Problem Taking Showers

Thank you Frank for the honest comments, I real your sharing your story with me and yes, you can use crazy, no problem there. Most of my depression is from financial issues and not feeling any joy anymore. My car died about 2 years ago and I am truly lost without it. I've lost my independence and that really stinks since I am somewhat isolated where I live. I can walk to Dunky when the weather is good and I am able to get the Senior Center Bus for appointments and small food shopping. There is nothing like having your own car and not have to ask for rides. Anyway, I wish you all the best and do take care. Nancy : ) BTW, I am on antidepressants but I still feel lousy. Even brushing my teeth is an effort, how special is that! TTFN

My dermatologist told me that I should never use a wash cloth because they are rough on the skin. He said to just use my bare hands with liquid soap and you’ll feel just as clean.
I tried it and it works great. Just thought I’d put in my 2 cents

Amen.

Hello, I have the very same problem. I’m retired and also live alone so it’s not a big deal but I’m a person who used to take 2 showers a day. I’m also battling depression and anxiety and I have a very hard time going outside. I thought it was because I felt so bad about myself and shouldn’t be clean or I don’t want to get outside and if I’m "dirty" then I can’t go outside and transversely, if I’m clean then I have no reason to stay inside. I don’t know but it causes horrible anxiety.

Hello Barb,
It's a vicious circle. In my case it's definitely my depression. Being 76 my life has changed in so many ways. My car died about 2 years ago and that was it for me. I live in affordable housing (very affordable) and my rent is only $505 including everything and I am lucky to be here. The big con is that we are isolated and you really need a car to get anywhere. I have the senior bus for appointments but I can't tell you how long it's been to even go to Marshall's, T. J. Maxx, etc. So that is adding to my feeling lousy. I was always immaculate about my hygiene but when life gets too complicated I feel overwhelmed and I don't even want to get dressed or go out, it's such an effort and it shouldn't be. I can walk to Dunkin Donuts but that's about it. Today my nieces are taking me to Newburyport (I live in MA) and I just took a Klonopin just to take the edge off. (I usually do not do this but I thought today it might be a good idea.) I tend to ramble so sorry for the length of this. Do take care and know that you are NOT alone.
Nancy : )
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Been struggling with depression since 1983. Long and hard battle. Definitely do recommend counseling. Hasn't been a perfect solution for me, but has helped tremendously.

As far as a shower goes?

If the shower can fit a chair or plastic stool...and you have a wand and not just a shower head...you could take a decent shower sitting down... just a lot easier on the back and legs and such.

Also, because showers are hot, they actually dehydrate you. I used to get a little light headed in the shower. Now, I have a glass or half of a glass of water, before I go in. Makes all the difference.

Also, sometimes I just use those wipes, instead of taking a full shower. That has helped too.

Very sorry about the problems. Take care now.

I’m seeing a provider for ADD meds and had a therapist until my rent went up, storage up, cable went up.

I buy the adult body wipes that you get at a hospital and they are very helpful. If I get myself into the shower, I love the warm water and then I feel good about myself. Maybe talking about it on this platform will help me with more than shower, like anxiety. Thank you for your advice!

Well, online support groups can be a bit of help, but everyone really needs to concentrate on support groups in the real world.

Interacting in tiny bits of text here and there is far, far, far less than we need. We need to interact with real people, in the real world.

And don't find people online and then interact with them in the real world. Look for relatives, people you knew from school or jobs...people you knew in the real world. And, if you can find a real world support group, through a hospital or professional agency, that would be ideal.

For anxiety, breathing exercises, meditation and Hatha Yoga relaxation work has helped me.

I think I commented on this subject
Before so I apologize if this is a duplicate. I am not a doctor. And I don’t think you have to go to medical school to know when u feel like u need a shower or just a soak. I don’t shower all the time like I use to. My excuse is I want my natural oils to flow. Which they do. I love jumping in the pool or the ocean so yes to those people the drips of water on my body are very annoying. I love steam showers tbo. I’m not looking for an answer tho.
I’m hoping to help someone who thinks it not right if you don’t take a shower and let them know it is perfectly fine. It’s one day at a time. They say if ur washing ur hands at the sink just splash ur face while ur there. It works I’m washing my hand and I’m there might as well throw water on my face. It makes me feel like I progressed some. I love those little tricks that it may be nothing to someone but it’s everything to people with no motivation with depression. And I’m waiting to find out the go to to brushing ur teeth. I already know hygiene but (we) don’t care. I throw a mint in my mouth. I wear white strips too. We’ll pass on that. The point is you don’t have to do anything that you feel is too much. No one said u need to shower every day and there is no rule in life that u must. It’s actually overrated and dries the skin out too many showers. Do a pop in. I wrap my hair quickly in a towel jump in when it’s cold out and turn the water temperature up to very warm … it feels so good u want to go back to sleep. Who said u had to shower or bathe? Certain days? You can do whatever you want to do it’s your life…I will mention if I think I stink I will do a spray 😁😁😁😁😳😳. If a shower isn’t available. Good luck! There’s no right or wrong. 😁

I am experiencing the same thing you are, re: getting in the shower. I suffer with “major depressive disorder”.
What I’m learning, is being a bit more positive helps. I say to myself …my hair will look much better, and I’ll be happier. I tell myself to slow down, relax and enjoy. I often put some music on.