The Stresses of a "New Normal"

With the availability of vaccinations and overall decrease in COVID-19 cases, we are now trying to return to in person school and work. Dr. Karen Swartz, Director of Clinical Programs at the Johns Hopkins Mood Disorders Center, discusses the challenges associated with this major transition from being more isolated to being back together for more activities including school. After more than a year of many having restrictions and some learning from home with remote school, this will be a significant change for nearly everyone. Dr. Swartz discusses ways to recognize and manage the anxiety associated with this change. She will discuss the challenges and benefits of returning to our previous routines – which will be harder for some. There has been nothing normal about the upheaval from the COVID-19 pandemic, and it will be important for everyone to identify the specific challenges they will have as we move into this next phase where many aspects are new and little will feel normal.