Anxiety and OCD in the time of coronavirus: A guide to survival

Anxiety and OCD in the time of coronavirus is another issue that needs our immediate attention.  While everyone is fanatically checking for the symptoms of cough, cold and fever; very few seem to be caring for the mental woes.  

WHO has declared the devastating outbreak of coronavirus as a ‘pandemic’. But another pandemic that aroused with this ailment is mental illness. Mental illness is as threatening as any other life-threatening disease.

Don’t believe me?

The German finance minister Thomas Schaefer committed suicide as ‘coronavirus crisis’ crippled him!

And he is not the only person who faced the wrath of this ruthless disease. 

A 34-year-old Italian Nurse committed suicide after testing positive for coronavirus.

Two young men suspected of coronavirus infection committed suicide in UP. 

There is a third case of suicide in the state because of suspicion of coronavirus.

Another case came from Karnataka, where a 56-year-old man committed suicide upon suspicion of contracting coronavirus

Another bizarre news reported, Kerela man commits suicide after the government shuts the liquor shops.

A 19-year-old British teenager ended her life, unable to cope with coronavirus isolation.

Of course, the list does not end here.

Many are getting infected and some are succumbing to the ill-fate. Life is halted and the global economy is jolted. The poor are dying of hunger and rich of anxiety!

The alcoholics, addicts, depressed and mental patients are all sinking in the same boat!

Also Read: Coronavirus is not a joke

Anxiety and OCD in the time of coronavirus

The disease is spreading like wildfire and so is the anxiety about the disease.

Some anxiety is anticipated, considering the ambiguity around the topic. But the problem begins when it starts to cloud the mind. 

Even for people who are not clenched by a psychiatric issue, the first response to this situation is anxiety. Some might even panic. But this is a normal reaction to the situation. The whole chaos around coronavirus is sure to arouse some anxiety.

Doctors and scientists say that a little anxiety is helpful. It makes people follow the instructions. But if the anxiety becomes overwhelming then there is a problem! 

Also Read: Exposure Therapy In PTSD, Anxiety, and OCD

Anxiety and overthinking can make your body tired and immune weak.

It impairs their ability to think and affects their decision making. Anxiety, stress, depression and panic attack is also a leading cause of insomnia. And sleeplessness further taxes the immune system. 

Sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system!

A weak immune system will make one, more susceptible to infections, allergies and flu. Thus, elevating the level of anxiety. This is a vicious cycle that begins from the mind.

Also, the spike in anxiety can fuel existing obsessive fears of contamination in OCD patients. This triggers destructive compulsive actions. Like washing the hands a million times!!

For them, it’s a completely different battle.

OCD is a real challenge.

Also Read: 8 Incredible Tips to manage Anxiety

A crucifying conflict!

OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental illness that spurs a spiral of unwanted thoughts and urges. Like cleaning the dust, arranging and re-arranging the things, washing their hands and feet several times a day. 

So, for many OCD patients, not washing their hands is part of their treatment. But the WHO guideline to wash hands frequently is reviving their anxieties. 

Thus, Handwashing poses a dilemma for some OCD patients!!

Not washing hands at this time is a legit risk. While overdoing it can bring back the whole cloud of OCD.

One of my old patients called me up and narrated his horror in this episode. 

He said, “Doctor, after your treatment my OCD had taken a back seat. But with the coronavirus chaos, my nightmares are turning real.

I wash my hands 20 times in a row. Even if I am at home, just touching anything would make me nervous that would soon lead to panic. All the time my mind is occupied with thoughts of the virus. It’s like the virus is crawling all over my hands and face.

Please help!”

I counselled him over the phone and offered him the peace of mind he desperately needed!

Also Read: 10 Easy and Natural Remedies for Anxiety

The spur in Coronavirus. Spike in OCD

Experts are expecting a rise in the mental woe issues with the rise in coronavirus cases.

Experts say, ‘If coronavirus continues to spread, then the cases of OCD is also sure to spike.’

Handwashing to minimize the risk of coronavirus spread is a genuine response to a threat.  It is normal as long as it is not excessive. 

But OCD isn’t rational. 

Patients with OCD obsessively wash their hands many times a day. Not just because of the coronavirus stigma or because their hands are dirty.

It is sometimes to comfort them of the mental burden. And sometimes to wash off the fear of the dreadful.

Also Read: Cure Corona with curcumin

Your survival guide: Anxiety and OCD in the time of coronavirus

1. Limit the news and second check your sources. Most media channels monetize by selling fear. And you don’t want to be prey to their words. Not now. Not at this time! So, if you want to keep a tab on the world, then choose one legit source that comes minus the drama.
2. Do the detox. When you are fighting mental illness, the least you want is to dump your mind with unnecessary data. So, put down your phone and turn off your T.V. Tune into some music or engage your mind in a good book.
3. Take precautions but not obsessively. The idea here is to be safe and sane. So, follow the WHO guidelines to wash your hands for 20 seconds. Do it when you have a chance of getting it contaminated really. Don’t knit the web too far!
4. Stay connected with people even in self-isolation. Not taking the call and cutting contact is not the best thing to do at this time. So, make sure you have a solid support system to back you up!
5. Focus on your sleep. Sleep helps in building your immunity. But it also keeps your mind away from the monstrous thoughts. So, design your routine and your diet for healthy sleep.

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Take care of your body and spirit

• Be kind and confident. Help a needy and say your prayers.
• Maintain a routine. That sets things in perspective.
• Set a schedule for fun activities. 
• Explore new ways to exercise. Be it breathing, yoga, exercise or dance.  
• Avoid self-medicating. Especially not based on the WhatsApp messages you receive claiming to be a cure for coronavirus!
• Meditate and let all the negativity erode. Meditation helps in managing stress and restoring positivity.
• Understand your anxiety. Acknowledge it. And then kill it with rational logic!

Also Read: Coping with the panic of Coronavirus