10 Tips for Showering while Struggling with Your Mental Health
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- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2021
- It can be really difficult to carry out every day tasks and self care such as taking a shower and brushing your teeth when going through a difficult period with your mental health. In this video, I provide 10 tips for taking a shower when you’re struggling with your mental health.
I also forgot to include that I often play music while showering! I find it a bit more soothing and motivating.
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I didn’t shower for 3 months and my hair matted so bad it took me a year untangling it. Depression is no joke. Thank you for this!
you're not alone
been there rip
Congrats on detangling!!! There’s a whole channel dedicated to professionally untangling the hair of people in recovery. You might want to check it out!
I haven’t brushed my teeth in 7 years still white with a yellow tint
I have also being there I ended up having to shave my head as I couldn’t look after my hair but honestly it helped and was very freeing x your not alone x
The baby wipes made me start to sob. Same with the washing my hair in the sink. It has always felt so “wrong” and “gross” and this made me feel so validated. ❤️❤️
Same, and I also got emotional. Ive been living with serious mental ilnness for nearly 20 years and still haven't figured this one out, so Im so glad to see it discussed with care and dignity. 🖤 thanks.
**sending support and love** it's not wrong or gross, it's something you've discovered that works for you. That's important and valid.
You're amazing. Getting the courage to do that much is amazing!
Wishing you love and ease.
I got emotional too. You are not alone, not even close. 💗☀️
I struggle, but one thing that I have learned is that adult wipes are bigger, wetter, and stronger than baby wipes. They're found near the adult diapers. We used them in hospitals and nursing homes. Highly recommend!
You can buy packets of adult wipes from Amazon.
Adult wipes exist?! Lifechanger! I need to look into that Haha I go through baby wipes so fast
I'll see if they hv them in my country, great idea.
No way i would never neglect myself with just wipes. 👎 I bath 2 times a day with top notch products. No hate.
@@Iceis_Phoenix sounds like you completely missed the point of this video. Good for you for bathing 2x a day. However, it's common for people battling mental illness to struggle with this. For example, I was brutally raped in a bathroom. Sometimes I just can't relive that experience. On those days I am thankful for my adult wipes which keep me feeling fresh until I can face my PTSD struggles. I hope this was helpful.
I struggle with hygiene also. There have been times showering has wiped me out for doing anything else for the rest of the day. Thank you . Your videos help me alot.
YES! The knowledge of that makes me less likely to take a shower.
Same
I have the same problem. I am tired after shower and do not want to go outside because I am concerned that I will catch a cold. Sometimes I have to choose between shower and running errands.
@@marialopes9190 me too.
same here. Glad it's not just me
As someone with Depression some days I wake up with 0 energy or motivation. It is hard to describe to someone who does have a mental illness. The respones I have had are don't be so lazy or get over it. Sometimes I wish people could feel the physical effect of my Depression but I would not wish the mental struggle on my worst enemy. Thank you for the vid.
I really relate. My depression gets very severe. I ran into someone the other day who believed depression isn’t actually an illness, and that it’s the same thing as sadness, i.e. a normal ‘emotion’. I tried explaining how severely limiting depression is physically and he just repeated the same thing about people with depression just being lazy, childish, and spoiled for “refusing” to get out of bed…. I was FUMING lol, you really just can’t get through to some people.
I empathise 100%
Yes I think if we knew others really understood what we go through just that validation alone would make us feel a little better.
@@boinkadoinkk Having depression sucks but at least I'm not ignorant like that guy🤣
@@csmoothsk8ter17 I know, kinda embarrassing for him tbh 😂 I have a feeling that some of these people are genuinely depressed but in extreme denial… idk why else he’d be so pressed about it lol, he seemed to take it all *really* personally..
its hard. i dont know if i am gonna take a shower after watching this video, but i am happy just to see other people also have this problem
This was such a nice video. I think a lot of people who ever experienced depression know this problem too well. My trick is to have a nice moment to myself, listening to music or a podcast and really making the shower time a time for relaxation and also preparing myself for the day. I have gone days, even weeks, without showering when being really depressed and it's difficult to explain this to people who never had depression or other mental issues. You just do not want to take a shower at all.
ETA: I do realise not all people with depression struggle with taking showers. I've corrected my reply to reflect that.
Yes!! A podcast or music can really make it easier!
@@Ameliamaemay1990 Absolutely. For me it makes my focus shift a little and now I can actually look forward to taking a shower while for many years it took so much will power to do it when I was deep in depression.
To be honest, I don’t think everyone struggles with showering who has depression. Everyone has different experiences with it and even though it’s one of the more common symptoms, it doesn’t mean it’s true for all. I have depressive episodes myself but when I’m in them, I don’t tend to skip showers (sometimes maybe, but not all the time). I don’t know why that is, I think it’s so that I look like I’m ‘fine’ on the outside so no one suspects anything and also because I’m naturally a clean-freak anyway.
I have problems with showers sometimes. Listening to music helps.
