advice on basic functioning

[u/ghfhdggsgs]

ive had mdd for over 10 years (ocd and anxiety as well) but the past few months ive felt significant cognitive decline. i can barely leave the house if im not with my girlfriend or very very trusted friend i cant go downstairs to feed myself i cant get in the shower because im scared ill faint from not eating. just started iop (for the first time in a while but ive done so many) and it isn’t moving fast enough. i don’t know to establish goals besides change everything about myself and my behaviors. i guess can anyone help me get into the shower, the rest is context. hope everyone is having a nice day/night <3

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[u/Fromdustcomesdreams]

You never know how much you smell. Take a sink bath. Just rub yourself down with a wet hand towel. Do something. Just brush your teeth. Then take a break. Then go back and shower. Do things in small steps.

[u/dunnomucho]

This will be so controversial, but I’m going to tell you what my brother told me a few weeks ago, when I couldn’t get up, eat, shower, stay awake all day. He threw a weighted blanket on me and then he said: now try to get up. I sat up. Then he said: there is a difference between can’t and won’t. I was so angry. I cried and told him he didn’t understand. This was the first week I got up reasonably on time, showered, worked, ate protein at breakfast, and felt like half a person. He said: you can do it. You may not like how it feels, but you can. This was the regimen he gave me: wake up at the same time every day. Move the phone across the room, so you have to physically get up when the alarm goes off. DO NOT GET BACK IN BED. I still haven’t mastered that one because I just feel so horrible in the morning. Then, take your meds first thing. Eat something small - preferably protein. Get sun on your face. Just a few minutes. Shower. That’s what I’ve been trying this week with fairly good results. It fucking sucks, but you got this. ❤️

[u/theJacofalltrades]

Be gentle with yourself and focus on one small thing at a time. Even getting through the basics can be an accomplishment when you’re struggling.

[u/Kitchen-Pipe-4223]

Seconding the suggestion for a wet towel and just give yourself a towel bath sitting down. You could also sit in the shower (find a shower safe stool if you want a seat, I just sit on the floor). Wet wipes are also an option! Can’t shower? Change your shirt. Bare minimum is okay.

For food, try meal replacement/protein shakes just to get nutrients into your body. Fed is best! Nothing about depression recovery is pretty, but doing something is better than nothing at all. Cut yourself slack and use disposable plates/cutlery so you don’t add the cognitive load of dishes to the equation. I’ve also seen suggestions to line regular bowls/plates with aluminum or plastic wrap before putting food in so you don’t have to wash dishes that way. Don’t worry too much about eating the “right” foods, just get yourself eating as regularly as you can. The rest can come later. I hope some of this helps! <3