As a therapist, I’ve noticed a recurring theme in many of my sessions lately. Patients come in and share their struggles—some relatively manageable with the right tools, and others requiring longer-term planning. But even for those dealing with “lighter” issues, there seems to be an underlying current of stress, weariness, and frustration.
“I’m handling things okay,” they say, “but it all feels so much heavier right now.”
This resonates with what I’ve been reading and observing in the world around us. It's not just individual problems that weigh people down—there’s a broader, societal pressure that’s impacting all of us, even if we don't fully realize it.
In a recent article from The Atlantic, the author pointed out a noticeable shift in how people are behaving. From public outbursts to reckless driving, it seems that everyone is acting a little... off. If you look closer, it’s not that these are isolated incidents. This behavior is a reflection of a society grappling with prolonged stress. People are more reactive, less patient, and, in some cases, downright hostile. The pandemic, which we’ve been living through for over two years, has left a lasting mark—not just on our physical health but on our collective psyche.
External Pressures Weigh Us Down
I often tell my patients that while they may be handling their personal problems relatively well, it’s important to recognize the larger forces at play. We’ve been through a pandemic, which brought isolation, fear, and uncertainty. Even now, as life resumes some normalcy, the ripple effects are still being felt. There’s a war in Ukraine, rising inflation, political polarization, and local challenges like homelessness. These global and societal issues may not directly impact us in obvious ways, but they seep into our social environment, the news we consume, and the conversations we have.
This constant bombardment of stressors wears on us, often subconsciously. And when people feel stretched thin by both personal issues and the weight of the world around them, it’s no wonder they begin to act out in unusual ways.
Why Stress is Manifesting in Strange Behavior
A major theme I’ve noticed is the lack of outlets for people to process what they’re going through. We’re living in an environment where coping mechanisms are strained, and there are fewer opportunities for healthy release. Many are feeling disconnected, isolated, and without the means to properly vent their emotions without fear of being judged.
It reminds me of a personal experience I had in Death Valley, at the Salt Flats, where the silence was absolute—no wind, no life, just this eerie, complete stillness. At first, it felt unsettling, but the longer I sat in that silence, the more I realized how rare moments of complete quiet are in our lives. This experience parallels what many are missing: the space and stillness to process the weight of what’s happening internally and externally. Without that, stress builds and manifests in ways that are unpredictable or uncharacteristic.
The Pandemic's Aftershocks
For a long time, we were isolated. Kids stopped going to school. Adults stopped going to work in person. Social gatherings, religious services, and community activities halted. This breakdown of social ties has had a profound impact on how we interact with one another. Sociologists describe this as "anomie"—a state where social norms break down, leading to a sense of lawlessness or disconnection from societal rules.
When we lose those social connections, we’re more likely to prioritize our own needs over others. That’s why we’re seeing an increase in rule-breaking behavior, from small acts of rudeness to more extreme cases of violence or recklessness. The rise in disruptive behavior at schools, hospitals, and even public events reflects this collective unraveling.
The masks we wore during the pandemic have also played a role in this distancing. Not being able to fully see someone’s face makes it easier to dehumanize them, much like how people feel braver saying harsh things online versus in person. This barrier, while necessary for health reasons, contributed to a breakdown in empathy and civility.
Stress, Substances, and Coping Mechanisms
Another factor in this surge of strange behavior is the increase in substance use. Throughout the pandemic, people have been drinking more, using more drugs, and generally relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms to manage their stress. The result? Heightened aggression, more reckless behavior, and an increase in violence. Many of these incidents involve someone under the influence, whether it’s road rage or unruly passengers on flights.
Substance abuse isn’t just a symptom of stress—it exacerbates it. And for those who already struggled with addiction, the pandemic made access to treatment even harder, leaving many people to cope on their own.
What Does This Mean for You?
So, what can we do with all of this? First, recognize that your personal stress may be compounded by external factors you can’t control. It’s okay to feel more overwhelmed than usual—there’s a lot happening around us that’s contributing to that feeling.
Second, give yourself permission to slow down. In my practice, I’ve found that taking time—whether it’s a few seconds of silence in a session or an intentional pause in your day—can make a huge difference. Let yourself sit with the discomfort, reflect on what’s going on, and allow space for the emotions that come up.
Finally, remember that you’re not alone in feeling this way. We’re all adjusting to a new normal, and while the pandemic may be easing, the aftershocks are still with us. It’s going to take time to rebuild our social connections, regain our coping mechanisms, and find a sense of balance again. Until then, be kind to yourself and others—everyone’s dealing with more than they might be letting on.
-----
Photo credit: Getty/The Atlantic
Comments