I was shocked to see this thread; I had no idea that others felt this way. Although I definitely identify with some of the previous posts it has become a lot more severe over the last year and a half or so. I've never told anyone this for fear of repercussions and judgements, but I VERY rarely shower since I lost my job 3 months ago (maybe once every 2 weeks or so), but the bigger issue is my hair. Each time it gets longer and longer between washings, and it has now been over 2 months. I know this is probably repulsive, but the idea of showering and especially washing my hair has become so overwhelming that I am absolutely terrified to do it. I can't explain why this happens, and I'm so embarrassed and disgusted with myself, which in turn makes me feel much, much worse.

I don't know how to break this cycle, but it is definitely not how I want to live, and I'm afraid that no one will be able to understand since it is really just so gross.

- Overwhelmingly Ashamed