Music is a great idea
I have depression, and I struggle with hygiene every day. I have to go back to daily showers since I'll be working soon (I actually have my first day of training tomorrow!) So this was helpful and came out at the perfect time. Thank you Lauren. Even though I don't have schizophrenia, I still love your videos.
Congrats on your new job! I hope it's going well for you, and that you're treating yourself with kindness.
@@chillcreep4926 It's going better then expected. I love it and I'm asking for more hours tomorrow.
Congratulations! It sounds really good. I’m looking for a job, but I’m ADHD, autistic, dyslexic and I have anxiety too. I don’t work in more than 20 yeso I’m not feel capable but I’m taking therapy and that helps, but I now I have great challenges. But I’m glad and fell happy and hopeful when I hear positive and happy stories about others. 😊
Im working up the motivation to take a shower right now, and this helped a lot, just knowing that other people can do it makes me feel more positive about being able to do it myself
Hope you followed thru with shower that day or one two three days later - if not just review this vlog again - it helps!
Hope you followed thru with shower that day or one two three days later - if not just review this vlog again - it helps!
I really appreciate videos like this. My husband and I shower together because if I do it by myself I will just start disassociating and stand in the hot water for like an hour without doing anything else. My husband has helped me in doing a routine in the shower while we just talk about our days and our thoughts or interactions which means I don't have to be stuck alone in my thoughts.
A lot of people in our life find it odd or think its something always sexual when it really is just a way for us to bond. Also as someone who is ADHD and on the Autism spectrum, shower sex is the worst and feels like your body is made of rubber and I hate it, but trying to make people who don't have aversions to specific textures understand is nearly impossible.
All of this to say that if you feel comfortable with your partner, try showering with them. It doesn't have to be a sex thing. And, if you are feeling bad it can also be incredibly helpful because you can alternate between bathing who scrubs, who dries, who shampoos or conditions each other. And, sometimes having body wash you both enjoy can be stress relieving when cuddling or hugging.
That sounds really wholesome and nice. I'm glad you and your husband can bond like that, it sounds like its really helpful 👍
This is why I showered with my boyfriend often when we lived together (still together, i’m just at my apartment in my college town). Showers are hard for both of us, so it gave us motivation because it wasn’t as bad. We also just talked about our day or joked, haha.
I love this. Intimacy is more than sex, and this is a great way to have an intimate moment together. I zone out in the shower (idk if its disassociation or just getting distracted) but it's helpful to have something or someone (like my husband lol) reminding me of where I am going (to bed, an event, or something else).
I tend to have panic attacks in the shower, showering with my partner is SO helpful. It's not ideal for me because I am a grump about having to switch spots lol. But it is such a kind thing he does with me.
I'm glad you have this as well.
As an ace person, I agree with you.
You are so precious to be so compassionate to even make this video.
I so agree
I cried hard throughout the whole video, I've been struggling with severe depression and lack of hygiene since I was 13, now I'm 21 and still struggling and suffering, Thank you for this amazing video ❤
You are not alone.... This video has hit me hard, I'm sat here now having a mental battle in my head, the water is heated and ready, it's sunny outside, yet the thought of showering and going out to get some exercise is such a major thing right now, I know I'd feel better for it, yet I'm still sat here. 😢
A seed have to live beneath the land, all around in the Pitch Darkness, under unbearable Pressure, Somehow holding itself
There's no way he can see
Crossing all the limits
Then he thought that he is tearing apart and the pain get too much
He was literally getting ripped
But in actual,
He was Sprouting
And You know what happen after that ???
I’ve struggled with this my whole life and my family has always made me feel so ugly and lazy for it. Thank you for the validation and suggestions
One thing that has helped me is having someone else go start the shower for me. Without fail I will only let the water run for 1-3 minutes before I think “dang I can’t waste this water!” That will always get me out of bed or from avoiding it.
Wow that's actually a great idea! Thank you :)
I do this too! I’ll either turn on the shower or take off my clothes, and once either one of those is done I’m like ‘well, I might as well just get in’
@@boinkadoinkk LOL. I will lay around butt naked on the carpet for hours. But I am so glad you found something that works for you:)
This trick helped me thank you
Plus having a nice warm steamy bathroom in which to disrobe makes getting undressed less uncomfortable. 🚿
This made me cry. Thank you for making this video
You are definitely not alone! Showering seems such a big task - all the steps, it takes longer than just a few minutes, all the drying off, hair being wet for what feels like eternity and maybe lotion afterwards... when I am struggling, it is sometimes just too much.
Especially because when my psychosis flares up and I think something bad is about to happen and when you're in the shower, you're completely vulnerable and unable to do anything! I have totally done just washing the hair over the sink and the "strategic" body parts with a wash cloth.
I also feel unsafe in the shower sometimes, I hear like somebody is walking inside my apartment. Besides, I am tired after the shower. I can never take short shower, I do not have any idea how people do it.
I have bipolar disorder and ADHD and have struggled showering my whole life. I have made the steps during and after easier by writing them up on a list. I also have an alarm to set for 5 minutes, and that means I go on to the next step on the list if I haven't already. This prevents getting "stuck" which is something that happens ALL the time for me.
