Hygiene and depression

This is pretty embarrassing but I have trouble maintaining my hygiene when I'm depressed. I mean anything. Showering, washing my hair, brushing my teeth. Things like skincare or hair removal seem impossible. The worst part is that these basic things that used to just be automatic have become hard to remember to do even when I feel okay. Sometimes it almost feels like an aversion to getting clean because then I might have to do something. Any tips for how to make these things a habit again? Or make these tasks easier when I'm feeling depressed?

do you have something like a portable radio that you can take with you in to the bathroom while you're doing these things?. music is a great distraction for anything (at least that's what I find)

perhaps re: the showering, look for products that have scents that you like. it might help you to know that when you do shower, you are using something that you like, and you've chosen, and the smell of said product will linger for ages (and trust me, certain smells lingering isn't a bad thing)

what about starting small:

like.. today I'm going to shower and brush my teeth, because I have to go shopping, I have to see a friend, I have to... what ever

I have gone through this so don't think you are alone in this. I think it is hard because you mind is so focused on other stuff that just the everyday things are pushed away. For me it was a little easier because I had my Mom to take me by my hand and assist me in most of those things. Now you make think that sounds really weird, but a little background about myself is I am a 16 year old kid as well. So having my mom motivating me to brush my teeth and hair, and get into the shower is a little more normal. As for you I do agree with raging vortex in taking small steps with things. Try and set a schedule on when to do certain things and space them out as not to get too overwhelmed with too much at once. I am not going to say it is easy, but if you do it a little at a time by days end you can accomplish it. Good Luck.

Thank you both for your replies. I guess I'm just having a really hard time motivating myself. I should have higher standards for myself but I just don't anymore. I haven't tried listening to music but that might be a good distraction. Lately I've been using dry shampoo to make my hair look more passable but some days I just don't care at all. I used to cancel plans because I hadn't showered and now I just go. I just feel so embarrassed but also helpless. What's wrong with me?

I experience the same thing. Not only is it difficult to maintain personal hygiene, but it's also difficult to clean my surroundings, i.e. my apartment and truck. I don't have any tips to offer, I only wanted to tell you that I share your experience.

one of the things I often think about (and I can't be the only one on here who thinks about it), is....

why bother looking your best and be clean when you're just going to get dirty again?

I'm not going to shower everytime I go out, everytime I meet someone, everytime I have something on, because it's just not worth it (if you go by my theory)

I will if it's really important like therapist or something (I don't think I've ever shown up to therapy without looking deecent)