I've waited a month to get the nerve up to ask others this question; Something I'm ashamed of and maybe others are too. The only time I shower is if I have to go to the Doctor. Before I was put on these medications (they're listed on profile) I would take 2 showers a day! and wear makeup! Now it's as if it doesn't matter. Am I still Depressed??? Should I tell my New therapist next week??? Anyone else ever experience this??? Please be honest.
Depression; If you never leave the house, do you find it hard to wash your hair and shower often?
Question posted by Sue 4 on 7 Dec 2013
Last updated on 19 February 2024 by dboothe
Added 8 Dec 2013:
Thank YOU all so much!! The Dr. has me taking 75mg Wellbutrin Twice a day/ and Pristiq 50mg once a day; In addition to all the other medications you read on my profile. My question is now; Do you all think this is a good combination of drugs to be taking? Most likely No, If this severe problem I have is depression. I've always been too ashamed to even tell my Dr. or Therapist. You guys are the first; God Bless each and every one of you for helping me find out what my problem is. I'm not thinking clear at the moment, I've been awake almost 36 hours, it's hard to explain. I think I should take a few notes with me (for the first time ever) to my Dr. and Therapist app. next Wed. I need to stop hiding things out of shame. You all are my true friends.......I cry as I type this.
26 Answers
dboothe
19 Feb 2024
I believe this is a result of my anxiety medicine, but I only shower when I am going out into public which is sometimes only once a week. If it was once a month, then that's when I would take my shower once a month. My anxiety and ocd kept me on top of things because I worried about what people think. Now that I am properly medicated, the downside is things I obsessed over, I no longer care about. I would like to mention that I am also 71 and tired quite a bit and have two arthritic, painful knees I am not depressed, so that's not the reason. You should mention this to your therapist, if it bothers you.
Inactive
14 Feb 2024
Yes this is very common. I used to shower daily. Now I force myself once a week.
WildcatVet
26 July 2018
DEPRESSION!!! Get thee to a doctor... preferably a referral to a psychiatrist and a licensed therapist. You are not alone, but in order to change you, and only YOU, have to take control and take the first steps. It may seem painful and overwhelming, but you are already in pain and overwhelmed. Do it! Change your life. You CAN be happy and healthy if you just make that leap of faith.
I know this because I have lived it and now I am a productive, useful, worthy person.
Best regards and good luck to you all.
Carla duncan
26 July 2018
I feel you. I sit in this chair all day. Not wanting to do anything I don't even want to brush my teeth or wash my face I love my plants but yet they're in there dying because I'm stuck in this chair and won't even get up and water them along with anything else. I feel helpless. I need to find a medicine to help equal me out.
Missyb45
18 Jan 2018
I know exactly how you feel. I don't know what is the matter with me. I can't get anything done anymore(not because I don't want to but I physically cannot do anything) Because I'm on disability right now I can't work so I'm completely out of money and will most likely be homeless next month, and this will happen because I have become completely dysfunctional. I became really bad about six months after my husband died. I've had problems with depression in my past, but the depression I had many years ago was a lot different. I don't know if part of it might be PTSD since I first lost my father, then six months later my husband experienced a major illness, while he was sick my mother had a stoke and passed away. Within in a year my husband died, but this doesn't feel like just depression. In just a short period after his death I began to experience severe pain.
I've been told I have Polymyalgia Rheumatica , severe Arthritis, and now I've been told I have Pseudobulbar. I don't know what to think anymore; all I know is I have EXTREME pain all the time (my body feels as though it's turning to stone) in my mind I think about what I want to do or have to do, but physically I'm incapable of getting anything done. I can't get cleaned up anymore, I can't do anything. I'm taking Wellbutrin XL, Percocet, Synthroid, and Xanax. I feel like I'm losing my mind. I don't understand why I can't just get up in the morning and get something done. What's the matter with me?