I have spider phobia and frequent small spiders in my bathroom, so I'm also terrified while showering. I check my towel, the shower curtain, the walls and floors etc. before I even get into the shower. I'm sorry I can't help you feel more safe, I don't feel safe myself.
But the list thing and the alarm clock really helps me. I don't have to think logically about what the next step is, I just look at the list and it saves me SO much energy.
@@SamirCCat Fellow arachnophobian here, I also check the shower and the towels...
Thanks for the advice, I am not sure if a list would help or make it seem even more impossible, "look at all those steps that you got to do". But I am definitely going to try it!
This is also something I struggle with often (also right now). Showering and brushing teeth,... it feels so overwhelming/overstimulating, it almost physically hurts, like an electric shock.
Thanks for sharing. It helps to realize other people experience that, too.
I thought this was just a me thing. I feel happy knowing I'm not the only struggling to get enough showers during the week.
With ADHD and depression, personal hygiene is a struggle. Thank you for sharing this.
Some things that help me are to let myself dry by wrapping a towel round myself / hair and just sitting until I’m dry when I cannot muster the energy to actually towel dry my whole body. Also, it’s probably terrible for my phone (whoops) but I always have my phone on the shower shelf playing music because when I’m feeling super low my own thoughts are scary. Sometimes I even play my comfort shows and just listen to distract myself from the fact I’m showering. Love the video by the way Lauren 🥰 x
I suggest sticking your phone in a ziplock bag in case it falls or to protect from moisture. I do this every time I shower.
I have my phone on a shelf next to the shower playing music! 🎶
Yes, I bought one of those beach towel cloak things for this very reason, I can put it on and just sit til dry. Such a help and comfort
We have Bluetooth speakers near our shower that you try as well.
I have an awesome Bluetooth shower speaker. They are not too expensive from Amazon. Game changer. I can hear better. I always turn on a good true crime podcast to motivate me to shower.
I cried through the whole video, your so soft spoken and I've always felt gross if I didn't shower. There's been days I haven't been able to get out of bed and not care for myself for months at a time. Thank you ♡
You are absolute not alone, everything is overly difficult. Hygiene and self care is at the top of that list of things that "don't seem worth the effort."
Definitely not alone! I know I'm right now on a personal worst: 8 days w/o shave & shower. I've run twice & brisk-walked 3x since, but 'I excuse myself' bc I don't sweat as much as others usually do (I suffer heat intolerance instead). Thanks for tips!
I continue to be SO happy that this channel exists! I can't even imagine being able to do this, but I will share a few of my hygiene tips (I have lived with C-PTSD and PTSD for my entire life and adapted these over the years based on my living circumstances, so please feel free to do the same):
Make it FUN. Buy a waterproof bluetooth speaker and listen to podcasts or SING in the shower. I regularly start making up my own choreo before I even get in. Buy fun products like foams and salts instead of standard body wash, or get covered in paint/dirt so you have to get clean.
Take a BATH. Warm water is incredibly grounding for my dissociation & psychosis. Having other tactile grounding tools like Salt Scrub, Essential Oils, and Plants are a huge help.
Go for a SWIM. Who needs a bath/shower when you've got Mother Nature or Mother Chlorinated Community Pool? Take some eco-friendly soap and a washcloth. This one may be a better fit for those of us with impulsive personalities and access to pools/lakes/oceans.
Experiment & iterate. Stick with Routine. Using the same snazzy perfume, making hot tea before/after, or focusing on one specific thing (e.g. Hair, Shaving, Exfoliating, Moisturizing) makes the time feel productive without wiping me out.
+1 For sitting on the ground and crying. Emotions aren't any less valid just because there's water coming out of the ceiling.
+1 For Find a Friend. Couples that shower together get clean! I used to bathe with my neighbors growing up and it was the happiest I've ever been.
+1 For the ol' pits/crotch sponge bath. For the days where it's just not gonna happen.
You also don't need to bathe *every* day to be healthy.
Don't forget to also *pamper* yourself when you have the energy. I'll paint my nails when I'm in a good place; it helps a lot when I'm going through a downswing.
Much love & good vibes!
“+1 for sitting on the ground and crying, emotions are not any less valid because there are is water coming out of the ceiling”
I literally laughed out loud! That is so good.
I also feel as though the water literally helps heal us emotionally. I think the reason we struggle with showering when dealing with mental health is because we are trying to suppress the bad feeling instead of letting them wash over us. Whenever I am in shower I dissociate Heavily and usually cry because I am alone with my thoughts , and can be in there for an hour easily. I have been taking like one shower a month for the past six months .
I just moved out of California and have just started to experience real rain again and I came to this realization when it started raining and I could stop crying for like a week.... but now I am feeling a lot better.
Lol
Hi Laura, have you noticed that all your ways are reaching outside for dealing with your issues?
They are coping strategies really and don’t cause change that overcomes.
If you dealing with something all your life.
Then doesn’t that tell you that something is actually dealing with you?
Your issue is living your life for you and you just think it’s you.
Make sense?
