It's Okay if You Don't Want to Socialize in Person This Christmas
It's "fairly normal" for people to avoid physical interaction during the Christmas holidays after prolonged isolation due to the pandemic. However, there are ways to overcome it, albiet gradually, a doctor who specializes in lifestyle medicine said Tuesday.
Adapting to the new normal will take some time, meaning people should not be forced to share hugs, shake hands and kiss babies, Dr. Marc Dexter Macalintal told TeleRadyo.
"Ito'y dahil sa nakaraang dalawang taon na naging masyadong restrictive ang ating mga galaw and it is fairly normal sa mga tao na nagkakaroon ng ganitong klaseng problema dahil unti-unti na-isolate tayo at meron pa rin mga tao sa atin na hindi pa handa na makipag-interact," he said.
"Maaari natin sabihin sa mga kaibigan, sa ating mga kapamilya na unti-unti natin nakikita na hindi muna ako makikipagkamay sa'yo, at 'di muna ako mag-hug sa'yo kasi ako'y natatakot pa. It's fairly normal," he said.
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Macalintal advised those who are anxious about face-to-face interaction to make do with Zoom calls until they are ready to connect physically.
Feeling mentally depleted after mingling with others is normal, especially for those who prefer to be alone, said Macalintal.
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When does social anxiety become a cause for concern? Macalintal said it's when it affects your overall well-being and you can't do your usual routine anymore, like going to work or doing household chores.
"Kapagka nakakaistorbo na ito sa mga relasyon ninyo sa kapwa, sa mga kaibigan ninyo at hindi nagiging maayos ang inyong health, kung nangangayayat na kayo masyado, hindi na kayo kumakain dahil ayaw ninyo makihalubilo, pinakamainam po na magpa-check up kayo."
Help is always here. Call the National Center For Mental Health 24/7 Crisis Hotline 1553, 0917 899 8727(USAP), and/or 7-989-8727 (USAP).
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