1. < Depression & Anxiety

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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nscappa | @nscappa | 4 days ago
In reply to @louisy "You've had a lot of huge losses. Depression is so paralyzing. I can identify with all..." + (show)
@louisy

You've had a lot of huge losses. Depression is so paralyzing. I can identify with all the things you described. I haven't had the loss like you have. My stressors are currently with relationships and I also struggle with PTSD and ADHD. I take Adderall for the ADHD and you'd think it would help with motivating me to venture into the shower (or do anything really). But it doesn't seem to help that issue. It definitely decreases my anxiety & depression esp in the morning. Please be easy on yourself. You're dealing with a lot. I hope you have a friend who you feel close to. Those kinds of friends are rare. But they can make all the difference sometimes. What my doc says to me is to stay in the moment; don't look back or forward. Just be where you are now. Mindfulness basically. It helps me but it takes a lot of ongoing practice because my brain races. I do hope things improve for you. Keep posting.

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Thank you so much for your kind words. You have a lot to deal with re the PTSD and ADHD too. I have no motivation to do things which were easy to do before this slump. Even brushing my teeth is sometimes an effort. I am currently looking for a psychologist which was suggested by my nurse practitioner who gives me my antidepressants. The problem is that almost 90% will only do virtual help which is not what I need. I want a woman and a one-on-one not just a computer screen (my computer is old) but I still don't want that type of therapy. I did not think that at 77 years of age I would still want to talk with a therapist but I do need to. I feel that I have some OCD. I have some compulsions that I have never had. I do have a wonderful cousin and some lovely friends who listen to me (and I listen to them too) but it's not enough. I don't always want to sound depressed because that can get old. I need to exercise and I am waiting to hear from a physical therapist to help with my balance. I'm rambling so I will stop for now but please feel free to post again I'm not going anywhere. : )

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danyysienna111 | @danyysienna111 | 4 days ago
In reply to @platapuss "@nscappa Me again. I’ve read about the difficulties to shower, brush teeth, do basic functions… they..." + (show)
@platapuss

@nscappa
Me again. I’ve read about the difficulties to shower, brush teeth, do basic functions… they call it ADHD paralysis.
Difficulty doing one thing whatever it is and difficulty moving from one task to another task. The effort makes one give up trying. I have that now as well.

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I suffer from the same difficulties and put off taking a shower/bath as long as I can. Just once a week seems the best I can do it is a HUGE effort to do such a simple thing. Have you tried sponge baths? Body wipes are able to promote good hygiene which makes it much easier. I hope this helps. God bless you!

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danyysienna111 | @danyysienna111 | 4 days ago
In reply to @barbthemac "I’m disabled but I have bought 2 bar grips and a really good bath mat that’s..." + (show)
@barbthemac

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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I suffer from chronic PTSD and chronic depression too, the same difficulties similar to yours and put off taking a shower/bath as long as I can. Just once a week seems the best I can do it is a HUGE effort to do such a simple thing. Have you tried sponge baths? Body wipes are available to promote good hygiene which makes it much much easier. Also, an emergency necklace will offer you safety when you're in distress. I hope this helps. God bless you!

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1 reply
danyysienna111 | @danyysienna111 | 4 days ago
In reply to @barbthemac "Oh thank you for caring and kind words. I do take psych meds but my new..." + (show)
@barbthemac

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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I suffer from chronic PTSD and severe depression too and put off taking a shower/bath as long as I can. Just once a week seems the best I can do it is a HUGE effort to do such a simple thing. Have you tried sponge baths? Body wipes are available to promote good hygiene which makes it much much easier. An excellent quality bath mat and hand rails/chair can help .Also, an emergency necklace will offer you safety when you're in distress. I hope this helps. God bless you!

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kforrest | @kforrest | 4 days ago
In reply to @danyysienna111 "Please install handrails and a seat in shower to help you get up. Also, wear an..." + (show)
@danyysienna111

Please install handrails and a seat in shower to help you get up. Also, wear an alert necklace if you are in distress. Hope this helps. God bless you!

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my son installed hand rails. do't know what to install in my shower i need something to keep me from falling.

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1 reply
kforrest | @kforrest | 4 days ago
In reply to @danyysienna111 "Please install handrails and a seat in shower to help you get up. Also, wear an..." + (show)
@danyysienna111

Please install handrails and a seat in shower to help you get up. Also, wear an alert necklace if you are in distress. Hope this helps. God bless you!

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my son put up a handrail and i ordered a rail for my shower area

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nscappa | @nscappa | 4 days ago
In reply to @kforrest "my son installed hand rails. do't know what to install in my shower i need something..." + (show)
@kforrest

my son installed hand rails. do't know what to install in my shower i need something to keep me from falling.

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I purchased a small handrail (it will adhere to the bathroom and it does work. It comes in a larger size too. CVS carries them and I'm sure many other stores do too. I'm 154 pounds and it works well for me. I think I will purchase the larger one too.

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kforrest | @kforrest | 4 days ago
In reply to @danyysienna111 "I suffer from chronic PTSD and chronic depression too, the same difficulties similar to yours and..." + (show)
@danyysienna111

I suffer from chronic PTSD and chronic depression too, the same difficulties similar to yours and put off taking a shower/bath as long as I can. Just once a week seems the best I can do it is a HUGE effort to do such a simple thing. Have you tried sponge baths? Body wipes are available to promote good hygiene which makes it much much easier. Also, an emergency necklace will offer you safety when you're in distress. I hope this helps. God bless you!

Jump to this post

i finally figured out that antibacterial bar soap keeps me smelling fresher longer. getting older is a huge job.

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