Feeling anxious and tired as things reopen? Here are tips to help

Now more than a year into the pandemic, CBC Ottawa looks at how people adapt to new realities with its series The Slow Return.

For Monika Benson, just thinking about socializing again as society reopens is "nerve-racking." 

"During the pandemic, I kind of discovered that I was transgender," she said. "Now I'm just trying to figure out how to exist as myself in this new situation."

Benson began to transition after she confronted her identity during the pandemic, at a time when she was on her own, working from home. She's one of many who may feel anxious as the province forges ahead with vaccinations and its reopening plan, creating more opportunities to socialize and be around people again.

The Ottawa resident says socializing has always been difficult and "a little awkward," even before the pandemic. With the prospect of heading back to work and socializing more in person, Benson was anxious especially about coming out at her workplace.

"I don't know if people will accept me, or how easy it's going to be to kind of get into a new social circle," she said.

Since speaking with CBC, she sent a coming-out email to her department in September and says her co-workers have been "wonderful so far."