How do you manage self-care and personal hygiene?

I'm embarassed to admit that I rarely manage to shower twice a week - usually it's once, on the weekends - and that I brush my teeth at most three times a week if I'm having a really good week (some weeks, I don't do it at all). I also forget to change clothes. I usually change into another shirt every two days, but sometimes I'm walking around in the same trousers or socks for (over) a week.

How do you do this?

[Nammu]

I don't know, but you are not alone. I've been in PJs for weeks.

[Altered Moment]

When I am severely depressed all that stuff goes out the window. I can go without showering for weeks. Even brushing my teeth although I have tried to force myself to be better about that. Same sweats and shirt for weeks. Its embarrassing to admit but very common.

ZERO motivation. But I can not stand being unclean........... still have to get cleaned up if any other human is going to see me. Now if I am stuck on the sofa watching tv - then i can go without anything.

[regretful]

Originally Posted by Breadfish

How do you manage self-care and personal hygiene?

I'm embarassed to admit that I rarely manage to shower twice a week - usually it's once, on the weekends - and that I brush my teeth at most three times a week if I'm having a really good week (some weeks, I don't do it at all). I also forget to change clothes. I usually change into another shirt every two days, but sometimes I'm walking around in the same trousers or socks for (over) a week.

How do you do this?

Hello. I do this simply by taking each of those activities one step at a time. I know that it's work, especially when depressed (as I am now), but I wake up and literally force myself to take on these primary tasks in order to work up to the more complex. I hope that helps.

I cannot go a day without taking a bath first thing in the morning. Wash my hair every third day because it doesn't need it and is very dry. Always change my shirt, socks and underwear but sometimes wear the same sweatshirt and sweatpants several days in a row (around the house). If I go out, I generally wear the same pair of jeans because it's all I have that fits me and I'm uninterested in buying more clothes even though I have the money.

[SeekerOfLife]

I can really identify with this. When in a deep depression, I do not want to do anything. Fortunately for me, I hate being dirty, sweaty, and oily. I at least take a sponge bath and brush my teeth.

[Fuzzybear]

........

[dandylin]

I never have had a hygiene issue associated with depression. I have to shower and shave legs and pits every day. I may not do it until mid afternoon, but I do get it done

Originally Posted by Breadfish

How do you manage self-care and personal hygiene?

I'm embarassed to admit that I rarely manage to shower twice a week - usually it's once, on the weekends - and that I brush my teeth at most three times a week if I'm having a really good week (some weeks, I don't do it at all). I also forget to change clothes. I usually change into another shirt every two days, but sometimes I'm walking around in the same trousers or socks for (over) a week.

How do you do this?

That kind of goes with the territory. It is a little embarrassing and since I hate being "dirty" and get skin reactions if I don't shower and shave daily it is uncomfortable. Just do the best you can

[ginaaa22]

ive notices as im getting more depressed that i dont want to shower or shave but every other day i do because i smell.

[TheOriginalMe]

I try to imagine what will happen if I don't do something. So if I don't wash then I'll get sweat rash and that will get infected and hurt. I use negative imagery (which comes all to easily when I'm depressed) to create a scenario where it is easier to do the basic tasks than not do them. So, for example, I imagine all my teeth falling out because I can't afford the dentist's fees and all that could have been prevented by brushing my teeth. It sounds pretty lame I know, but it is worth a try.

[Altered Moment]

Originally Posted by Useless Me

ZERO motivation. But I can not stand being unclean........... still have to get cleaned up if any other human is going to see me. Now if I am stuck on the sofa watching tv - then i can go without anything.

Yes I am more like this accept I can stand being dirty (hey I was a plumber my whole life). But if I have to leave the house and see anyone I can't go unless I shower and shave.

[jenniy122]

Right now I'm on an upswing, so it's getting easier to wash my face every day, brush my teeth a couple times a week, and shower twice a week. It's still a struggle cause I have sensory issues as well that make it physically uncomfortable. But when it's bad that all goes out the window. I don't do any of that. I don't change out of my pjs for weeks on end. I'm just so zapped of energy and motivation that it seems so complicated and pointless. Something that used to work for me in the past when I needed to be clean for school work and therapy groups but was really depressed was daily and weekly to-do lists. Being able to check that one or two things off my list made me feel like at least I did something.

I showered tonight, huzzah huzzah :P It feels great.

[BeachGaBulldog]

I only shower every few days and lost most of my teeth due to severe depression. I will wear something and not throw it in the dirty clothes hamper. I will fold it up and wear it again.

I use bath products that I know are guaranteed to make me feel better.

My lavender Dr. Bronner's liquid soap always makes me feel more relaxed and clear-headed. Great for bedtime, depression, and anxiety.

When I feel groggy and sore, I use a body scrub with apricot seed granules. It also contains salicylic acid to prevent body acne and ingrown hairs. This scrub is really invigorating. Massaging it into my body makes me feel more alert, awakened, and leaves my skin really smooth.

There are more shower and personal hygiene experiences and tips on this thread:
http://forums.psychcentral.com/bipol...nt-shower.html

Okay... I think I'm going to admit that some things have been carried over from the days when my depression/anxiety were at a constant 8 or 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. Most of the time I could not exercise basic hygiene in that state.
I think I may just be lazy and/or not care that much anymore. I may try to improve on that. There is a fine line between lack of motivation and laziness
This only applies to me... no offense or insinuations intended.

[Twigs92]

Manic or depressed I always have a hard time remembering to change clothes. However when I'm depressed it becomes harder to actually do things like shower, do laundry, wash dishes, actually just do anything that doesn't involve existing. That said I'm pretty fundamental about brushing my teeth.