1. < Depression & Anxiety
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I take Lexapro, Lamictal, Abilify, yet have Problem Taking Showers

Posted by nscappa @nscappa, Apr 22, 2023

I have mentioned this sensitive subject in the past but it's not getting any better. I do have depression and I take Lexapro, Lamictal, and now Abilify. The Abilify really screwed me up re mania, insomnia, constipation, talking incessantly, etc. I switched to half a pill every other day. I mention the meds just so you would l know what I am taking. The issue with taking a shower is still a huge effort way too hard to get in that shower. Is anyone else having this problem? It's really upsetting because I have always been such an immaculate person re hygiene. I do live alone so that saves me somewhat. This is really a big problem for me. Any comments?

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barbthemac | @barbthemac | Feb 24, 2024
In reply to @lc224 "I am experiencing the same thing you are, re: getting in the shower. I suffer with..." + (show)
Profile picture for lc224 @lc224

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.

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Hi there, I’m 72, divorced, live alone, my only child passed away and I have taken isolation to new heights. I’ve been outside 8 or 9 times since December, with my food, prescriptions and misc items from Amazon but all of those things are delivered. So I’m left with the feeling of not being part of a group that causes me to get cracking in the shower department. Thank you for your words. Maybe I need permission from someone to take a shower

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barbthemac | @barbthemac | Feb 24, 2024
In reply to @nscappa "Hello Barb, It's a vicious circle. In my case it's definitely my depression. Being 76 my..." + (show)
Profile picture for nscappa @nscappa

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 : )
t

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I’m so happy for you that your family is helping you a bit. I can’t get anything for anxiety because of other meds I’m taking. I’m reading every article about anxiety in hopes of finding something that is OTC or a type of meditation (The ADD usually sabotages meditation)

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nscappa | @nscappa | Feb 24, 2024
In reply to @barbthemac "My first thought was, huzzah sir, how noble or something smarty pants. But in reality, I..." + (show)
Profile picture for barbthemac @barbthemac

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.

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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)

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dloos | @dloos | Feb 25, 2024

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

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refdbug | @refdbug | Feb 25, 2024

I also have trouble getting into the shower due to anxiety and just putting it off You can get a tub transfer bench and a hand held shower There are agencies that help with that stuff to make a shower safer But there is no reason you must shower. You can get perfectly clean with a sponge bath and you can wash your head in the sink There are also nice smelling body wiped The whole shower thing is overrated and really not necessary, especially as we age. so its ok and nothing to be ashamed of😉❤️

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refdbug | @refdbug | Feb 25, 2024
In reply to @nscappa "I find your post very sad and I pray that you can find your way out..." + (show)
Profile picture for nscappa @nscappa

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)

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Depression is actually high for elderly who go through so much loss and are often isolated Its worth getting treatment no matter how old you are! Start by calling your primary care provider and they can refer you, or the senior center. You are truly worth it and worth being taken care of and you are not alone

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refdbug | @refdbug | Feb 25, 2024
In reply to @barbthemac "My first thought was, huzzah sir, how noble or something smarty pants. But in reality, I..." + (show)
Profile picture for barbthemac @barbthemac

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.

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You are clearly a fighter and all your struggles make you a resource I totally empathize having the same long term struggles Reaching out and helping others is the best medicine for me It gets me out of my own miserable head and makes me feel of use I think the above gentleman does not understand debilitating depression

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refdbug | @refdbug | Feb 25, 2024
In reply to @dloos "Yeah, me too. Washing and drying my hair is now a HUGE task." + (show)
Profile picture for dloos @dloos

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

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And theres also dry shampoo which many travelers swear by😉
Not to make light I know a retiring beautician who volunteers and goes to folks homes -maybe someone around you? Worth asking

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barbthemac | @barbthemac | Feb 25, 2024
In reply to @refdbug "I also have trouble getting into the shower due to anxiety and just putting it off..." + (show)
Profile picture for refdbug @refdbug

I also have trouble getting into the shower due to anxiety and just putting it off You can get a tub transfer bench and a hand held shower There are agencies that help with that stuff to make a shower safer But there is no reason you must shower. You can get perfectly clean with a sponge bath and you can wash your head in the sink There are also nice smelling body wiped The whole shower thing is overrated and really not necessary, especially as we age. so its ok and nothing to be ashamed of😉❤️

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I’m disabled but I have bought 2 bar grips and a really good bath mat that’s as long as my shower floor, but I’m still afraid of falling. I have fallen a couple of times and cracked some ribs. I have a shower chair but it fills up the whole shower and is inconvenient. Sorry if I sound like a crazy old lady who whines.

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2 replies
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barbthemac | @barbthemac | Feb 25, 2024
In reply to @nscappa "I find your post very sad and I pray that you can find your way out..." + (show)
Profile picture for nscappa @nscappa

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)

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Oh thank you for caring and kind words. I do take psych meds but my new medication MPA is trying to move my meds around to make my kookooness more manageable. I have isolated myself and only have one good friend. My sister who I used to speak with every day caught COVID in the hospital while she was being treated for COPD pneumonia and my youngest sister is very judgmental so I don’t feel like getting kicked in the teeth by her when I do a fine job by myself. I planned to change my bedsheets and hop in the shower today but it’s evening and I’m still stinky lol. I’m going to try again tomorrow.

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