Problem Taking Showers

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.

That's the issue. It just seems like such a huge effort for me. Most things are a big effort for me and I have to push so much that it's easier not to do these things or put them off.

@nscappa Until you feel more like taking a shower, invest in some of the shower wipes that are available now. There are several types on the market. Some have soap or cleaners integrated into the wipe itself, and you use water to rinse off. They are marketed towards caregivers who are dealing with bed bound patients, or seniors, and also to camping enthusiasts who may be outdoors and not have access to a shower.

Do you think something like this may be a good stopgap for you at this time? I know for me, when I don't feel like showering, it really does feel so much better to make the effort to get into that nice warm water. Sometimes I visualize my current concerns going down the drain, helping my mood.
Ginger

I am an able-bodied person, and I don't always shower every day. At the risk of giving Too Much Infromation here, I rinse pits at the bathroom sink at least once a day. I heat a teakettle to just comfortable temp and use it for netherparts whilst sitting on the toilet. I do this because the shower I have access to leaks and damages the structure underneath and I can't afford to repair it. I also sometimes dip a washcloth in warm water to wipe over back of shoulders etc. It is no failure to not shower as often as you used to. In a lot of other parts of the world water is very scarce and people get by with a lot less washing.

If you feel unsafe showering, you can use a shower chair and also if it's an option have someone you trust come over to just sit and wait in the living room until you are safely done.

Sometimes too you have to choose where to put the limited energy you have.

....I agree daily showers not necessary and in fact can dry out skin etc. but I have a similar problem reversed...anxiety and depression and I now think chronic fatigue, anyway, have done barely anything last 3 yrs but I do have daily shower and either wash hair with soap or just the water; thing is, I dont want to get OUT ! I do have ibs-d so that's a reason to get in shower some days but its odd I feel sort of safe in there - I have a see-through plastic curtain ... and the shower head comes off so I can direct it as well, but I realize wasting water for one thing....the water seems to sooth me.... having "bad nerves" can IMO make us do or not do some odd things.... my spouse's Mum did not feel comfy in a shower or bath and found other ways to clean herself - as suggestions above... take care and wishing you the best.... J.

Hi Nscappa,
I'm sorry you are having such a problem with showers. That's too bad. My mom was in her 60's with pulmonary emphysema and she was afraid to shower for fear of falling. I had to help her in and out of the shower and stay with her while she showered. Do you have anyone who could help you with the shower? When you do shower, enjoy the relaxation you feel with the nice warm water and how good it feels to be clean. That attitude might help you be able to shower more often.

We all have our problems. I have a problem driving the car! But I push myself to do it and then, when I'm driving the car I enjoy it! That is after I spent the night before worrying about it!

You also might try praying about it. God is always there for you if you ask.

I hope things get better for you!
PML

Hey there,
I am also experiencing depression as a result of my intense anxiety. It makes it hard to do anything, especially shower. Just the effort alone is enough to keep me from doing it. Although I have no real advice, I just want you to know that you are not alone in this feeling and that I completely understand the difficulty. Sometimes trying is enough though and I always feel better after I finally do it. Thank you for sharing

Hello @nscappa!
I do not think daily showers are necessary. You just need to keep yourself clean. A sink bath is fine. I cannot take daily showers because of my dry skin. Neither could my mother and many other relatives for the same reason.
Take the advice of Ginger. I see those shower wipes around at even dollar stores.

Take care,
Laurie

Hi Laurie,
Thanks for your comments. Actually, I do use the baby wipes and they suffice for a while. I know it's a block and it drives me crazy and seems like it shouldn't be any problem at all for me. I think about it all the time and I say today I'll take that bath/shower and I put it off until the next day and the next, etc. It just seems to be such a huge effort to get into the tub. I assume it is because of the depression. It happens re doing a wash (clothes), dishes, etc. I have to push myself more but it just seems overwhelming. Once I'm in there I enjoy it, go figure.

Thanks so much for your comments. I just commented to someone else's comments and I did mention that after I do take a bath I do feel better and I think wow, that wasn't difficult at all. It does help me when you say that you are having the same problem. Any other things that are difficult for you? With me it's doing the dishes, washing my clothes, etc. Recently I started taking Abilify and I had so many bad symptoms that I had to take it every other day instead of every day. Granted, the mania was enjoyable you know, feeling alive and happy for a change but I still can't stop eating at night (I go to bed around 1:00 - 1:30 am, just a pattern I have gotten into since I don't have to work anymore so staying up just happens. Being on the pill every other day seems to put me back to how I felt when I was not taking it. Oh well, I will persevere and again, thanks so much for your reply. My nieces think that if they miss one shower it's a crime. : ) If I ever shared my issue about showers they would never understand so that issue never comes up.