@@freshliving4199 I'm not sure if I'm reading this comment correctly; is there a shared understanding of psychosis?
I was raised in a highly abusive environment that I was not able to leave. I'm very familiar with coping mechanisms. :-)
@@freshliving4199
Hey Ms. Guru ....
U R U & I am me
To each their own
Here is the fork in the road
Now let’s bid adieu & move along our individual paths.
We can reconvene in the aftermath when we are one , and whole again .
Only then will we have greater understanding that both paths lead us home to our greater understandings.
Both paths lead us back to the wholeness of all that is.
@@GrowWildOutdoors The only thing we share is that every single person's issue has the same cause and the same solution.
The only variable is the trauma.
Your trauma happens to be an abusive environment.
The world teaches you to be a coper and a survivor. Two of the absolute weakest states to live by. Basically you live with a victim mentality.
Your issue is spiritual not physical. That is why NOTHING you do or take can help you to overcome your issues.
You need to overcome your issues not cope or survive them.
Do you have anger?
The transition into and out of the shower is always hardest for me. I find wearing a robe is helpful. Sometimes I’ll do a wash-off face mask so that I need to shower to rinse it off (I dislike washing them off at the sink). It sort of tricks me into showering.
For some reason, wearing my Crocs flip-flops (Reviva style) into the shower makes it much, much easier for me to take the plunge, so to speak. Makes my feet feel secure, and like I'm not going to fall on my *ss.
That’s a great idea with the face mask! I’m gonna try that 😊
Wow. I totally relate with the face mask thing. I also wear a robe and that helps me get dry and feel warm faster. I think you're right the inbetween can here hard.
Thankyou that's a great idea
I have a lot of hallucinations and delusions linked to showering, so it’s very difficult to try and shower as often as is “typical”. This helps so much ❤️
That sounds especially challenging! Sorry it can be such a challenge 💌. I hope the next time you are trying to take care of this need that it's easier because you know you aren't the only one.
If you have the ability to set up an outdoor shower I highly recommend doing so!
Shower outside even if it’s in a bathing suit is so awesome !
But typical showers are
Stark white , claustrophobic, the feeling of the shower curtain clinging to you, they are usually poorly lit , or too bright Not to mention all of the horror movie associations with women and showers. The modern shower is a disaster zone for people with mental health struggles . ❤️
I feel you on that one.
I like to do a bird bath if showering is rough. You take a rag and swish it with a small amount of soap and swipe the smelly zones. Then rinse the rag and swipe again and dry off. It's a step up from baby wipes but often feels like a step down from showering. Kind of like washing hair in the sink.
You absolutely don't HAVE to shower every day. It's even good for your skin and your hair to shower less often. I shower every 2-3 days, I never stink. However, if I've become really sweaty, I can go in and just get water on me, no soap or anything, and then just get out and dress myself again with non-sweaty clothes. When I struggle to wash my hair (usually once a week) I take a shawl or wide ribbon that covers my forehead and hair at the front, and no one knows I have greasy hair underneath.
I feel a lot more at ease after accepting I won't shower daily. I have more important things to do with my life, where I want to spend my energy. I rather cook food, see my mom, go for walks with my cat, play the guitar or whatever, than force myself to shower every single day. You have to choose your fights, and it's just not worth it every day for me.
Does playing nice music helps ?
I have always struggled with personal hygiene and have always felt really demoralized by it. I have a mix of issues. My bipolar depression makes me too slow to shower, sometimes I have to literally sit down in the shower to do it. My PTSD makes me hyper aware and the thought of being naked, vulnerable, and not being able to see outside the shower for intruders is hard. I also am trans and have dysphoria. I often shower in the dark with a nightlight so I can't see my breasts. To make all that worse I have intense body acne. I have a history of poverty in my teen years and not having access to hot running water. In college as a freshman I even lost a friend because I smelled but all I could do was shower at the college gym because at home I didn't have a shower, just a lukewarm bath in an old tub. I also have sensory issues and chronic pain in my face that make brushing my teeth a monumental challenge and I keep trying to find tips to help with that because it's really sad and hard to have such bad teeth. All I can do is increase my dental cleanings.
Bless ur heart. I’m sorry u struggle so❤️
You have tried an electric toothbrush, haven’t you ?!
@@carolvalentine8158 I have. I still find it to be a chore. I really wanted it to make things easier.
I guess my suggestion might sound crazy to you, but here it goes: I used to suffer from adult acne. When I changed my diet to the ketogennic diet the acne disappeared and never came back. It's been 3 years now. The ketogennic diet has other benefits that might help you manage your mental illnesses better. For me, the ketogennic diet stabilized my mood.
GUM soft picks are pretty good. And a water flosser, so I hear; never fried it myself. All the best. You’re a success just being here and commenting.
I don't know why but I was sobbing by the time the video concluded. It is just so hard.
For me, it’s not only linked to depression, but to some sensory issues because of being autistic.
Thank you for these tips.
same here 100% i just got back from a shower tho so im fine but its before i take a shower that im reluctant to do it
Washing my hair in the sink is such a lifesaver for me.
