In just over one week, the majority of public health restrictions will be lifted for Airdrie and the rest of Alberta.

While this may be a joyous occasion for many, some may have difficulty adjusting to the change.

Robin Popowich is a local hypnotherapist who has seen many clients in the past year and a half who have dealt with anxiety during the pandemic.

She said issues of social anxiety will likely continue for many after July 1.

"I'm imagining that going out, anytime I have gone out during this year and a half, there are all the concerns: wear a mask, don't wear a mask, nobody's really too sure of anything. Now, we're going to show up and go to these social events or functions and we have to make small talk. We aren't too certain about personal space."

Popowich added this could be especially difficult for those who have lived in the online world this past year.

"We've been subjected to people who haven't used social etiquette, who have been rude, who have been bullying other people and you're nervous about that. I think social anxiety is going to be a huge problem when we start getting back out."

Last year, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) released a survey asking Albertans about the biggest issues they're facing with the pandemic and ongoing restrictions.

About 42 per cent said isolation was a big concern followed by access to mental health services and anxiety.

More recently, this past February, Morneau Shepell released its Mental Health Index findings, showing that Alberta scored the lowest for mental health and had the greatest increase in stress month-over-month, as of the beginning of the year.