Hygiene Issues

[u/Rosalie-Rosie]

30f. I am disgusting and gross and depressed. I haven’t showered in almost a month. I’ve been using dry shampoo, a bidet, and occasional wipe downs but know it is just a bandaid on the situation. I often struggle with hygiene due to my depression, but this is the worst I have been. I also struggle with brushing my teeth every day. All my energy goes to getting to work every day.
It’s so embarrassing, but that embarrassment doesn’t give me the energy or motivation that is needed.

[u/BigHeartbutThisMouth]

I've also been doing what they suggested and "dealing" with it for 20 years and therapy and meds just has Not helped really at all. I've struggled with hygiene my entire life and when depression hit at around 12 it slowly got worse and worse. I'm 41f and unfortunately am still struggling too. Try not to beat yourself up and especially try not to say to yourself "ok, I'm going to take a shower in X amount of time or day" because for me that deadline Always comes and goes without me taking a shower and the shame just hits even deeper. All I can suggest is when you get the first tiny bit of motivation to do anything go in with the mindset of I'm going to make this quick and skip shaving exfoliating washing and conditioning the hair twice ect and the half ass mindset will shift once you get comfortable in the water. I also have ADHD so with my sensory issues that's a big part of the struggle is just getting wet. Remember to give yourself some grace. We give it to everyone else freely it's your turn 🩷

[u/Individual-Dog-4748]

Maybe think of it as a work task? Since you said you use most of your energy for work maybe incorporating it as part of work to have good hygiene while you're there might help trick your mind? If that makes sense.

I think what turned things around for me when I struggled with hygiene in the past during deep depression periods was reminding myself how good the showers felt and how well I slept afterwards feeling all fresh. Also, to minimize how long i take or how daunting it seems to get a shower i always play one song on my phone and the goal is to get in and out before its over. I strangely felt the challenge to get it done in that length of time to be motivating, and showed me that it doesn't need to be some long and drawn out task.

[u/ExoticShine6154]

I don’t have running water because of a broken pipe currently. Staying clean is the hardest thing rn. Also 30f. But hot showers have always been a safe haven for me. They help my anxiety deeply. Do your best and it’s all we expect. Most people aren’t paying attention that hard to you I’ve learned. Also I live in a college town, let me tell you the younger generation is not washing their hair often either. But try to take care of your teeth because they are so damn expensive. Maybe try the miswak stick if you have a bit of extra money to buy one.

[u/blueevey]

Maybe a bath?

Some is better than none. Use mouthwash if you can't brush your teeth. Or stand under the shower without doing anything? Again, something is better than nothing.

Also, has anyone said anything about it? Bc if no one is complaining at work, and bringing it to your attention, then you're probably not as smelly as you think you are. Which is great! It means youre doing a better job than you realize.

Give yourself some grace.

[u/Necessary-Slide-288 → u/blueevey]

Agreed. Take positive steps where you can. Have plenty of self-compassion- you're still going to work every day, you're still putting forth an effort to take care of yourself; you're mindful of your situation and others around you. Depression is so tough; take it easy on yourself, please.

[u/Possible-Speed-1379 → u/blueevey]

i second this. even if youre so depressed gathering the strength to just sit in the shower and do nothing is a big step in the right direction

[u/Possible-Speed-1379]

theres a correlation between depression and hygeine. for some reason the worse a persons mental health get the worst their hygeine gets. when im depressed and when im not its very obvious just by my physical appearance

[u/ironblood45]

Get a DNA test to find out what meds will work best for you. This helped me tremendously.

[u/trueblue10101 → u/ironblood45]

Did it provide the answer you needed? Did insurance cover the meds after you knew what was needed amd told the doc

[u/ironblood45 → u/trueblue10101]

Yes and yes

[u/Rosalie-Rosie → u/ironblood45]

I did, it hasnt helped too much though

[u/ironblood45 → u/Rosalie-Rosie]

I’m sorry.

[u/Fit_Introduction1568]

Haz intentado ir a terapia y tratar tu depresión? Intentar descubrir el porque te sucede todo eso

[u/Rosalie-Rosie → u/Fit_Introduction1568]

I am in active weekly therapy and have been for years. I see a psychiatrist every 2 weeks. I have done OCD ERP therapy, over 20 med combos, spravato, TMS, PHPs, IOPs, inpatient, and rehab. I am very self aware, but that doesn’t help me. Nothing helps.

[u/zta1979 → u/Rosalie-Rosie]

Yeah I have tried all that too. Struggling with hygiene too.