How to Manage OCD During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Those withobsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD) are already susceptible to uncontrolled, obsessive behaviors and thoughts that can interfere with their everyday lives. When you add the unprecedented curveball of a global pandemic into the equation, these tendencies can quickly spiral out of control.

How these OCD tendencies may present during this time ultimately varies depending on the individual. For some, it may include a notably heightened fear surrounding their health, including obsessive behaviors and thoughts (like compulsively checking their body for symptoms or becoming transfixed onwashing hands).

For others, it may present with obsessions about cleanliness or being up to date and compulsively cleaning or checking the news—to the point that it’s severely impacting mental health and interpersonal relationships.

While a global pandemic affords reason to worry, there’s a line between being well-informed and keeping yourself and your loved ones safe and experiencing an exacerbation of OCD thatis potentially damaging.

Below we’ve outlined what OCD is and how to know if you have the condition, signs your OCD might be spiraling, and tangible ways you can curb these tendencies even amid the panic.

What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Dr. Stephanie Newman, a clinical psychologist and author, explains OCD as “Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by the presence of unwanted or intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) or repetitive behaviors (compulsions).”

In that sense, those experiencing intrusive obsessions or compulsions can often recognize their OCD, says Dr. Newman. Still, having it diagnosed by a professional affords you a clear answer and, in some cases, helpful medical prescriptions.

“If youranxietyis acute and can only be relieved by performing certain behaviors over and over, it’s time to consult with a licensed mental professional. Likewise, if you cannot get a disturbing image or thought out of your mind—being stuck on something for more than two hours is a good guideline—it can be helpful to speak to someone about what’s going on,” says Dr. Newman.

Behaviors That Indicate Your OCD May Be Spiraling

Any large upset in your world—includingthis coronavirus pandemic—can trigger your OCD and send you down an unhealthy path.Amber Trueblood, LMFT, says that signs you might have begun spiraling include the following:

• Time:The amount of time you’re spending in compulsive behaviors has increased. Take note of how many minutes or hours you’re spending in compulsive behaviors. If this is increasing substantially or consistently, you may be spiraling.
• Impact: Your behaviors are impacting other factors in your life including your interpersonal relationships, work, and ability to sleep, exercise, or eat.
• Anxiety: Your anxiety level is not decreasing even after your compulsive behavior.
• Concern: Your loved ones have made comments to you about your recent behaviors.
• You feel like you’re approaching (or have met) your breaking point.

OCD Amidst a Pandemic

When it comes to the coronavirus specifically, here are some possible behaviors to pay attention to:

• Obsessing over your own health or a loved ones’ health.
• Compulsively washing your hands over and over again
• Following the news cycle to the point it’s cutting into your daily life, compulsively logging into social media, or experiencing an uptick in your unique OCD tendencies.

How to Curb Your OCD Tendencies During Coronavirus

Understanding that you might be spiraling is the first step in regaining control. We also recommend the following to alleviate your anxiety:

Monitor Your Thoughts and Behaviors in a Journal

In a journal, note any patterns, fluctuations, and loops of anxiety accompanied by a need to perform rituals to relieve the anxiety.

“Awareness constitutes a first step. [Being aware of] the intrusive nature of disturbing [thoughts] or seeing there is a need to repeat a behavior in order to reduce anxiety are important insights. Once you realize the thoughts and behaviors are intruding you can take actions to break the cycle,” explains Dr. Newman.

《华尔街日报》不一定是完美的,如果你miss a day that is OK. Just do your best to log the above so you have a concrete history and can better-determine patterns and triggers.

Minimize News and Social Media Intake

Being informed is important, but obsessively tuning into the news, checking statistics, or thumbing through social media feeds can ignite anxiety and fuel OCD tendencies.

Create strong parameters around news and social media consumption. Maybe that looks like limiting yourself to an hour of time reviewing the news in the morning before beginning your day.

Familiarize Yourself With CDC Guidelines

Know what theCDC guidelinesare and follow these recommended precautions to keep yourself, your loved ones, and strangers safe. By understanding what the CDC guidelines are, you can rest easier knowing you’re abiding by them. You’ll also better understand when you might be straying too far.

Implement Self-Care Practices

It’s completely normal to feel like your world has been thrown upside down. You are not alone and you’re wading through unfamiliar territory doing your best to navigate it. Self-compassion—which means cutting yourself some slack and investing in yourself via self-care—can help.

Exercise, bake, start a project, read a book, and digitally interact with friends or family who make you feel good. And be kind to yourself.

Continue Taking Your Medication

Remember that regardless of circumstances you should always continue taking your prescribed dosage of medication, and discuss it with your physician if you need any sort of adjustment.

Trueblood explains, “This helps because your neurochemical balance is at risk. Use an alarm on your phone, a post-it on the fridge, or write on your bathroom mirror to remind yourself to take your medication as a form of self-care.”

Speak With a Professional

Numerousteletherapy servicesare available, and your therapist might also offer online therapy services at this time, as well. Speaking with a professional can help you determine which behaviors might be unhealthy. It can also help you determine your best approach forward.