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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barbthemac | @barbthemac | Feb 25 8:00pm
In reply to @refdbug "I also have trouble getting into the shower due to anxiety and just putting it off..." + (show)
@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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1 reply
barbthemac | @barbthemac | Feb 25 8:07pm
In reply to @nscappa "I find your post very sad and I pray that you can find your way out..." + (show)
@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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barbthemac | @barbthemac | Feb 25 8:18pm
In reply to @nscappa "Thank you so much for your comments. I'm not afraid of falling (I'm 75 years old)..." + (show)
@nscappa

Thank you so much for your comments. I'm not afraid of falling (I'm 75 years old) although at times I am but that's not the reason for my not showering. It just seems overwhelming to get in the tub and once I do I enjoy it so much and give myself kudos for finally getting it done. I tell myself I will start taking showers more often and then maybe it will just turn into an everyday thing but that never works. I have been told that elderly people do get lazy with their hygiene but I don't feel that this is the case because I have always been immaculate with myself but not for a long time. Seems since my sister died on September 20 of 2015, my cat died shortly before my sister passed and I quite my job when Judy became ill with a rare form or cancer and I just could not concentrate anymore with so much on my mind. After that my life changed to much. I'm rambling here so I'll end my comments here. Thank you again for taking the time to write to me. : )

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It’s so hard to function when you lose someone who is so close to you. Getting out of bed had never been a problem but lately I don’t want to make the effort. I used to be so clean and my house was such, you could eat off the floor. Now I’m not sure if you can eat off my dishes. I’m really enjoying this group and I’m getting kind words from all of you and it warms my heart. Thank you and I hope I’m responding correctly.

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barbthemac | @barbthemac | Feb 25 8:23pm
In reply to @refdbug "Depression is actually high for elderly who go through so much loss and are often isolated..." + (show)
@refdbug

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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I live off my social security check and it sure doesn’t go very far so I can’t afford a therapist but I am receiving my meds from a PA so I have that. I’ve yakked enough so thank you 😊

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nscappa | @nscappa | Feb 26 9:29am
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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Here is a big hug for and you certainly don't sound like a crazy old lady who whines we have to vent sometimes so never think like that. Believe me you are not alone and I need a shower too. Maybe today? : )

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barbthemac | @barbthemac | Feb 27 10:14pm
In reply to @refdbug "And theres also dry shampoo which many travelers swear by😉 Not to make light I know..." + (show)
@refdbug

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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I’m actually going to post in a local Facebook marketplace “Pass It On” to see if anyone can come over to my house and trim my hair. It’s growing very well and is down to the middle of my back but I haven’t had it trimmed in months. I also bought some hair dye about 4 or 5 months ago and maybe I’ll dye my hair.

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barbthemac | @barbthemac | Feb 27 10:18pm

Yippee skippee, I took a bloody shower today but didn’t wash my hair but I’m clean and I truly believe it is due to you folks. All your encouragement, support, and kind words of advice are the reason I got into the shower and scrubbed the heck out of my skin. Thank you all very much!

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1 reply
nscappa | @nscappa | Feb 28 10:20am
In reply to @barbthemac "Yippee skippee, I took a bloody shower today but didn’t wash my hair but I’m clean..." + (show)
@barbthemac

Yippee skippee, I took a bloody shower today but didn’t wash my hair but I’m clean and I truly believe it is due to you folks. All your encouragement, support, and kind words of advice are the reason I got into the shower and scrubbed the heck out of my skin. Thank you all very much!

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YES!! Good for you I'm hoping for today so I can feel the same way. We all support each other that's why we are here to help each other out. : )

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deb24 | @deb24 | Mar 4 1:30pm
In reply to @nscappa "Thank you so much for your comments. I'm not afraid of falling (I'm 75 years old)..." + (show)
@nscappa

Thank you so much for your comments. I'm not afraid of falling (I'm 75 years old) although at times I am but that's not the reason for my not showering. It just seems overwhelming to get in the tub and once I do I enjoy it so much and give myself kudos for finally getting it done. I tell myself I will start taking showers more often and then maybe it will just turn into an everyday thing but that never works. I have been told that elderly people do get lazy with their hygiene but I don't feel that this is the case because I have always been immaculate with myself but not for a long time. Seems since my sister died on September 20 of 2015, my cat died shortly before my sister passed and I quite my job when Judy became ill with a rare form or cancer and I just could not concentrate anymore with so much on my mind. After that my life changed to much. I'm rambling here so I'll end my comments here. Thank you again for taking the time to write to me. : )

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If it makes you feel any better, you are not alone. I struggle to get in a bath or shower too. It just feels too difficult. Also, I have to monitor my oxygen constantly, especially with any activity, and it isn't possible to wear an oximeter, or oxygen therapy, in the bath or shower. I have been sponge bathing, using disposable washcloths/wipes. I am trying not to beat myself up and just use the ways I can cope with to get clean. I am hopeful that things will normalize if I can get my oxygen readings stabilized. If not, I just do the best I can in the easiest way possible. I hope this is some small encouragement to you. We have enough to deal with, with this LC nightmare. I think it's important to do whatever feels easiest whenever we can.

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2 replies
nscappa | @nscappa | Mar 4 3:14pm
In reply to @deb24 "If it makes you feel any better, you are not alone. I struggle to get in..." + (show)
@deb24

If it makes you feel any better, you are not alone. I struggle to get in a bath or shower too. It just feels too difficult. Also, I have to monitor my oxygen constantly, especially with any activity, and it isn't possible to wear an oximeter, or oxygen therapy, in the bath or shower. I have been sponge bathing, using disposable washcloths/wipes. I am trying not to beat myself up and just use the ways I can cope with to get clean. I am hopeful that things will normalize if I can get my oxygen readings stabilized. If not, I just do the best I can in the easiest way possible. I hope this is some small encouragement to you. We have enough to deal with, with this LC nightmare. I think it's important to do whatever feels easiest whenever we can.

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Hi Deb,

Thank you for sharing your feelings and knowing that we are not alone. It must be difficult having to use oxygen which just makes things more difficult. I'm isolating a lot more than I should, so I have to push myself but it's not very easy for me to do. Oh well, we do the best that we can. Thanks again and take care. Nancy : )

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