I would add that it's helpful to speak up about your struggles and needs to professionals around you. My dental hygienist, for example, cleans my teeth every 3 months instead of every 6, to help me stay on top of this challenge.
Same!
I wish I was courageous enough to share my mental health struggles with my dental team. Sometimes I’m so ashamed of how long it’s been since I’ve been able to brush my teeth regularly (let alone floss), that I’ll cancel my scheduled hygiene appointments for fear of embarrassment. 😔
@@Jennifer_150 I understand that. Luckily they have never said anything to me to make me feel embarrassed. But I still feel it, you know? It's hard to say I can't do a normal task daily. :(
It cost $140 to have my teeth cleaned and you going every 3 months is like $440 a year. That's a lot. I used to go three times a year when it was cheaper but now they got expensive.
You're helping and encouraging so many people by talking about things nobody wants to. You've motivated me to go hop in the shower after avoiding the task for a little over a week! God bless you :)
I didn't shower for three months while having fallen into alcohol abuse.
I've been sober for a few days and I'm already feeling the anxiety wash away. I started my medication again because it was really helpful.
Thanks for the video, I'm on the right path, even quit my job for a much more creative and calming one.
Oh yes! I’m 74 and been struggling with a shower for years. I do some of the tips you mentioned but even worse as your energy wanes it is especially hard. Thank you so much.👍
Yes, shower takes energy. I did not feel it when I was young. But with aging I feel like it is a big task.
I have depression and taking care of myself is a big struggle. Thank you for taking about this x
I find It is easier to take care of others then myself😒
Hygiene was never very hard, it's feeding myself that comes with difficulty on bad days for me. I can look clean and well put together while feeling like dying.
Huh showering can be soo difficult with so many mental illnesses. Just cognitively knowing what to do first can be hard. This is such a sensitive topic, thank you for posting!!
I appreciate this so much. When you mentioned baby wipes I actually started crying. I’ve done this before when I really just couldn’t shower. And I feel like I’m in that place again. The tears just came right up because it’s so hard to accept. Makes me feel broken or defective because I’m not like other people who just take care of their bodies so easily or even enjoy showering. I really appreciate the understanding and the tips on this video. But man it’s so crushing sometimes realizing that today may be a baby wipes day.
I wish you would still make videos. I like seeing people overcome challenges.
Something that has helped motivate me as far as showering, is kind of constantly buying new hygiene products. Such as different shampoos, body wash, body scrubbs etc. Getting something new motivates me to want to use it. Hope that makes sense.
Same!🙌
Didn’t realize why I did this but it finally makes sense why I have like 55 different body washes
Yes this does help a lot
My mother suffers from schizophrenia and I personally had several depressive episodes in my lifetime, one of them pretty long and very bad. What can help is also is to just trick yourself in the shower by thinking “I only wash my hair”, but once you’re in the the shower you’ll get pretty clean by doing only that and it makes it easier to just continue to do the rest as well. What can also help is to skip shaving, you don’t need that to be clean. You can also use a washcloth when you just can’t get in the shower. Even just putting on fresh clothes and deodorant helps to feel a little better
As a nurse assistant in a psych ward, I spend a lot of time guiding and helping inpatients to shower. Good vid !
I've always felt tired when I am in the shower. I find taking a little caffeine right before showering is helpful. It helps me stay focused otherwise my subconscious will take over and I will experience depressing thoughts.
As someone who struggles with MDD, I really really appreciate this video. If it's ok I'd like to add in 2 things. Although 1 I'm trying today for possibly the 2nd time and last night was my first. 1 is taking a bath instead of a shower, so you can take your time and maybe relax a bit and go at your own pace, and 2, going to the hairdresser and have them wash and straighten or style your hair.
These little details that make the life of poor people so different... :(
I agree that taking a bath can be helpful, especially for people with sensory issues, related to the noise, and getting sprayed with water.
If I had access to a bath I would love that. I have a shower without a bath.
@@thegnarlyvagabond i have seen deflatable bathtubs a few times now, might be worth looking into?
@@ryanvadis Thanks for the suggestion I love you actually took time out your day to give advice to a stranger! We need more of that energy.
What a compassionate video. Thanks for sharing.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! Lauren you’re seriously so strong for what you do. I struggle with all these with my depression. Sitting in the shower is probably something I do a little too often BUT THATS OKAY! I’m just proud of myself for getting in.
No room in my stall shower to sit
I could never sit in the shower. My shower has not been cleaned in like six months. But I’m glad to have my dad remind me to get in the shower. He says it really threateningly but I am grateful for it. At my moms house, she doesn’t remind me because I am a teen and I know to get in the shower, but I still am scared to death that I will pass out in the shower like a did a year or two ago. It was terrifying. Luckily I was just dehydrated but I still am not good about drinking water. Umm imma try to get in the shower now😂
I sometimes will take a shower at night, but don't wash my hair, and then wash my hair in the morning in the sink in difficult times. On top of depression and CPTSD I have ME/CFS, which makes me unable to have my arms above my head for long without having heart palpitations and being out of breath and fatigued.
Thank you for addressing this issue for others that struggle.
