We want to replace fear with actionable advice. Uncertainty with coping skills. We will get through this Coronavirus situation together.
IOCDF Town Hall
Managing Childhood Anxiety
Find teletherapy from OCD therapists
1. Contact NOCD about OCD therapy at home. Get the details
Or call 718-550-3298 (9am-5pm CT)
2. Visit the IOCDF website
Look for the "Find Help" tab and search your ZIPcode or City, State
In the results, you’ll see other options pop up
Under the “Treatment Strategies” section, select Teletherapy
That will bring up options in your area
Talking to kids about coronavirus
Helping you cope
1. Balance the recommended health guidelines with your treatment goals.
For example, wash hands for only 20 seconds as recommended, then fight the urge to do it longer.
2. Following current health guidelines about COVID19 is an exposure.
They'll be discomfort in resisting not doing more. Life is an exposure right now.
3. Keep your therapy appointments.
Ask your therapist about a phone or video chat.
4. Accept that you will be anxious.
This can help to keep anxiety manageable.
5. OCD is not a reliable source of information.
Remember, OCD never tells the truth.
Read: 10 COVID-19 Anxiety Reduction Strategies
More ways to cope
-
Limit the time you watch and search for news about Coronavirus.
-
Stick to one or two trusted news sources for info. The CDC or WHO. (The internet is full of rumors.)
-
Practice social distancing from social media. Limit your IG, FB, TikTok time.
-
Keep to your regular routine as much as possible.
-
Do something you haven't done in a while. Reread your favorite book, watch classic comedies, take an online class or learn a new language.
-
Connect with friends and family. Limit the COVID talk to 2 minutes.
-
Keep up the ERP. Little wins are important.
-
Send a Not Alone Note of encouragement
Support and expert advice
Recommended reading
NY Times: When Coronavirus precautions go too far
The Hill: Will Coronnavirus give us OCD?
News 10 Rhode Island: Learning from kids with anxiety
Jon Hershfield: There's more going on than you think
Shala Nicely: OCD Patients Battle Heightened Fears
Kim Quinlan (PDF): Mindfulness worksheet for managing COVID-19 stress
The OCD Stories talks with Dr. Jon Greyson
OCD LA: Health Anxiety and Coronavirus
Dr. Laura Markem & Natasha Daniels: Navigating kids emotions and anxiety
OCD Nashville on Dealing with COVID-19 Anxiety
Vice.com: Read How to Deal With Coronavirus If You Have OCD/Anxiety
Dr. Reid Wilson: How OCD is complicated by pandemic fears