i’m having panic attacks about this coronavirus . im literally scared to leave my house idk what to do.

I know exactly what you mean, as I watched some of the videos about it on You Tube last night and I started to freak out. I had to make myself stop watching them. So what do we do about this situation with regard to our OCD? I think Th best thing we can do, that will also help to make us feel more secure, is to make sure that we take really good care of our health. Anything that will help to strengthen our immune system, ie healthy foods, getting enough sleep, exercise if possible and supplementing with vitamins. I used to juice and I am going to make myself start doing that again, as it it is one of the healthiest things you can do and an easy way to get the most nutrition from vegetables and fruits. So what I am saying is that I really believe if we know that we are doing everything we can to take care of ourselves, then we will not be as scared as before, as we will feel more secure knowing that we have strengthened our immune system, which in turn, may de escalate any OCD thoughts that we get about this. And as for leaving the house, there are precautions we can take, like wearing medical grade masks in places where there is going to be large groups of people. Also, if you are a believer, saying a prayer for protection, as well as praying for the speedy development of a vaccine and eradication of the virus. I hope this helps and or brings you at least a little bit of comfort. Best wishes to you.

I worry about this, too. I keep reminding myself that I have to embrace uncertainty because it’s not just the virus that can cause harm. So many things can happen in a day that can cause harm to myself or my health and oftentimes I take those risks without even thinking twice about it (getting in a car, etc). It’s scary- I’m right there with you and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t consider staying in my house forever. I let my OCD take too much of my life already. I’m not going to let it win this time. Sending you tons of strength.

I’m so sorry. May I ask where you are from? I’m from Texas and we just had a huge explosion in Houston and we’re healing from that

I've been standing on the trains and walking instead of using the bus lately. A woman from the city I'm in was recently diagnosed with the virus. Going to buy face masks next time I'm out. Probably won't stop the breathing ritual I have when people cough, but I'll feel a little more secure..