Page 3 | Re-Entry Syndrome

likeamillpond · 2021-03-14T08:52:28+00:00

After a whole year of not socialising, things will feel strange for a lot of people. .People will have to relearn the art of small talk for a start. The advice is to not rush into rejoining everything all at once and above all Be Kind and patient with eachother. I agree. Any other tips?

Ijustknowitstimetogo · 14/03/2021 18:13

I loathe small talk so find the endless "are you doing anything nice at the weekend?" excruciating.

I hate that question as well. I just want to say oh not a lot just pottering around doing fairly inconsequential and trivial things which I can’t be bothered to tell you about.

I think that might be my default answer from now on.

JesusInTheCabbageVan · 14/03/2021 18:26

It's an interesting topic for discussion, if we could only get rid of all the people sneering and rolling their eyes.

While most people will dive back in quite happily, of course some will struggle, particularly if they are already coping with MH issues or similar. Mocking people unlucky enough to find themselves in that situation is pretty shit, really, when you think about it.

Personally I think there will be a lot of people who are blindsided by the challenges of reopening (or whatever you want to call it). A bit like people who dream of winning the lottery, and then when they do and find out that it doesn't make their problems go away, they go to pieces. Obviously we'll get the hang of things again, but in lockdown it's sometimes been too easy to forget how complicated life can be.

Original poster

likeamillpond · 15/03/2021 10:06

@JesusInTheCabbageVan

It's an interesting topic for discussion, if we could only get rid of all the people sneering and rolling their eyes.

While most people will dive back in quite happily, of course some will struggle, particularly if they are already coping with MH issues or similar. Mocking people unlucky enough to find themselves in that situation is pretty shit, really, when you think about it.

Personally I think there will be a lot of people who are blindsided by the challenges of reopening (or whatever you want to call it). A bit like people who dream of winning the lottery, and then when they do and find out that it doesn't make their problems go away, they go to pieces. Obviously we'll get the hang of things again, but in lockdown it's sometimes been too easy to forget how complicated life can be.

My pointt exactly. I thought as a siciety we'd .moved on from the Grow A Backbine and Deal Witb It mentality. I agree that Re-Entry Syndrome is a bit.....of a pretenrious label (but I suppose they have to call it somerhing) But we do have to acknowledge the fact that not everyone will find it easy to rejoin things again and sneering and poking fun is just downright nasty.

OP posts:

WalkingOverRainbows · 15/03/2021 10:15

I work in retail and have worked through. Its wierd what your mind does as I see many people every day..and just sanitize and wash hands and wear a mask. But its work so it's ok? Whereas going into a crowded bar or shop or to an event would worry me. As it's not work? Dunno. Wierd.

Worknoplay · 15/03/2021 10:17

It's not poking fun, it's just that most people don't have the luxury of taking it slow. We are working. At work. No option. Kids are at school and coming back home. No option. And part of me is thinking, well, get a grip. We don't find it easy by the way, it is stressful, I won't lie. I work in a school and it's not easy but we get on with it.

Many will have modified their behaviour in the sense that they will walk or cycle instead of taking public transport, will meet with one person outdoors, and the rest of the obvious behaviours. But we have no option.

JesusInTheCabbageVan · 15/03/2021 10:58

@Worknoplay you may not be poking fun, but a depressing number of others are on this thread, despite people sharing their stories of the mental impact.

The attitude seems to be, "This doesn't affect me personally, therefore anyone who is struggling must be weak and deserving of ridicule."

Yes, there may be the odd person who is in it for the drama, there always will be, but that's not who psychologists are concerned about. They are talking about people who are struggling with their mental health. If pp's don't get that, well OK, but don't fucking laugh.

Worknoplay · 15/03/2021 11:31

I'm sure you are right. I do get it, it does have an effect on people's mental wellbeing, it's tough, and tougher for some than others.

What I'm saying is that most people don't have the option of not going out. And maybe one of the side effects of having to carry on is that you just need that push out the front door, your mind is distracted, you feel useful in other ways, and you learn to live with the fear of it all instead of having the fear stopping you from doing things.

I think it's you who is struggling to understand that most people can't just stop everything. We don't have the choice.

lotionInTheBasket · 15/03/2021 12:02

Some things have been shown to operate perfectly well remotely (e.g. parents evening) but there will be those who just want things back exactly how they were and they will be the noisiest people and the rest of us who enjoyed things a little quieter won't be heard.

@quandmeme You have perfectly summed up what I've been feeling for a while.

JesusInTheCabbageVan · 15/03/2021 12:36

I think it's you who is struggling to understand that most people can't just stop everything. We don't have the choice.

I don't think I have said that - or implied that I think that.

Some people are keyworkers who have had no choice but to carry on, and who haven't noticed much of a change in their lives. The reason I'm not talking about those people is because this isn't a thread about them; not because I've forgotten they exist!

Worknoplay · 15/03/2021 12:42

But it's not just key workers. All construction workers, people who work in the food chain, anyone who works in childcare, school/education providers, engineers, people who work in shops such as Holland and Barratt and any pharmacies, people who work in post offices or the postal system, delivery people, people who work at Amazon, warehouse workers, truck drivers, people who work in restaurants, cafes, fast food chains. That's millions of people, Not just 'front line' workers.

JesusInTheCabbageVan · 15/03/2021 12:54

....and some of those people will also be experiencing MH issues which will be exacerbated by re-opening.

I get that you aren't affected by this problem, and I am genuinely pleased for you. I just also have huge sympathy for those who are struggling, and don't like to think of some of them maybe clicking on this thread to see '😂' and 'lol' and 'get a grip'.