London expert offers advice on social anxiety for life after lockdown
We've been speaking to Dr. Christian Perrin ahead of June 21st.
Last updated 9th Jun 2021
As London prepares for life without social restrictions, we're being told to 'take things at a pace we're comfortable with'.
They're the words of Dr. Christian Perrin, a psychology expert from the University of Greenwich.
He admits his phone hasn't stopped ringing recently, with more people feeling anxious about a return to pre-pandemic life.
However, even though all coronavirus rules are due to be scrapped across the country later this month, the 32-year-old fears it could prove to be overwhelming for some:
"Getting back to a life, which isn't characterised by phrases like 'social distancing' and 'quarantine' is going to feel quite strange I think, and it's important to recognise that.
"I think it is likely to catch a lot of people off guard. I think in the excitement of being released from the lockdown, some people may find it unsettling and overwhelming being around large groups again."
Dr. Perrin, a Senior Lecturer at the London university, has this advice for people who're dreading the prospect of being surrounded by large groups again:
"Slow things down, try to resist the pressure to get back to normal quickly and take things at your own pace.
"Don't be afraid to seek help if you feel like things are becoming too much to handle.
"Also, there's a great opportunity at the moment to re-think what the structure in our lives can actually be.
"We don't have to be in the office five days a week anymore, we don't have to engage in the same social conventions that we once did, so I think acceptance is key."