Those who live with OCD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, the coronavirus outbreak is amplifying their pre-existing fears of germs, says Mark Mayfield, a board-certified counselor and founder and CEO of Mayfield Counseling Centers in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The coronavirus crisis “definitely exacerbates the fear germaphobes have about getting sick, and it escalates their isolation, anxiety and depression,” Mayfield says.
Mayfield and other clinicians are seeing patients with OCD whose fears have been amped up by the coronavirus outbreak.
Dana Dorfman, a psychotherapist based in New York City, says some of her patients believe the coronavirus crisis “confirms” their longstanding fears of pathogens. “It’s intensified their convictions about contamination danger,” she says.
Some patients say the pandemic is boosting their preoccupations and compulsive behaviors.
Increased levels of anxiety among people with OCD is understandable, but there are approaches for managing such fears, Dana Dorfman, a psychotherapist based in New York City, stated.
Here are six strategies for people with OCD to manage their fears during the coronavirus outbreak:
1. Limit your exposure to information about the coronavirus crisis. Constantly watching the news about the coronavirus outbreak can heighten and cause anxiety. Avoid sitting in front of the TV or your laptop taking in coronavirus news for hours each day, schedule specific times of day to watch news or read updates then turn it off.
2. Do things that mitigate anxiety. Exercising, meditating and journaling are all good strategies for managing your anxiety levels. Go outside for a run or a brisk walk while maintaining physical distancing. There are also a number of at-home workout routines you can do.
3. Indulge in distractions. Pick up a new hobby, read a book, watch a movie or play a board game. Doing these things can help take your mind off the pandemic, at least for a while.
4. Maintain a daily routine. Schedule and keep a daily routine.
5. Monitor your intake of alcohol. While consuming alcohol may suppress your nerves temporarily, it’s not a good long-term strategy. Limit the amount of alcohol you consume.
6. Consider professional counseling. Psychotherapy can be very helpful during times of extraordinary stress. Many mental health professionals and organizations have moved their operations to a telehealth format, which means you can seek help while practicing physical distancing.
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