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

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

Where can I find resources about OCD?

International OCD Foundation is a dedicated platform for OCD patients, clinicians, and family. Please visit IOCDF website to learn more about OCD (https://iocdf.org/). In addition to psychoeducation about OCD, IOCDF has a therapist list where OCD patients can identify local therapists, treatment centers, and organizations. It also engages in advocacy activities, such as conferences in June and an awareness week in October. Destigmatizing OCD is a critical mission for the future.

Locally, OCD Massachusetts (https://www.ocdmassachusetts.org/) hosts free series zoom meetings and lectures. Please check on the website from time to time for more information.