I am concerned about this getting out of hand.
I have worked relentlessly with some clients to get them over their OCDs and this situation is providing a lot of perceived rationality for what was, previously, irrational.
I have found that the cleaning OCDs are inherently about protecting your family (and/or yourself) from a perceived threat that is either based on previous trauma or imagined threat. It is a way to gain back control of something you feel out of control with.
In order to keep the Covid rituals, we are being repeatedly told to adopt, from going beyond what is inline with the situation, it is important to, every day, focus on what is behind the messages. Hearing several times a day that if we do not adhere to every rule 100% of the time that the virus could kill us, is there to scare us into acting. However, please focus on the use of may, can, could, might etc. which are not absolute and certain like will and would.
By adopting an 80/20 mindset, thus most of the time, will protect you and your families, and its important to know that this is enough. The warnings are extreme to try to get those who do not follow the rules to see the seriousness of what could happen.
Don't watch the news all day, maybe once a day around 10am when your stress levels are low. Rationalise everything you hear, watch for those coulds and mights. It is so important to absorb the truth and not any exaggeration. Yes, it's a more extreme situation but there is an end to it, and you can cope without relying on excessive rituals which are based on a lie that your brain (subconscious) has misinterpreted.
When you feel the urge to repeat a normal hand wash, stop, pause, repeat to yourself, 'this is enough?, and continue with your day. The more you repeat this the quicker it will become your new habit
Hope that helps!
