During the novel coronavirus pandemic, the cracks in America’s healthcare system have begun to become readily apparent. These weaknesses have made how we treat our disabled and those with physically illnesses incredibly transparent. However, there is a whole host of sick people who remain in the dark. This invisible group are those with mental illnesses, who may not be able to receive the help and care they need, because of a lack of access to therapy, a strong support system, or have had symptoms exacerbated by their current environment or COVID-19. In particular, those who suffer from symptoms of OCD and anxiety have been particularly challenged by the current climate, as cleanliness and minimal social interaction have made the difference between life and death.
Daniela Chavez, a senior in high school, has found her mental health negatively affected by the current pandemic. Even before COVID-19, Chavez, identified as someone particularly invested in tidiness and organization, would conduct daily cleanups after school, during which she attempted to sweep away every cat hair and crumb she could find on the floor. Additionally, due to a fear of bed bugs, she would never allow any clothes or items that had been in a public space touch her bed.
After the outbreak of COVID-19, Chavez’s fears of illness became amplified. She feels compelled to conduct an exhaustive series of daily routines, in order to feel safe in her own home.
“I started washing my hands over 20 times a day, never wearing clothes I wore to the store inside my home, constantly sanitizing every surface in the kitchen, changing clothes if my shirt even just brushes past an unsanitized countertop, always showering before I allow myself to touch my bed, etc.,” Chavez said. “It has resulted in a lot of meltdowns; it’s more overwhelming than you could probably imagine.”
She has become increasingly frustrated this past summer, as she has witnessed many friends and classmates disregard California’s mask mandate and social distancing guidelines.
“I feel hurt whenever I see everyone hanging out all carefree and just enjoying their summer without seeming to care about any of the risks of COVID-19 that so deeply affect my mental health,” Chavez said. “I haven’t hung out with any of my friends since school got moved online in March and I plan to keep it that way, despite loneliness and my obsessive cleaning behavior that unfortunately thrive due to isolation at home.”
Overall, Chavez hopes that COVID-19 will encourage others to help open up more conversations about mental illness, particularly anxiety and OCD, as many more people have been experiencing feelings of anxiety and periods of low mental health.
“I hope that people will become more empathetic towards those with mental illnesses because what many are experiencing solely because of the pandemic, such as the stress, loneliness, and anxiety, is what those with mental illnesses have experienced for years,” Chavez said. “Even though I’m not diagnosed with OCD, this experience of increased obsession with cleaning made me realize how hard it must be for those people to deal with OCD and it shouldn’t be taken lightly and used incorrectly to just describe being organized with your stationery.” ❦
Sophia Chiu is an award-winning writer who has been published in numerous literary magazines. She enjoys all things film and writing- related. Currently, she is on the executive teams of the Inklings Literary Magazine, Wallflower Poetry Club, and Political Awareness Clubs at her school, and co-hosts a podcast analyzing young adult literature and film. When Sophia is not writing, you can find her reading anything she can get her hands on, adjusting her Spotify playlists, and practicing her French (merci!)
