Problem Taking Showers

I can relate very well. I take Lexapro, Lamictal, and Klonapin . The last one is to sleep. Right now I am really depressed and it's tough to get out of. Some of it is financial problems but I don't want to do anything and I'm on the couch too much. Even brushing my teeth is an effort. Have you been seeing a therapist? I assume you have since you are taking an antidepressant. I wonder how I would feel if I were not on these pills since I don't feel much different. I really should be seeing a therapist but I have to find one in my network and one who will see you face-to-face not on Zoom. I would like to wake up one day feeling happy. I also know that I need exercise to help. One of my antis is for anxiety. I am no doctor but you do sound depressed. Has anything happened that could cause you to feel depressed. Keep in touch and I do hope that you can find a reason and maybe change your antidepressant. My best.

What’s causing it to be so hard to take a shower? You don’t like to get wet? Your brain on medication is affecting your balance? I had to switch to a cane because my vertigo was making it hard to keep my balance. I need to use my cane in the shower and the grab bars until I figured I needed to sit in a shower seat.

I hear you loud and clear! I HATE it! Always have. One theory I had was that it's genetic because my sister and my cousin both have the same aversion! We refer to the shower as the "water chamber" haha. Then I had a really goofy theory. My family is Syrian/Lebanese and our ancestors likely lived in dry desert conditions. Because water was such a limited resource it was wasteful to do things like bathe. So I figured they all took "sand baths". And I thought how funny because I LOVE being at the beach and laying directly on the warm soft sand. A sand bath! lol. Seriously though I understand and I feel less like a mature woman when I don't take basic care of myself. I'd never tell anyone! They'd think I was nuts so it was refreshing to see your post. My honest and serious theory about hating showers is that 1) I hate being cold. HATE IT. And 2) I'm very sensitive to things like loud noise or too many people in one place like at a party. The reason I think is because I feel kind of psychologically assaulted if that makes sense. Like it puts me on sensory overload. When I have to get in the shower I experience the same feeling and figured out that just the pounding of the water on my skin is just too much sensory input. It overwhelms me and God forbid if someone in the house flushes a toilet or turns on the hot water and suddenly the water is ice cold? It's a double whammy: cold AND tactile overload! Does any of this resonate with you? If not, try to pay close attention to your thoughts and feelings related to both your mental and physical state as you think about or get ready to take a shower. See if you can figure out what is happening that might help you identify what's influencing your feelings. It took me a long time to figure out my feelings of having sensory overload from the shower experience. And it kind of helps to understand it. At least I don't feel crazy or ashamed anymore. I hope this helps!

I hear you loud and clear! I HATE it! Always have. One theory I had was that it's genetic because my sister and my cousin both have the same aversion! We refer to the shower as the "water chamber" haha. Then I had a really goofy theory. My family is Syrian/Lebanese and our ancestors likely lived in dry desert conditions. Because water was such a limited resource it was wasteful to do things like bathe. So I figured they all took "sand baths". And I thought how funny because I LOVE being at the beach and laying directly on the warm soft sand. A sand bath! lol. Seriously though I understand and I feel less like a mature woman when I don't take basic care of myself. I'd never tell anyone! They'd think I was nuts so it was refreshing to see your post. My honest and serious theory about hating showers is that 1) I hate being cold. HATE IT. And 2) I'm very sensitive to things like loud noise or too many people in one place like at a party. The reason I think is because I feel kind of psychologically assaulted if that makes sense. Like it puts me on sensory overload. When I have to get in the shower I experience the same feeling and figured out that just the pounding of the water on my skin is just too much sensory input. It overwhelms me and God forbid if someone in the house flushes a toilet or turns on the hot water and suddenly the water is ice cold? It's a double whammy: cold AND tactile overload! Does any of this resonate with you? If not, try to pay close attention to your thoughts and feelings related to both your mental and physical state as you think about or get ready to take a shower. See if you can figure out what is happening that might help you identify what's influencing your feelings. It took me a long time to figure out my feelings of having sensory overload from the shower experience. And it kind of helps to understand it. At least I don't feel crazy or ashamed anymore. I hope this helps!

