Published on 12, July, 2020
Looking for some support/insight. My partner is autistic (recently diagnosed) and has become obsessed with the Coronavirus debate. He consumes every item of media he can - Radio 4 on the alarm clock, 24 hr news in the background (both currently working from home), listening to podcasts whilst cooking/doing chores, news are on when we’re having dinner. I might be able to wrangle one hour’s worth of a TV programme out of him. He is extremely anxious about food shopping and is self- medicating quite heavily at the moment. I suffer from OCD and my compulsive behaviour and rumination have worsened over the last few weeks. i know that this has now become a special interest and I can’t expect him to just ‘snap out of it’ but is there anything that helps others distract themselves? I have compiled a monthly plan of activities and weekly plan but he does not want to engage with that. I feel utterly drained by it all - we talk about nothing else - and my mental health is worsening to the point where I am now shutting down. many thanks in advance and stay well everyone x
Yes this is classic response and very difficult to change. Especially with so much media available.
It will be self perpetuating and the more he does , the more difficult to change.
Can you get him to see that it is a problem, that needs addressing? Agree a contract for the daily timetable
Structure in exercise, media breaks, entertainment etc
Thank you very much for your reply, phrasing it as a ‘contract’ may help actually. Thanks and hope you’re keeping well x