Everybody has different feelings about going back to ‘normal’.

Kids Helpline asked young people on Instagram whether they were ready to go back to ‘normal’.

39% of young people told us they weren’t ready.  Here are some direct quotes from young people about why they feared getting back to the way things were.

I'm not ready to go back to normal

The pressure to return to ‘normal’ after a collective trauma, like a pandemic or natural disaster, can be overwhelming. It’s ok to feel like you aren’t ready to go back.

Check out Kids Helpline’s guide to coping with these expectations – I’m not ready to go back to normal

Why is going back to normal challenging for some people?

There are many reasons why going back to normal might be anxiety-provoking for your child. Here are some of the main concerns young people had:

  • Grief/loss over changes in lifestyle
  • ‘Normal’ won’t be the same as before COVID-19
  • Return to pre-COVID-19 stresses, like school bullying
  • Life was better in isolation, e.g. more time with family
  • Feeling safe at home and unsafe/out-of-control in public
  • Fear of COVID-19 second-wave

Check out Kids Helpline’s full article – Returning to normal after COVID-19

Talking helps! Kids Helpline is available on 1800 55 1800 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.