Many now gripped with socialising phobia

BENGALURU: Deepa Nanjanagud, a business executive, was eagerly waiting for the Covid restrictions to end. She wanted to get back to office, meet friends, and socialise. But little did she know that she would soon feel “exhausted and uninterested”. It is not just Deepa, but several people feel socialising is becoming “exhausting”. 

Psychologists say quite a few people have been consulting them for anxieties surrounding socialising. Even companies that have now made it mandatory to work from office have employees, who are facing mental health issues, like anxiety, depression and distress.

“Many are anxious about social interactions. Though there is no increase in Covid cases, for those who have gone through the experience of losing their loved ones or losing their jobs etc, the trauma is so deep that they do not want to socialise. They like to be on their own,” said Dr Mahesh R Gowda, who heads Spandana Group of Hospitals.

Psychologists say that many people are tempted to make up for lost time by scheduling a slew of gatherings, outings and social activities. But doctors advise them to pace such activities. “If people have been isolating or sticking to a small bubble, they may feel out of practice socialising with a bigger group of colleagues and friends. It may be exhausting to relearn all those little social graces one has not actively practised during the pandemic,” said Dr Vinay J, a clinical psychologist from Jayanagar.

While introverts found it comfortable to stay in their own zone, it is surprising that even extroverts have taken nearly a week to get used to social gatherings. Dr Mahesh says he is seeing a small set of people who are extremely fearful of Covid-like scenarios. They continue to be phobic and wear masks even at home, do not interact with any other family member, avoid visitors and order online rather than step out. There are many students who are refusing to get back to college life and academics. They are facing hypochondriacal symptoms, the psychologists said.

Doctors say that while people should now step out of their homes and also socialise, they need to take it slow and need not rush. Companies should start with smaller group meetups before getting the entire company together, they suggest.

Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma, coordinator, Service for Healthy Use of Technology (SHUT) Clinic at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), says, “Remedies lie in working on lifestyle, relaxation, connecting with others gradually and exercise. If you develop persistent mood issues, seek professional help.”