Developing Obsessive Compulsive Habits Due to the Pandemic

We recently marked the one-year anniversary to lockdown one, it’s a moment not everyone is celebrating. It has been the most extraordinary year for so many people, we’ve noticed the small things that bring joy, let go of the things that aren’t good for us and many of us have experienced the real hardship that comes with a global pandemic. Some of us have developed resilience and thrived during this challenging time, but for many the social isolation and changes to daily life has brought additional mental health issues.

On 4 May, the Office for National Statistics reported that well-being levels are at their worst since data collection began in 2011. In April, a representative survey of 2,010 people in Great Britain found that four in five people were worried about the effect of COVID-19 on their lives. Almost half reported that it was affecting their well- being. There is also the additional worry of the psychological impact on our mental and emotional well-being well after COVID-19 passes. So if you are suffering, you are not alone.

When the news of COVID-19 lockdown came about, many of us thought about our mental health. We had gone from living our normal lives to social isolation, changes in routine, possible job loss, a lack of human connection, coping with illness or death and an uncertainty of what lay ahead. Initial reports warned us to expect a rise in depression, anxiety and loneliness. For many, this uncertainty triggered obsessive and compulsive ways.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent unwanted and unwelcome thoughts, commonly referred to as obsessions. These can cause significant distress or disgust. Like any condition, OCD affects many people in many different ways and the current pandemic presents many additional worries, fears and anxieties for sufferers which include;

· Contamination fears leading to additional hand-washing or sanitising rituals.

· Intrusive thoughts and worries about passing on the virus.

· An increase in health anxiety or worrying about becoming ill or death.

· Worries about not being able to do exercise and the impact on our mental well-being.

In order to get relief from these uncomfortable experiences, those with OCD perform certain behaviours repeatedly – known as compulsions. OCD sufferers can have a wide range of obsessions and compulsions and so in times like these, the uncertainty that comes from a crisis can trigger compulsive behaviours that help control the controllable. These can include;

· Rituals like washing hand or sanitising.

· Checking the body or clothes for contamination.

· Correcting thoughts with a name, word or phrase.

· Seeking constant reassurance.

But these anxieties that most people experience during a global pandemic anyway, I hear you cry. And this is true. But for those with OCD, these intrusive thoughts and worries leave them unable to function for hours or days at a time and have a negative impact on relationships and can leave sufferers feeling shamed, lonely and anxious. It is also important to keep in mind that when behaviours become obsessive and when rituals and safety seeking behaviours become non-stop, this can often be more of a threat than the virus itself.

What can we do though?

As always, it is really key to look after ourselves and each other during this really trying time. If you feel like you may be suffering, the following guidelines are advised;

· Stay connected with a support network.

· Seek out resources on coping and dealing with anxiety or anxiety related issues.

· Minimise consumption of COVID-19 news that causes anxiety or stress.

· Exercise regularly and eating healthy food.

· Keep regular sleep routines.

Those particularly at risk are people who are isolating, children and adolescents, people with communication or learning difficulties and healthcare workers. People on low income wages, living in unstable housing conditions or those experiencing domestic abuse are also extremely vulnerable at this time due to being unable to leave the house and jobs being compromised. So it’s important for all of us to check in with people in the community, especially those who may be experiencing compromising situations or societal inequalities.

If you or someone else has noticed that fear, anxiety, worries and impulses are having an effect on lifestyle or you are worried about OCD - you are not alone, there is support available and change IS possible. We are here for you.

Deborah Nelson18 March 2021