The coronavirus pandemic and OCD: Here's your weekly health guide

The ongoing global pandemic has been having a major impact on almost all aspects of our lives. Our mental health and psychological well-being are no exception to the rule. While almost all of us are being impacted in one way or the other, those who were previously suffering from mental health related concerns, too, would be having exacerbated concerns at these times.
 
The uncertainty of these times is likely to instill a sense of anxiety, with a fear of the unknown, in our minds. And for those of us who might be predisposed to experience anxiety, or have an anxiety disorder, the symptoms are likely to be worsened.

 
For instance, in the case of an obsessive-compulsive disorder, wherein typically an individual is preoccupied with repetitive thoughts, being unable to control them, and maybe indulging in receptive behaviours or actions in order to attempt to neutralise the anxiety caused by the obsessive thoughts.

Samir Parikh

With the overload of information, and reiteration of the need for taking precautions in terms of health and safety, handwashing, social distancing, etc., some of these symptoms could end up becoming exacerbated for such individuals. Therefore, the following are some pointers that could help, not only individuals who might be suffering from OCD, but all of us who tend to get anxious, during these troubled times:
 
1. Try to minimise an information overload. If it is from the news, watch the news only once a day, at a fixed time. If you're getting a lot of messages about COVID via WhatsApp, or any other form of social media, refrain from reading them through the day.
 
Most importantly, ensure that you check for the reliability and authenticity of the source of any information before you believe it.
 
2. Avoid seeking excessive reassurance. While it is inevitable for us to experience anxiety at such a time, it is also important for us not to make Covid the only topic of conversation!
 
Ensure you make an effort to have conversations about other topics as well, and avoid seeking reassurance about the future and health concerns excessively.
 
3. Make a reasonable routine. Firstly, having a structured routine is a must, especially during the lockdown period. Secondly, it is important that you make a realistic routine in terms of the cleaning rituals, and the precautions required to be taken for health and safety of your self as well as for your near and dear ones.
 
4. Focus on channeling your energies productively. Most importantly, we need to have something productive to look forward to. Be it a new skill set to acquire, be it a new hobby to pursue, be it focusing on studying or work, be it helping in household chores… the list can go on.
 
Take out time for yourself, and also productively channelise your energies in any activity to keep yourself occupied actively.
 
5. Consult your doctor and your therapist. Even during these times, it is important you seek out the help of your professional, both in terms of psychiatry as well as psychotherapy, via tele-consults.
 
Samir Parikh, Director, Mental Health & Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Healthcare