Depression; If you never leave the house, do you find it hard to wash your hair and shower often?

Hi Sue,

Oh yes, depression will cause this for sure. Yes, you should tell your therapist so that he/she knows where you are at in your depression so you can be treated as you need. If a full shower is too hard just sponge bath everyday so you get back into the habit of better hygiene until you feel better, Don't worry it will come it is just really slow getting over a depression. Also depends where you are in the depression. I had two major one hospitalised twice for those. I was so bad that I would start washing and could not remember if I washed my hair or not, I would get confused what I had just washed. When I got better and started to go home on weekends I even had trouble shaving. I forgot how so don't feel bad that this is happening just go with the flow it will come back when you start feeling better and getting over your depression. I pray to the Lord Jesus that you will be healed from this depression quickly and get your life back on track.

Poor personal hygiene is the number one sign of depression. If you're on medication, I'd say it's not working.

I can remember days I did nothing or just a quick sponge bath. Never any makeup, even if I had to go out. I am fortunate that I am so much better because of the right meds, a good therapist and prayer. I am back to showers, washing my hair, makeup and even ear rings. There is hope
and a good future. Never give up.

I have struggled with this issue for years. There is nothing to feel ashamed about. As you can see there are many people who struggle with this too. I have been in your shoes and talking to my therapist helped alot. I hope you are able to talk to yours and just be honest and tell him/her how you have been feeling. I like to take a bath with candles and some good music try something that makes you feel relaxed and maybe that would help. Take care of yourself and know that you have people here that care about you :)

I have a 9 to 5 job, and I struggle with this on a daily basis! I think I've developed a pattern that I made for myself while I was severely depresSed. Its important to not so that. That being said, this is what I do, I will buy a new shampoo or soap that I really think I'll like, I will take a long bath instead of a shower, maybe not wash my hair every time and try to make the experience as enjoyable a possible. Try this and it may not cure you, but it will make you hate it less. Lol

Hi Sue,
When one suffers from depression hygiene isn't that important for different reasons, one being as you mentioned, it doesn't matter to us for various reasons, maybe the depression has us feeling very fatigued, tired, or depression can give us a feeling of I don't care. Who am I going to be around anyway, whats the point nobody cares about me anyway (that's the feeling of worthlessness with certain parts of depression) Whatever the reason you should absolutely tell your therapist as at times this can mean your depression is getting worse.

I hope you feel better soon,
pamee

I started having panic attacks in the shower so I started only showering when I had to then I got to the point where I wasn't gonna let it control me so I started showering every other day until I got that under control. I still have panic attacks while I'm out doing something or knowing I have to go to the dr or something else. I too suffer from depression and it's a terrible thing. Your not alone.

Yes Sue fighting depression this is very common we don't care about our regular needs,PLEASE TELL YOUR THERAPST NEXT VISIT this is a good sign that whatever you are taking you are still showing signs of deprression or
could be you have not been on it long enough some of the meds can take 4 to 6 weeks to work but it is importaint to tell you therapist next time you go..this is very comman do not feel bad about yourself dear we just loose the care of ourselves and how we look good luck my friend it gets better Chuck1957 retired pharmacy technician Cpht.

Yes, what you describe sounds like symptoms of depression. I would definitely discuss with your therapist and doctor. Sometimes the first choices of medication for depression aren't the right ones for us. Thank goodness there are many to choose from until we find the right one(s) for us.

I am the same way. I just think to myself why bother, I have no one to to be beautiful for besides the dog and tv so just save the energy for when I " have to".