COLUMBUS, Ohio — The post-pandemic world is causing “re-entry anxiety” for some people as they return to their daily routines.

What You Need To Know

  • Dr. Nithya Ramanathan, director of Psychiatry at Boundless Behavioral Health, said the return to daily routines can be more challenging for those with developmental disabilities

  • Having a full schedule is a lot of transition for adults and children as well as their caregivers
  • Ramanathan said to answer questions and provide as much information as possible about what's happening

Dr. Nithya Ramanathan, director of Psychiatry at Boundless Behavioral Health, said this change can be even more challenging for those with developmental disabilities. 

“We are back to transition again, so it does cause a lot of anxiety,” said Ramanathan. “Just going out and knowing you have a full schedule whether it’s work or school it’s a lot of transition for adults and children as well as their caregivers.”

Stephanie McCraken’s daughter, Paige, works with Ramanathan at Boundless.

Paige has autism, anxiety and is sensitive to sound. 

“Her behavior was severe. I mean we had aggression, kicking, disrobing, biting, headbutting,” said McCracken.

After connecting with Boundless, McCracken said her daughter’s behavior has greatly improved, but she said 2020 brought new challenges.

“COVID started and then she fed off my anxiety, so we did have to do an increase in her medicine.”

From transitioning into the pandemic to now exiting it, McCracken said being honest about the changes with her daughter has helped the most. 

“If she has questions we answer them. We’ve learned you have to be upfront with her.”

It's an approach Ramanathan said can help ease the anxiety of those with developmental disabilities and anyone adjusting to the post-pandemic world. 

“It’s all about providing as much information as possible,” said Ramanathan. “If I’m going to a new place, I would like to know who all is going to be there and what it will be all about.”