There’s so much going on in the world today, and much of it I find upsetting. At a personal level, things aren’t all that great, either. Not surprisingly, I’m having trouble falling asleep at night, which really frustrates me. I don’t want to take lots of pills, but is there anything I can try?

Dear Vicki: After a year of working from home, more and more of my friends are getting together, going to movies, eating indoors at restaurants, etc. I haven’t joined them at all, not even to get together outside. Rationally, I know it’s pretty safe if everyone is outside at least six feet away, but the thought of being with people other than my family makes me nervous, even anxious. I miss my friends and want to join them for outdoor events, so what can I do?