Living with OCD during a pandemic

What better time to write about Contamination OCD than in the midst of a pandemic?

Regularly (mis)used in our day-to-day comedic repertoire and thought to be the "truest" form of OCD, Contamination OCD is only one of MANY subtypes of the disorder.

Every case of OCD differs from the next, so I can only speak on my personal experiences. However, if you are curious to learn about other manifestations of Contamination OCD, I'd be happy to refer you to other blog posts/websites/case studies that I've read in the past :)

In relation to the coronavirus outbreak... Your situational obsession with washing your hands and sanitizing EVERYTHING is something a person with Contamination OCD experiences every day. So, imagine the effects this mass hysteria must have on someone with Contamination OCD, or any other type of OCD for that matter.

For me, my anxieties have definitely heightened. I feel as though everything has already been contaminated with the virus, which causes me great discomfort in being around ANYTHING. I feel as though if I don't take certain precautions then I will inevitably get the virus (which many of you may already be thinking but my thoughts are likely intensified and irrational). My Magical Thinking OCD even plays into this fear* -- If I am not thinking a "good thought" or an action doesn't "feel right" then I'm convinced I will get the virus. This causes me to ritualize much more often throughout the day. These OCD-related thoughts then transition into health anxiety in which I will feel the need to obsessively research signs and symptoms, continuously ask for reassurance from friends and family, and quite possibly visit the doctor's office multiple times.

I do not mean to undermine the precautions you are taking or the worries you might feel towards the coronavirus. As mentioned in my last post, this blog is geared towards my experience living with OCD. And right now, life with OCD is intensified. And come on, you can't tell me you aren't curious to know how a pandemic affects a person with OCD ;)... I know I would be SO curious! or maybe you're not a nerd like me...

I would be happy to share more stories of my personal experiences with Contamination/Magical Thinking/Health OCD. Just reach out to me.

And as always, have a happy quarantine.

*Read back on my past posts for more on Magical Thinking OCD