How COVID-19 impact OCD?

It really depends. COVID-19 has brought uncertainty and fear to everyone. In general, people who struggle with OCD are more susceptible to the stress during pandemic. However, the wax-and-wane nature of OCD can take on its own course without any clear triggers or factors. Some stable OCD patients even feel more “normal” to justify their rituals in this pandemic.

For those who struggle with worsening OCD symptoms during pandemic, most of them are not directly interfered by the fear of COVID-19, at least no more than usual. The irrational and creative mind of OCD always surprises people with different content to obsess about. The uncertainty, social isolation, boredom, and disrupted routine invites OCD to fill in the blank with various thoughts.

Please be gentle and compassionate to the situation we are in and focus on what we can control to make a difference. COVID-19 is one of many life challenges we face in life and do not forget to take care of yourself. The peace inside you are not the feather in the wind; it can be as still when your mind is calm and quiet.

Please see the following resources if you are interested in reading more:

IOCDF: https://iocdf.org/covid19/

ADAA: https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/how-deal-your-covid-19-stress-anxiety-ocd

McLean Hospital: https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/living-ocd-during-coronavirus-crisis

How does COVID-19 impact mental health?

At beginning of COVID-19, people were in shock and fear. Many decided to hide at home in response to uncertainty. Six months into pandemic, the emergence of anxiety, depression, OCD and eating disorder is evident in the clinic. The severity and prevalence is unusual, though expected.

Several factors have contributed to the increased needs for mental health, including direct threats from an unknown disease, social isolation, and change of daily routines. While social distancing stops the spread of COVID-19, it also leads to sense of loneliness, social isolation and disconnection from others. The effects of social distancing will continue to carry through this winter with expected worsening depression and anxiety during holiday seasons. It is very important to focus on a structured routine. Despite we cannot change the nature course of COVID-19, maintaining a healthy daily routine is very critical for resilience, such as good quality of sleep, balanced diet and regular exercise. Yoga, walk, and meditation can also be very helpful tools to cope with stress in the pandemic.

Where can I find support group for OCD?

OCD Support Group – Worcester, MA
Location: UMass Medical School
    55 Lake Avenue North
    Worcester, MA 01655
When: Every 2nd Thursday of the month
Time: 7-8:30 PM
Open to: Older teens and adults with OCD
Fee: FREE
Contact: info@ocdmassachusetts.org

OCD Support Group – Cambridge, MA
Where: Cambridge Friends Meeting House
              5 Longfellow Park
              Cambridge, MA 02138
When: Every first and third Monday of the month
Time: 7-8:30 PM
Open to: Adults with OCD
Fee: $8.00 per group
Contact: Joel Light, ocdgroupcambridge@gmail.com

OCD Support Group – Belmont, MA
Where: McLean Hospital
             DeMarneffe Cafeteria, Room 132
            Belmont, MA 02478
When: Every first Tuesday of the month
Time: 8 -9 PM
Open to: Teens and adults with OCD
Fee: FREE
Contact:info@ocdmassachusetts.org

OCD Support Group – Northampton, MA
Where: Smith College  – McConnell Auditorium
            7 College Lane
            Northampton, MA 01062
When: Every third Tuesday of the month
Time: 8-9 PM
Open to: Older teens and adults with OCD
Fee: FREE
Contact: info@ocdmassachusetts.org

Family Support Group – Belmont, MA
Where: McLean Hospital
             DeMarneffe Cafeteria, Room 132
            Belmont, MA 02478
When: Every first Tuesday of the month
Time: 6-7 PM
Open to: Family and loved ones
Fee: FREE
Contact: info@ocdmassachusetts.org