Wow, I didn't think anyone was reading my post at this point in time, but I am happy that you did. You are vey in tune with your body and feelings and that's a good thing. My issues are very different from yours. I do have depression issues (runs in my family) and lately they are pretty bad. Re my having trouble taking showers it seems so huge to me and I was always taking baths before all this began to happen. In 2015 my sister had a rare form of cancer, my cat Sabrina had kidney disease. I was working but I couldn't concentrate enough to keep working with Judy so sick so I quit my job (bringing home $12,000 less a year), Sabrina died, and my sister passed away. Three huge issues to deal with. Some people say that it's from getting older and this happens a lot. In my case, I don't believe that. Even brushing my teeth is an effort. My depression lately is the worst it has been in a very long time. A lot of it is financial (I live in a rent-controlled apartment which is a life saver for me) and I am on a very fixed income. Money issues have always done a job on me because I never missed a payment until things got so difficult. I haven't done housework like I would usually do, washing the dishes is huge, etc., etc. When I put off taking a shower/bath it just gets harder and harder and when I do I feel like, wow, I did it and I feel good. I really appreciate your reply to my post and how you are handling this issue. I keep saying today and then it's no tomorrow. Today really should be THE day and I hope it is. Again, thank you so much for sharing, I truly appreciate it. Take care. : )

So sorry for your losses - especially the loss of your sister! My condolences to you. A triple whammy certainly is hard to get over, much less a double, especially when depression is hereditary! Your lack of motivation is very understandable.

Are you able to find a social worker who can help you get a therapist in person instead of online consults (although I would imagine even those are better than none), and put you in touch with an agency that provides help with housecleaning and meals? In Canada we have a service called Meals on Wheels, and also organizations that provide prepared meals for a fee which would help. Do you have friends close by with whom you could go out for a coffee? Is there a Church you can attend that has regular Bible Studies, grief support, social activities, etc.?

In the meantime … reaching out through Mayo Connect is a great start …!

Wow, I didn't think anyone was reading my post at this point in time, but I am happy that you did. You are vey in tune with your body and feelings and that's a good thing. My issues are very different from yours. I do have depression issues (runs in my family) and lately they are pretty bad. Re my having trouble taking showers it seems so huge to me and I was always taking baths before all this began to happen. In 2015 my sister had a rare form of cancer, my cat Sabrina had kidney disease. I was working but I couldn't concentrate enough to keep working with Judy so sick so I quit my job (bringing home $12,000 less a year), Sabrina died, and my sister passed away. Three huge issues to deal with. Some people say that it's from getting older and this happens a lot. In my case, I don't believe that. Even brushing my teeth is an effort. My depression lately is the worst it has been in a very long time. A lot of it is financial (I live in a rent-controlled apartment which is a life saver for me) and I am on a very fixed income. Money issues have always done a job on me because I never missed a payment until things got so difficult. I haven't done housework like I would usually do, washing the dishes is huge, etc., etc. When I put off taking a shower/bath it just gets harder and harder and when I do I feel like, wow, I did it and I feel good. I really appreciate your reply to my post and how you are handling this issue. I keep saying today and then it's no tomorrow. Today really should be THE day and I hope it is. Again, thank you so much for sharing, I truly appreciate it. Take care. : )

as a 76 yo woman with severe arthritis I have to realize slow and steady wins the race. my shower is attached to a clawfoot tub which is adorable and very steady I cannot get out of the bath or up from the floor. I am trying to lose weight with semiglutide I watch YouTube videos about getting up from the floor. so, taking a shower washing my hair is a huge accomplishment. giving myself a break from shame and guilt over slowing down.

Wow, I didn't think anyone was reading my post at this point in time, but I am happy that you did. You are vey in tune with your body and feelings and that's a good thing. My issues are very different from yours. I do have depression issues (runs in my family) and lately they are pretty bad. Re my having trouble taking showers it seems so huge to me and I was always taking baths before all this began to happen. In 2015 my sister had a rare form of cancer, my cat Sabrina had kidney disease. I was working but I couldn't concentrate enough to keep working with Judy so sick so I quit my job (bringing home $12,000 less a year), Sabrina died, and my sister passed away. Three huge issues to deal with. Some people say that it's from getting older and this happens a lot. In my case, I don't believe that. Even brushing my teeth is an effort. My depression lately is the worst it has been in a very long time. A lot of it is financial (I live in a rent-controlled apartment which is a life saver for me) and I am on a very fixed income. Money issues have always done a job on me because I never missed a payment until things got so difficult. I haven't done housework like I would usually do, washing the dishes is huge, etc., etc. When I put off taking a shower/bath it just gets harder and harder and when I do I feel like, wow, I did it and I feel good. I really appreciate your reply to my post and how you are handling this issue. I keep saying today and then it's no tomorrow. Today really should be THE day and I hope it is. Again, thank you so much for sharing, I truly appreciate it. Take care. : )