind readers. But today, as we navigate through this "return to normalcy" transition, it feels like a major milestone.

I have to say, despite a bit of newly-acquired social awkwardness by all of us, it was so nice. To reunite with my other fully vaccinated friends, to laugh, cry, (and sometimes laugh to the point of crying) at the stories being shared around the table, and to celebrate our dear friend Jess' 10th anniversary of living in New York City felt completely "normal" to us—meaning we all dressed in silly costumes iconic to NYC.

Donning my Lady Liberty crown, I looked around the table and felt so grateful for science and having friends who also trust recommendations by public health experts, so that we could all gather together again safely.

As a very social butterfly, this past year was really challenging without the in-person social support I'm used to and the energy I get from spending time with loved ones. But I know that's not the case for everyone and that my own feelings may likely change depending on individual events, people, and circumstances in the future.

With the spring and summer's social calendar filling up (weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, vacations!), I'll be making decisions that work for me, make me feel comfortable, and best support my mental health. I encourage you all to do the same, especially as peer pressure to do more increases. Stick to what makes you feel your best and show compassion for others who are doing the same as we all make adjustments to this new way of living—and hopefully have some well-deserved fun, too!

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