Anxious About Re-Joining the World?
As more people are getting vaccinated and venturing out into the world again, there is, for many, a heightened sense of anxiety.

Here are a few thoughts and questions people are struggling with:

  • “I know I can go outside without a mask but it just feels so weird.”
  • “I’m worried about socializing again. I’ve spent so much time alone I think I’d feel awkward around people.”
  • “Is it too soon to go back into the office?”
  • “I’m scared of what the new variant will mean.”

If any of the above resonates for you, you’re far from alone. Recent research from the American Psychological Association (APA) shows that nearly 50% of Americans say they are anxious about resuming in-person interactions once it’s safe to do so.

The good news is that there are several ways to lessen your anxiety.

Here are three tips to help you:

  1. Show yourself a little compassion. Go easy on yourself during this time. Judging and criticizing yourself will only make you feel worse, particularly if you see some people around you diving headfirst into the “after” covid life. Practice making statements like “It’s ok that I feel a little anxious right now. It’s normal. I’m doing the best that I can.”
  2. Dip your toe in the water. While some anxiety is normal right now, watch that you don’t allow it to overtake your life. Slowly re-enter the world. For example, go into the office one day a week instead of three. Or say “yes” to one quarter of the social invitations you get. You can slowly build from there.
  3. Accept a certain amount of awkwardness. It’s important to remember that social skills are like any other activity; they require consistent practice to maintain competency. For most of us, our social skills are going to be a little rusty. It’s ok if at first you make a few social faux pas or feel awkward around others. We’re all in the same boat.
Expanded Hours
Two of our therapists are expanding their hours.

Starting this week Michelle Lawlor, LPC, is adding about 10 daytime hours
to her schedule. And next month Sophie Bauer, LICSW, will do the same.

Ms. Lawlor specializes in substance abuse, depression and anxiety, and Ms. Bauer specializes in anxiety, obsessive-
compulsive behavior (OCD), self-esteem and relationship issues.

To schedule an appointment with Ms. Lawlor or Ms. Bauer, please call/text (202) 588-1288 or email us at info@dctalktherapy.com.
Podcasts We're Listening To
The app, available on Apple and Android, has more than 90,000 pre-recorded guided meditations, all of which are FREE. There is an option to purchase premium content.

It offers a wide variety of meditations, everything from sleep-specific meditations to ones devoted to forgiveness, parenting, body scans, stress and intention setting.

You can find big names like Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach here, but one of our favorites is Dora Kamau.
Who We're Following on Instagram
Its aim is to fight racism in young children. And with a following of 2.1 million people, The Conscious Kid is clearly very popular among parents. It includes links to many thought-provoking books, including ‘I Am Enough’ and ‘All Because You Matter’.

Started by two parents of children of color, The Conscious Kid states that it’s never too early to talk about race.

“Adults often think they should avoid talking with young children about race or racism because doing so would cause them to notice race or make them racist. In fact, when adults are silent about race or use ‘colorblind’ rhetoric, they actually reinforce racial prejudice in children.”
Coming Soon!

We’re happy to announce that Yvany Peery, LICSW, will join DC Talk Therapy next month!

Ms. Peery’s area of expertise is complex trauma. She will offer daytime and evening appointments, primarily over Zoom.

We’ll have more information about her next month.
Our Clinical Team
DC Talk Therapy | info@dctalktherapy.com | 202.588.1288 | dctalktherapy.com