A survey conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Hims & Hers revealed that some Americans are nervous about returning to a pre-pandemic lifestyle, with 7 in 10 reporting feelings of anxiety.

Americans are triggered by pre-pandemic lifestyle 

The survey of 2000 Americans looked into what triggered the anxiety of people who were afraid to return to normalcy. About 61% reported large crowds as a trigger, 43% mentioned coughing and sneezing and 46% of people with no masks. Another 2 in 3 insisted they will wear a mask even after the mask mandate ends due to their fear of germs. 

Among the study participants, 54% felt they needed to speak to a professional on their mental health before going back to their previous lifestyle. Another 75% admitted not opening up to their loved ones out of fear of becoming an emotional burden. Instead, 36% of them said they were ‘hanging in there’, and 53% used ‘I’m fine’ to describe their feelings. 

Another 74% felt good about friends, and loved ones confiding in them but also felt that it could be emotionally taxing. Because of the pandemic, about 50% are considering seeing a  therapist for the first time.

Americans are more open to therapy

According to a spokesperson for Hims & Hers, seeing a mental health practitioner can have advantages. A therapist could provide you with a neutral space to share your thoughts. They also give you the right guidance and tools to help you cope. 

The spokesperson also notes that many people prefer to minimise their feelings or avoid seeking assistance because of the stigma attached to mental health. However, the response from the survey shows that people are beginning to open up to the idea of therapy.

As a result of the pandemic, attitudes on therapy are starting to change. Some participants said that they were open to trying it (35%). Another 34% said they no longer judged people who needed therapy.

Some of the respondents had already tried therapy (700). Most of them (87%) said they preferred getting therapy online to having in-person sessions and 9 in 10 thought online therapy could be as beneficial.

Participants also believed that online therapy offered convenience, such as not needing to travel (47%), being comfortable in their space (45%) and maintaining social distance (59%).