Depression and Personal Hygiene
Confession time here, I'm one of those people with depression who has an illogical yet overwhelming aversion to showering, combing my hair, brushing my teeth, etc. Just yesterday I finally got all the tangles and matts out of my hair from not combing it for weeks and today I'm really going to try to take a shower but I can't promise. Has anyone else with this issue found any ways of dealing with it/improving your motivation to take care of yourself this way?
@bestCamp2048
Hey Camp, you're so very brave for coming on here and sharing that with us! <3 You're not alone with this. It is indeed super difficult to find any motivation or strength to take care of yourself when you're at the extreme of lows. Whatever it is, do remember that it doesn't last, you will eventually find a way to get through this.
There is no one perfect solution to this as what works for me may not work for you and vice versa but for me, what really helped was forcing myself to exercise every day. That really improved my energy levels and helped with doing other activities. Other than that, what I was told was to make showers quick and short so you don't get too tired in the process. I really really believe that and it helps so much. I do hope this has been helpful to you.
@bestCamp2048 I have really struggled with this in the past when my depression has been severe, so I can relate to where you are coming from. Sometimes the best approach is to think about what you can manage to do, e.g. what are the easiest tasks for you, and do them first. Completing even something small can help you to both feel better about yourself, and give you a boost because you have achieved something.
What actually worked best for me though, was using games that gamifiy your life, so you advance in the game when you actually do tasks in your real life. Originally the one I used was SuperBetter, and then later I started using Habitica. I don't know if this approach would work for you, but I've found it really helpful in my own life.
The results from a randomized controlled study conducted by The University of Pennsylvania were that: "Playing SuperBetter for 30 days improves mood, reduces symptoms of anxiety & depression and increases belief in the ability to successfully achieve goals."
There is an amazing and inspirting TEDTalk from the women who created SuperBetter about how we can use games to help us solve our real life problems. If you're interested, here's the link: https://www.ted.com/talks/jane_mcgonigal_gaming_can_make_a_better_world
I find it hard to Shower due to body issues, I find it helpful to just shut out the lights. I also like to play music I can really belt it out to. It's kind of like a homemade sensory deprivation chamber. Just me, warm water, and pleasant noise.
Sometimes I just don't care because what's the point, why bother. People are always going to reject me or think of me as a freak anyway.
@tluper6491 Don't worry about being clean for other people. Do it for you, because it helps keep you healthy. Because your Shampoo is a smell you like. Because brushing your teeth gets the gross taste out of your mouth. Don't worry about other people.
"Other people's opinions of me are none of my business"
-RuPaul Charles
@tluper6491 Because doing it will actually help make you feel better after the fact, even if you don't wan to do it, or don't care beforehand.
Also don't worry about doing as much as other people do because it's socially acceptable, just focus on the minimum you need to do for your (mental and physical) health, because that's what's important.