💜💜💜
Yes! Did this all the time throughout lockdown. It was too much to do at once. Chronic pain sufferer.
I have cfs, perhaps something that might help is having a waterproof chair in your shower and have it so that when you lean forward and put your head on your knees, (you can use a blow up pillow or doughnut there if needed), that your head is out of the water stream. You can shampoo your hair like that then when you sit up you are sitting in the water stream and can wash out the shampoo. Hope this is of help.
What does c stand for infront of the ptsd? And what is ME/CFS? I also get out of breath and my heart races when my arms are above my head for too long. Or if I turn my head to the left when shaving my arm pit, I get out of breath and dizzy. I just thought it was a me thing. Maybe from being too lazy for too long. But now I'm curious...
I always feel like a victorian era person when I'm trying to use perfumes instead of showering.
Thank you so much for this. I have generalized anxiety disorder and depression and showering is tough for me when I'm having a difficult period. I'll wait until I absolutely have to shower because it triggers a lot of my anxious thoughts. What I found helps is asking my partner to shower with me - I'm also considering buying a shower speaker so I can listen to podcasts or music while I'm showering.
I feel for all of these people. Taking a shower is just so hard. I got off a suicide attempt a year ago caused by just a complex amount of layers. I've struggled with showering before even as a kid. Feeling continuous unhappiness and worries took a toll at me. I don't know if this has to do with anything but I got diagnosed last year with Asperger's but good luck to everyone. I genuinely hope we can all improve together. I still struggle with greats amount of depression and anxiety but Im hanging in here.
Thank you for the encouragement! 😊 I definitely receive and I’m happy you are hanging in there. 💞
When you mentioned energy, that's my main problem. The depression leads to lack of energy and motivation, not caring about how I look. This is my everyday struggle:(
Timestamps for anyone who needs it
@Funny Username you’re welcome ☺️
Thank you I have ADHD and this really helped me so I didn't have to watch the whole video💗
@@Nina-mt5ui I’m glad I could help :)
Thanks for tackling these issues and erasing stigma!! I struggle with depression, and I put shower reminders on my phone calendar. One day my husband glimpsed my calendar and was like, "What kind of person puts shower reminders on their calendar??" So it's nice to hear that I'm not the only one 😁
For someone who used to shower unnecessarily long and frequently to barely once a week this has really helped me. Life is so fkn complex and difficult to explain. I just wish everyone to find happiness and love
Wow! Thanks for all the comments and tricks! This is something I've struggled with for about 2 years. I'm not old, but not young either -63. Had a stroke a couple of years ago and live alone. Although i have a lovely walk in shower, i struggle with being afraid of getting in the shower and falling. I have discovered both dry shampoo and adult baby wipes, but prefer filling up the sink with nice warm water and body wash, then get down to business ! Always feel like I've accomplished something even though I'm exhausted afterwards. I am so encouraged to know I'm not the only one struggling with this situation. Thanks!
I think this is a very important reminder, and I found your tips particularly helpful. We've learned to keep up with hygiene because it's one way we show that we are on it and not slipping away. Flashback to the Psyche Ward where you earn points for hygiene. I tend to get into the shower and stay there until the hot water runs out. It's a safe place. I never want to leave. I tried not shaving my legs or pits because I felt it might result in being less appealing to men. It just caused some concern from those who care about me. Thank you. Your videos are very helpful in many ways you may not be aware of. Another thing I do and don't know why is that I hug the dog so I can smell like him instead of smelling like me. Smells bother me.
When I was struggling with dissociation I had a really hard time with showers. Not because of lack of motivation but because of fear and anxiety. I was stuck in my head so showering made me feel extra claustrophobic and freaked out. I found that playing a podcast while showering helped a lot! I also love your tip of sitting on the floor. I find it so peaceful and meditative 🙂
I have trouble getting in, and trouble getting out. The warmness is so comforting and the nice clean smells so i kinda just stand there for a while. It irritates the people I'm with, "whats taking so long!"
I actually enjoy taking a shower. It's getting on with the rest of my day that's a problem! If you couple that with memory issues & living alone, it makes life a nightmare. We learn to manage somehow though. Take care 👍 ☺
I enjoy it too once I’m in there but have trouble actually getting in. Then once I’m in don’t want to leave
i’ve struggled with showering properly for around a year now, i don’t have the energy to do it, but when i do, i’m doing something “more important”. thank you so much for this video and thank you to everyone in the comments for making this a safe place
I take a shower every two days and I am always happy when I know, I´m going to take a shower today. because I´m always doing it cold. Thats helps me too.
As an autistic person, I identify with the struggles and find your video helpful and relevant.
