My family is getting very frustrated with me for not getting a job during this pandemic, and it’s causing me extreme anxiety. The pandemic has brought up some contamination ocd that I didn’t know I had, and it is being compounded by the irresponsible actions of those in my household. Someone in my household tested positive a few days ago, and then negative a couple days after (the false negative rate is higher than the false positive rate), and so I’ve been extra cautious about staying at home and in my room. It’s not that I’m scared about getting the virus, I’m scared of passing it and causing harm to others. My family, however, has returned back to normal activities. They’re going to work or visiting others outside the home, ignoring the guidance of the cdc. They had even done this before the second test came back negative. They’re now getting angry with me for not wanting to leave the house (let alone my room) and not getting a job, mostly because none of them believe in the seriousness of the situation and think it’s all politically charged. I will probably be getting myself tested in a couple of weeks and move in with my roommate at my own apartment at my university (assuming a negative test), since he is more understanding of everything and is cautious. It’s not that I don’t want to work. If there wasn’t a pandemic going on, I would gladly be working somewhere for 40 hours a week and wouldn’t have a complaint. I’m just anxious about everything right now and no one I live with seems to understand.

I hear you. That sounds really tough, it’s hard when ocd problems merge with real life problems and you don’t know where to turn. The most important thing for you to do right now is to take care of yourself, I hope everything works out :)

Hey. I went through and continue to go through something similar with my family where I wanted to keep social seperation even amongst ourselves and they just wouldn’t take it seriously. I really did. Used to wake up every night at two am in a panic needing to wash my hands in order to go back to sleep. It’s amazing that ur doing what u can to stay safe, but maybe speak to ur therapist about some ERP excersizes you can do while remaining in your room. Hope your situation improves...

Awh you too :)

Honestly, this sounds like a reaction that many without OCD would have. I’m really sorry you’re having to go through this. But it sounds like you’re both fighting the OCD and balancing that with respect for the CDC guidelines. Congrats on that! I had just about secured a teaching job before the pandemic shut the gallery down, along with a plethora of other jobs. It’s hard to find work right now, and it’s scary to work in some situations. My brother doesn’t have OCD, and he’s terrified to go back to work as a massage therapist if/when they open back up. I’m lucky that my partner is getting his unemployment and that my parents keep offering to help to keep us going. Until I can get work, I’m just making masks for those in need and using donations for supplies to make more. Times are tough, confusing, and can be scary right now. I wish you the best and hope the better living arrangement comes quickly for you!