SACRAMENTO (CBS13): Small places are home to a multitude of people and, from a mental health standpoint, they couldn’t get there sooner. As life moves toward normalcy, many take a collective sigh of relief, but it can also provoke some mixed emotions.
From laughing and dancing to wine in Clarksburg to comedy shows that suffer in the belly in Sacramento, that “Friday feeling” is back.
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“It feels good and, to be honest with you, it’s good for your mental health. Being trapped in an environment for 12 months is good to be out, ”said Clayton Grieger.
Wine lovers who enjoy family time and girls night out in Clarksburg at the Heringer Estates winery are raising a glass more normally.
“A small child and a baby taken home are not so much fun. So when you can go out and feel safe in an environment and have fun, attend venues, have music, wine, it’s wonderful, ”said Connie Smith.
Michelle Corbo and her friends came to celebrate their engagement and the first time their group has been together in almost a year.
“Since I received the vaccine, I feel that I have lowered my guard a little. The stress in public is less, the meeting with my children is much less, so mentally, yes, it has been incredible “, explained Corbo.
Heringer Estates re-organizes events, including live local bands. They see a steady rise in customers with reservations almost ready every weekend.
“People go out, they want to have birthday parties, single men and women, they want to go out and they want to do it outside in a safe environment,” explained Courtney Cucchi, manager of the tasting room at Heringer Estates.
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In downtown Sacramento, Comedy Spot sold its outdoor show with five comics. People say they are happy to have fun with their friends again.
“It’s great to go out, socialize, and be part of the human race again,” one attendee said.
It is this optimism that UC Davis Health psychiatry professor Dr. Angela Drake believes is crucial to your mental health after a year of pandemic pressure.
“It gives us that little boost we need to regain that sense of gratitude,” Drake explained.
Drake has seen many customers with various emotions when it comes to reopening. These emotions can range from arousal to anxiety depending on the person.
“There will be a range of reactions. There are people who will jump with both feet and come back to the club and dance a storm, but a lot of people will have problems. It will be difficult, at first it will be uncomfortable, it can cause a bit of anxiety to be back in the crowd or in a movie theater and what I really want to encourage people to do is take it slowly but be consistent, – Drake said.
For those struggling to re-enter, Drake suggests trying different activities in small doses on a constant basis.
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“What we want to do is encourage people who are ready and who want to jump again and people who are a little hesitant, we will offer them support, encouragement and kindness,” he said.