Dealing with Obsession in the New Normal

The global emergence of the deadly pandemic has not just significantly increased mortality but also has a widespread impact on the mental health of people across the globe.

No group of individuals with any form of psychopathy is as much affected by the worsening outbreak of COVID-19 as people suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

                 

It is observed that there is considerable conceptual overlap between being vigilant with preventing the spread of the virus and the symptoms of clinical obsessions.

Sanitary precautionary measures for the virus that is taken to slow the spread of coronavirus, which has been encouraged in the public could also create great anxiety in the mental health of individuals suffering from OCD.

Possibly the normalization of the practices of cleanliness, following the ritualistic behaviors to remain safe from the virus may also become triggers and reinforcements for obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviors. Due to which understanding the difference is very important.

While it is seen that people with OCD may be likely to wash their hands until feeling comfortable or just right, resulting in extensive and repetitive behavior that is likely to be longer than 20 seconds. The ones without OCD are more likely to follow the guidelines in the way set out by the government.

In the immediate and ongoing response to the pandemic, the interventions must be to focus on maintaining calm, building resilience, and implanting hope.

Also, it is important to provide proper attention to specific psychiatric conditions that may be initiated or aggravated by the impacts of the pandemic.

Due to the pandemic companies are also looking forward to corporate wellness management programs that will help the employees overcome mental stress with the help of a psychologist for professionals.

To help deal with the growing obsession or taking over our lives with the fear of the pandemic. These are the few steps that can be a part of our daily living:

                                                    

• Self-care and self-compassion- Take good care of yourself and create a sense of self-worth while practicing self-compassion to stay positive.

• Staying physically active and energetic- Stay active and eat healthy as it will boost your energy and mood. That will lead to having a good long-term impact on health.

• Practice physical as-well-as mental well-being- Enhance your physical and psychological well-being by releasing any form of tension and stress.

• Set a daily routine- Maintain personal hygiene and social distancing to alleviate yourself from contamination fears and along with a daily routine even if stuck at home.

• Re-connecting with society- Building stability in life by increasing communication with friends, family members, and loved ones.

• Maintain a health check- Monitor your anxiety levels or pre-occupations with obsessions and compulsions with the help of OCD self-assessment tools and using healthy coping skills to deal with them.

• Follow reliable sources- Keep yourself updated with government recommendations on safety behaviors and prevent browsing on the internet and social medial platforms for long hours.

• Engagement in activities- like sports, socializing with people, and counselling sessions for those with existing mental illness.
  

As such, while adjusting to the new normal, it is crucial to understand that it is essential to follow the new rules of social distancing, washing hands for a stipulated time, and wearing masks in public as instructed by the government.

However, if it interferes with one’s socio-occupational functioning or becomes uncontrollable or intrusive, one needs to seek help from a mental health professional.