Problem Taking Showers

What happens when we forget that we all are given a life -- 24 hours each day No questions asked -- but lose the very interest in life that we all are born with, often slowly or other times due to serious upheavals in life?

It has not happened to me during my eight decades with many ups and downs (example: three times everything I'd possessed I lost moving from country to another) but it was not because 'I was a fighter' or 'worked hard' or 'told myself get over' or even wanted to be a Good human/citizen/neighbor etc. I believe it has been because I had the same desire that ALL of us are born with: interest in the 'magic' of life that helps helps us go Beyond the survival mode.

World Health Org defines depression as losing interest and pleasure. Strange definition, isn't it? you may call it The Reason to live, or finding Purpose in life as thinkers and psychologists and others have defined it. Patrick Hill of the Washington State Univ at St Louis has a lab devoted to understanding its role. He says stuff like: This new year Make No Resolutions! We all once knew life was interesting as a toddler. Along the way we lost our path. The way back is to stay in touch with the gifts we all were given: curiosity/wonder, play, friends.

Once we have a Reason/Purpose in what WE want to do with our time here-on-earth we're set to go...falling now and then but rise again just like the toddler.

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.

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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My first thought was, huzzah sir, how noble or something smarty pants. But in reality, I have fallen down the rabbit hole so many times and have had no one to help me climb out except me and I never quite make it to the top and I believe I’am emotionally bankrupt. I have a big old dose of anxiety, ADD or Bipolar, and depression and though I’ve never blamed my behavior on those aspects of my psyche, it challenges me to take life by the horns and climb above my crap. I just sit every day, reading and doing some housework. I truly wish you the best. I’m trying but I’m waiting for the big sleep. At least it’s going to be a different landscape and my daughter will be there to greet me.

I find your post very sad and I pray that you can find your way out of this rabbit hole. You have a lot to deal with. Do you share your feelings possibly with a close friend who will understand you? I hate to insult you but have you seen a psychiatrist? I'm 76 and through my younger years I saw maybe 5 or 6 of them and the talk did help somewhat. I'm told that antidepressants should also add talk therapy but I really didn't think at this age that I had anything else to talk about. Too much about me. I do pray that you find some help and it's not easy to climb above your crap and I'm not trying to be cute. Every day I watch too much TV and I am on my computer maybe 2 - 3 hours a day, sometimes playing word games which does relax me. I wish I had more encouraging words to give you. Please seek some help you sound very despondent. I hope that some others from this site will be able to help you out. Please take care of yourself. Nancy (Hug coming your way)

My first thought was, huzzah sir, how noble or something smarty pants. But in reality, I have fallen down the rabbit hole so many times and have had no one to help me climb out except me and I never quite make it to the top and I believe I’am emotionally bankrupt. I have a big old dose of anxiety, ADD or Bipolar, and depression and though I’ve never blamed my behavior on those aspects of my psyche, it challenges me to take life by the horns and climb above my crap. I just sit every day, reading and doing some housework. I truly wish you the best. I’m trying but I’m waiting for the big sleep. At least it’s going to be a different landscape and my daughter will be there to greet me.

Yeah, me too. Washing and drying my hair is now a HUGE task.