Don't bathe

I get so unmotivated about myself that taking a bath is unimportant. I know that sounds disgusting but that's how bad it gets.

We have various threads devoted to this subject, youre not alone! As fresh prince of bel air used to say, smell ya later! hamster-bamster recently started one about the little things - how to minimize steps, be more efficient, feel less overwhelmed.

Where is this thread?

I completely understand- I was in the same spot last week. I couldn't even get out of bed in the day time, why even shower. I hope you feel better soon, you help a lot of us out here and you deserve to feel better.

I'm in the same boat.

Yeahhh. The only reason why I shower is because I have roommates and I fear their reaction to me living the "au naturale" life haha. They'd probably toss me into the shower themselves if it really came down to it. But I tend to skip days and wear hats so they don't notice and I can get away with a couple days.

I can totally relate. I have classes on Mon and Wed, so I typically shower Monday morning and make myself presentable. Wednesday, I am still somewhat presentable. Friday I see my therapist, and am usually able to pull my hair back and pull it off. Rinse and repeat.

It takes so much effort...it's exhausting.

Here's the thread:
http://forums.psychcentral.com/bipol...ke-sanity.html

Also try using the search forums - i just tried it - works pretty good - search titles only for shower

It's my worst symptom besides sleeping a lot. I won't shower until I absolutely have to somewhere. Actually yesterday though I just felt like taking a shower and just jumped in without thinking about it. Maybe my depression is lifting.

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I only shower once every three or four days. It's like, what's the point? I don't go anywhere really, and it's so much effort. The worst part is drying my thick hair. Hate, hate, hate!

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Yeah, thank goodness I've found others who actually admit they also don't wash. Not only do I not wash, I don't even brush my teeth or change my clothes - I just stay in the same clothes for days on end. Think I need to go back and check out that link someone posted before. Thanks. HUGZZ. X

taking a shower is just dreadful

Hiya. I don't post much but just came across this and had to respond. Isn't it so nice to know we aren't alone?! Especially as a woman with all the pressure to shave everything all the time and hair and make up...smell and be as sweet as a flower all the time. There's been many many times I looked up and was like crap I haven't brushed my teeth for 2 days or showered in 4. And shaved.....forget it. Just the thought exhausts me. I do feel ashamed. I like anyone else like to feel look and smell good but it's so hard to keep up with everyday among many other things. I keep waiting for the day my brain will switch into gear and my body will have energy so I can look like Grace Kelly and be a Martha Stewart....lmao. Anyway hugs...you are not alone and thanks for sharing. Do your best one day at a time for you and your standards...no one else's.

I can go days, or even more than week without showering. I brush my teeth and comb my hair, and that's about it I'm done - no energy or motivation to do much else. It's like 'Okay I'm up, what else did you expect of me'.

I completely, 100% relate.

I have experienced similar self destructive behavior like not wanting to be clean, not getting out of bed and tolerating messes that build up. Thankfully, I still have access to a bath/shower, and an apartment to keep me warm. I have wanted to destroy, burn and/dump my belongings when I am in this state of mind. I have to get grounded, like by going on a walk, or breathing, or venting to someone, identifying what is making me feel like I am too much of a crowd for myself. I think it is a result of low self esteem, and a combination of other factors. What if you imagined that you were going to get cleaned up/showered for something really important, or even if it was just to than reward yourself for a glass of juice, or tea?

Maybe you can try an espom salt soak, first for your feet, see if that makes you feel better. Set a timer. It will be kind of like a prerequisite for you to commit to feeling fresher. It is a step, even if you feel like you have nothing to bathe for, maybe it is like mindfulness, just for the sake of being present to yourself, and to honor your body. I cannot believe that these ideas are coming out of me! I guess that is the point of sharing what is really happening. It is still scary to talk about. Take Care of yourself!