CENTRAL TEXAS — A recent study by the American Psychological Association found nearly half of Americans feel uneasy about adjusting to in-person interactions once the pandemic ends. And they say adults who received a COVID-19 vaccine were just as likely as those who have not received a vaccine to say this.

For one Central Texas mom, getting out and about as the country does its best to get back to normal is a big deal and she is not the only one feeling anxious about the transition. 

Getting your child ready for the day probably sounds like a pretty normal task, but for some parents like Brandi Dominguez anxiety from the pandemic made it more difficult than ever.

"Four or five months before I even put their shoes on to leave and that was just to go to a park in the morning because I knew everybody else was gone,” Dominguez said. 

With her husband away for work, Dominguez says she, her son Riley and daughter Maria did not leave the house for quite a while. Dominguez did not enter a restaurant until mid-May of this year.

"The idea of putting my family into a situation with possible COVID, I just couldn't handle that,” said Dominguez.

She has started to broaden her horizons, even allowing Maria to participate in cheerleading and Riley to play football.

"I can't let my kids live in fear. I already have anxiety, I don't need to put that on my children,” Dominguez explained. 

Dominguez is not alone. We met up with neuropsychotherapist and licensed professional counselor Junice Bella Rockman to learn more. 

“Our brain that’s wired for connection,” said Rockman. “When we’re in trauma, we experience a global pandemic which is a form of trauma, the brain that’s wired for connection, it begins to rewire for protection."

However, there are ways to combat the anxiety.

"It's okay to just put your hand over your heart and take a breath in and say 'I'm safe right now, and the here and the now is what matters the most.’" said Rockman. "So take your time integrating slowly. Be honest with people about your concerns."

The following are resources that can help: