We Are Turning Into Mini Maniacs

It’s not neatness, it’s a legitimate illness

Is the invisible antagonist driving us crazy and turning us into loonies?

From sanitizing groceries to surroundings, with the current situation, it may be normal to be doing so. However, the fear of contamination may be taking the better of us. It is inducing the cautious measures undertaken during this pandemic to turn into compulsive behavior. Rather than occurring naturally, sanitation has become a much hyped word. The more you talk about it, the more subliminal effects it has upon us. Are the precautionary measures robbing us of our sanctity?

What was earlier considered to be a genetic disorder or complex interplay of functional abnormalities of the brain is now part of the daily regime. For instance, the persistent and repetitive hand washing, and disinfection of door handles. Compulsive behavior is being incorporated in our lifestyle as normal and perhaps evolving as a personality trait. For most people, these habitual acts have also started to provide relief from anxiety, stress and panic.

This compulsive behavior also gives rise to hoarding disorder. People engage in panic shopping and hoard necessities of little use. For instance, antiviral drugs, medications, sanitizers, which further leads to shortage of supplies and deprives those in genuine need of them.

We are acquiring this behavior from watching others. The recommendations on the ‘correct’ way to wash hands, and multiple sources of information on disinfection. It is not only creating phobia but also a ritualistic pattern of behavior. Consequently we provide cognitive justification for the acts that they are crucial precautionary measures. Perhaps the virus is not the only life threatening illness killing us.

It is crucial to fathom that ‘Moderation’ is the key. There’s a fine line between compulsion and negligence.