It helped me so much hon, I don’t feel so alone now thank you for sharing. I haven’t showered for about four days, trying to get in shower now
💕sending love
Also, I've been absolutely loving your more silly side coming out on camera more these days! It's a wonderful addition to your already amazing content ❤
I am so ashamed to admit this is my main struggle. I will say it was illuminating to watch the Adam Ruins Everything episode about hygiene, mainly because it talked about how a large chunk of getting clean in the shower came from just our clean water. I think for me it's a tactile thing, the feeling, even the idea of the feeling of water on my skin and hair just sounds awful to me to the point of disgust. I've been lucky enough to have a set of strategies in place to make people think I'm normal. I recommend looking into dry shampoo sprays, dry shampoo foam, and baby powder to freshen up greasy hair, along with a fine tooth comb to distribute the product evenly and maybe even a towel to improve it's coverage. As you can tell, I'm the type of person who is taking many extra hygiene steps to avoid this one big step of showering, so maybe I'm not giving the best advice for everyone. I try to remember this all doesn't take as much time to do as I feel like it does in my head, as long as Im not getting caught obsessing over weird details like plucking everything or picking at every imperfection. I usually wash my face with a cerave cleanser and put a matching lotion on it and that really helps. I also suggest a damp washcloth to wipe down your sweatiest areas and making sure to change your underwear and clothes every day possible to at least push yourself closer to 100% clean. I swear my name wasn't meant to be relevant to this personal issue of mine lol. Also I think it's important to note that even if your just able to do a single step, that's totally fine. Half-assing things is better than not doing them. You might find yourself able to build momentum once you can brush your teeth or rinse your hair or something. I personally think lumping shaving into this entire process is usually a waste of time, same with makeup. Stuff like that just raises to bar for no real reason, if the people in your life treat you worse for not removing your hair or covering up your face they're probably not worth your time. If your job requires these things from you with a non hygienic reason you job probably sucks ass, sorry. Life becomes a bit more bearable when you remove the unnecessary excess and focus on what actually serves you. I used to think a ten step skincare routine was needed to clear up my skin, but once I cut off that expense and got my time back I realized that eczema friendly face wash and water was all I needed. I know I'm still struggling and the shame kills me every day, but I'm not gonna give up just because some asshole in my head tells me I should feel guilty. I've recently cut off the split ends to my hair and WOW is brushing this SO much easier, and it looks better! I'm no hairstylist but I went off on this fr. Anyway whoever's reading this I hope things improve in your life. You deserve it on the basis of being alive, and if you ever worry about not being worthy of happiness just say well fuck it I'm going to be happy anyways and if people try to stop that then they are assholes! Maybe stay out of legal trouble though.
It's like you knew I skipped mine today because I've been going through a lot lately🥺❤
I find that sitting in the water can be the easiest. But it all depends on what you need. I was gonna skip mine today too. ❤️
On point! I'm fighting depression. At my lowest, sometimes it took me 3 or 4 hours to take a shower and brush my teeth before sleep. Instead go to bed around midnight, I was struggling till 3am and waking up the next day was another nightmare. Now I'm using similar techniques to trick myself sometimes.
Thank you so much for this presentation.
Being clean and having no body odour is such a sensitive subject. A “smelly” person is not a bad person, it’s a person in need of water and soap. And your dog probably loves when you smell “you” and not perfume. 🇸🇪
It's so refreshing to hear a lady talking about this. I definitely struggle with this. I suffer from depression and anxiety. Thanks for your vulnerability.
I'm a big guy and find drying myself a bit of an ordeal. Something I find that helps with that is drying myself with a hair dryer. It speeds things up and the warm air feels nice.
You most certainly are NOT alone! I think it's far more common than anyone let's on. Back in the "olden days", people often didn't bathe for months on end... now, in our "modern" society, we continue to waste our precious resources from Mother Nature. I really don't think showering every day is necessary, but it seems to be what some people think is "expected". I also struggle with this due to depression, and also physical illnesses... it truly wipes me out to full-on shower. Thank you so much for sharing. You are the sweetest and bravest, most beautiful soul! 💗
I have a great partner who lovingly reminds me to shower. Even sometimes showers with me.
Thank you. I hope this empowers everyone who struggles with the little things. Taking a shower is the best thing you can do for yourself and sometimes it’s the only thing you can do. And you should be proud when you do it ❤️
I have a family member who has struggled with depression for a very long time. She stopped showering altogether and developed a severe UTI. She nearly died. Personal hygiene is so important!
Thank you thank you thank you for this video. My hygiene slipping is one of the big red flags that tell me when I’m struggling and today was on of those days! A couple of things that help motivate me to take a shower when I REALLY don’t feel like it are:
🌸 yummy smelling soaps and hair care products that I look forward to using
🌸 warm towels fresh out of the dryer
🌸combining steps, like brushing my teeth while in the shower
🌸a water-proof Bluetooth speaker to listen to music or podcasts (helps me not get caught in my thoughts or body-focused ocd rituals)
Very good advice. Your approach is so gentle and understanding.
When I'm symptomatic, my nerves feel raw, water hitting my skin is like torture and the sound of running water drives me up the wall. So I fill a big bowl or pot with water of a temperature I can handle in the bath, strip and use a washcloth to sponge bathe. Then I'll air dry laying in bed and slip on a dress to feel less constricted.
these are some very realistic and helpful tips i will go get myself in the shower and just enjoy the water if that's all i can do
I wonder why these things are connected? I feel like a Cat that hates water, But after I bathe I ALWAYS feel better.....Why would I deprive myself of something that is good for me?
