Caretakers

[Caretakerwithocd]

Caretaking for my elderly parents is so exhausting frustrating and lonely, I feel like I am stuck in this ocd hell space in my head, how do you deal with being a caretaker with ocd during covid?

[nyv33]

Just try to wear gloves and masks and things that actually help you.. Do you take medications? Have they helped you a bit? I feel like this is the perfect time because people can finally feel the anxiety we OCD people go through everyday and you wont look like a freak wearing stuff to protect yourself. Good luck with your parents! If you feel like none of that works for you then you should consider finding someone that can do the job (maybe another family member) and that's it. Don't put yourself under so much stress

[Hidden]

I can relate to being a caregiver for my mom at home, and later in the nursing home.

My mom passed away 4 years ago.

I was her primary caregiver, taking care of all her needs, visiting her in nursing home, dealing with her health issues, feeding her food.

I have severe OCD, and it was difficult and stressful for me.

As caregivers we forget to take care of ourselves.

It is important to take care of your own health.

Get some rest and take breaks in between of attending to your elderly parents needs.

It is a very rewarding experience to take care of your elderly parents.

Just remember to establish boundaries with them.

Sometimes it can get challenging being a caregiver.

When you are stressed out, OCD flares up.

Be mindful of how you are managing stress and the OCD symptoms.

I hope things get better for you.

[Hidden]

You are not alone. I am in the same situation. Carer of elderly parents. OCD flared badly since COVID. So exhausted and getting depressed by it all. Thank you for your post. Comforting to know others like me but I am so sorry for your suffering. I have just signed up for an free online OCD course (there are several available if you google it). I have to do something. I am a strong believer of building up life skills to manage things. I also found some comfort in reading posts and links from a website I just found by Shala Nicely (she both has OCD and is an OCD therapist). This is not an advert...I have just discovered her. I also found comfort in learning about Self Compassion. Check out Kristen Neff's website on self compassion. She also has a meditation specifically for carers. Being a carer is challenging enough without OCD and without COVID. I really wish you well. This really is a debilitating and depressing condition but I take comfort in knowing (after all this time not getting help), that there is specific help out there for people with OCD. I hope you find help and that it works for both of us. And everyone else looking for help to manage this nightmare.

[DeathtoOCD]

First thing I would say is see if you can get other people in to help you, caretaking is exhausting even for people that are not dealing with OCD. Also find some way to take time for yourself, that is a huge thing. Also, find someone to talk to if you can.