Also I REALLY like the video but I will leave it at that 😜
Good question! My guess is it's related to the pleasure principle in psychology. So because there is some work involved before the end result of the shower, our minds sometimes prefer to keep doing whatever it is we're currently doing (maybe laying in bed where there is no work involved) rather than put in the work to achieve the good outcome after having a shower.
@@Fortuna808 Much like drug addiction, It is a habit of instant gratification rather than working towards a goal we linger and remain stagnant because it feels good.
Thank you for making this. I've been struggling with this my whole life but especially the last few years. I always feel like a horrible lazy disgusting person when I can't will myself to get into the shower. Seeing the hundreds of comments of people with the same issue is so validating and comforting. Also, your tips are really helpful and I'm going to try using a few of them. I really appreciate you making this. ❤
I've caught my youngest sitting on the floor,when I pop in to check on her, its obvious and I can see that there's something on her mind. It helps to be able to just talk with her I find afterwards, but also she just likes a hug to help make her feel better, I hope. We make sure she's had her shower and is dressed warmly though.
I'm so glad that I find this video. No one can understand my struggle to keep my hygine. Like I know I should wash my body and brush my teeth, but it's hard for me to do that. I can go for a month without brusing my teeth, and only shower if I have to go somewhere. I'll try your tips, thank you
Lauren- you are wonderful and BRAVE!!!! Lauren and Rob we need you!
For me the shower has always been a "rumination station". I play a Netflix show on my phone to distract me so I don't end up spending ages going down a rabbit hole. It's an extra step but meh it works 👍
absolutely obsessed with this video. thank you so much for the tips and for shedding light on a less pleasant and often overlooked side effect of depression (or other mental illnesses)
Washrag, body wash in a scent that I really enjoy, and some warm water. It may seem silly to most people, but honestly, it is way easier for me to wash my hair in the sink than it is in a shower. I just do not have the ability to get myself into the shower, most of the time. Reminding myself that people have been sponge bathing since the beginning of humanity is forgiving because society at large thinks you need to get into a shower in order to be considered clean. I had a friend from Norway that brought up the topic once about how ridiculous it was how often people in the US feel folks need to shower or wash their hair. He would throw his kids into the pool and call it good, and to be honest they were. It really is not a topic that people discuss and I find it really freeing that you opened up about this and gave it a platform to be discussed.
With clinical depression showering becomes so crippling at times 😢 i hide it and pretend then the feeling of being dirty i get stuck inside myself even more!! Thank you for sharing this and thank you to the comments of people admitting this.
Thank you, lauryn. You make life a little more bearable for a lot of people. ❤️
You are not alone! I struggle so much with showering and body hygiene. So thank you for making this video x
I almost feel like there is a BLOCK from taking a shower, I don't understand it. Thank you, this is never addressed. I tell my therapist and he just looks at me. Same with my psychiatrist. Thank you so much and you're a sweetheart.. 🤗
I love that you have some control over this disease that took over my dad in 1963. They gave him medication for anxiety and then it was it the late 70s before he actually got a drug for schizophrenia and he got on a path to a better life. Theorize had all kinds of side effects.
Thank you for this :) I find that for me, it's very very hard to get in the shower, and once I'm in there, it's very very hard to get out. I think sometimes it's just easier to stand in the warm shower than get out. My strategy for the 'not getting out' part is to switch the temperature to cold as soon as I finish washing myself. Weirdly, it's so much easier to make myself switch it to cold than to get out? And once it's cold, I have no desire to stay in the shower and the getting out part feels easier. I'm definitely going to use some of these tricks you mentioned in this video, so thank you for that :)
As a family member, this is a great reminder of how real the struggle is. Thank you so much for helping me to have better empathy and understanding
Yes! For me, as well. I wasn't sure, and this helps
I adore Rob, does he have a brother? Lol he is just so sweet and a soldier. ♥️♥️♥️
I love that photo of your family in the background!!!!! It's beautiful!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️☺️
Thank you, it feels good knowing I’m not alone struggling with this. Thanks for the tips too ❤️
Lauren, I have been loving your videos. Your honesty and vulnerability shines through. Incredible, inspirational work. If I wasn’t in such a tight financial spot, I would donate in a heartbeat. Keep up the great work. You are awesome!
Its been 4 days. Not to the point of disguisting but getting there. This video motivated me. Thanks!
I have struggled with this also sometimes. When my depression gets bad, I don't take care of myself as well. Thank you for sharing!
This was so validating, thank you.
Thanks for being so conscientious and vulnerable with us. This is an issue I've had before and these tips are excellent for people who just need to feel a bit more human.
This really needs talking about more. At the depths of my depression i would have panic attacks in the bath and shower and still struggle now. My wife would give me a bath a couple times a week or as much as i could handle, wash me and my hair and help me recover after.
I totally understand. When I am dealing with a depressive/paranoid episode, personal hygiene takes a backseat.
Cleaning your body and your environment can help clean your mind🙏🏻