Scout668
5 Aug 2017
Yes I've been there also but in no way am I encouraging you to do what I've done but I was on effexor for 20 years and they up my dosage and reduced my dosage but I was turned into a zombie I didn't care about anything had no emotions so when I went in for my back operation my meds weren't on the list so they weren't giving my effexor and being on the pain meds I was out of it so after 12 days I was discharged and low and behold I said you know what I haven't been taking my effexor and I actually feel better I was off of them at last so personally as a vet with PTSD now they've tried every depression meds and none of them work even for PTSD so now all's I do is go to therapy group once a week and see a personal therapist once a month and so far I'm fine I have bad days but nothing like when I was on effexor and also they are now having me try light therapy I hope you start to feel better but once you go down that rabbit hole it's hard to climb out take care I hope this helps scout668
amychichester
4 Aug 2017
You just wrote my life. I'm new to forums and this website. I was looking on information on depression and why I don't care about showering or anything anymore. I know I did once, so it's not like this is a natural thing for me. I'm always tired, I'm always quiet, like even speaking isn't worth it for me. I lost my job, had some health issues, lost my car, lost my friends. So now I don't even leave the house. But I have a daughter and the way I am is not the way I want her to see me. I've tried a lot of medications, I just started trintellix 20mg. Nothing much has changed except now I feel less emotion, but I still have no energy. Keeping up with the most energetic child ever is almost impossible. So I understand. I even live with my boyfriend and I still can't shower daily. He must be so grossed out, but something happens in my head. I intend to get in, but either I procrastinate or am too tired. It's pathetic.
I know you wrote your question years ago so maybe you're better now. I can tell you I am glad to learn there are others like me out there, and that you're not alone. What you wrote took courage and helped me to see that this might just be a problem that can be made better. Because I never told my therapist either. Yet, I know it is a symptom of depression. But I too need to know what to do about it. Is there a medication to give motivation for depressed people? Once again thanks Sue 4 for your courage. I wrote this because of you and am right there with ya! Good luck! And I hope we all can find that old self, the way we once were, the way we hope we are still seen.
laurenkay
2 Sep 2017
Wow! I was just googling "not bathing or getting dressed," and I came across this! I was once very active. I worked for many years in the hospital. Then fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety came over me. Now I'm on disability. I can't seem to get out of this. I stay in pj's. I hate it! I have good intentions every morning to get dressed and get something done, but I end up never doing it. Been on Effexor, now on 10mg Trintellex. Been six months on Trintellex, nothing changed. Still taking 25mg Effexor in morning and 12.5mg at nite... trying to wean off, but darn near impossible. I'm going through my annuity money and will be out in two years. Thanks for being so brave!! Please let us know how you are doing after the new meds start to work! Should be anytime now. Praying for you!!
befree2014
3 Feb 2014
I feel the same way sometimes. You do need to tell ur doctor bc he or she will b able to help u. It very well could be the medicine ur on. Maybe ask if u can try something else n see if u feel better.
Lollmao
3 Feb 2014
I do the same thing but I only shower ever 3 days if that honestly . I wear make up maybe 1 time a week . Or less. I stay home all day & I'm really starting to think I'm depressed . Recently I've been crying out of no where but not a lot it's weird. If you feel like u meet wanna do anything and you just wanna stay at home all the time & never do anything then you maybe want to tell your doc . But be careful of what they put you on . A lot of antidepressants have some really bad side effects . Good luck - lollmao
PamC123
12 Jan 2014
Sue I'm right there with u. I have no energy but my brain races so I can't sleep. I cry all the time. I had no idea u could be so sad. I've seen a therapist and and reg dr They just give me sleeping pills anxiety meds and remeron. I don't know how to find a doctor. I don't work due to disability. My husband divorced me cause I just kept getting worse. I'm so very sad and I'm lost. I wish I could help u but I need it too. I moved to a very small town where my parents live. Sadly they are my only friends but they don't understand. May God bless us and get me out of this deep dark whole
angel1662
4 Jan 2014
Hello Sue 4
Sorry 4 getting to this late, but better late then never... Sue trust me you are not the only one that goes throught this as u can see from all the post u got..when I lost my sister in my apt. in 2010 I got like that and still do... I sit here and wake up and just I don't want to call it lazy for I do other things but there is times I will skip showering for 2 days, I feel like I have no drive... I no it is depression, I am on multiple meds and they do help but 4 some reason like the other poster stated I ain't gone no dare where so why bother..and other times I am so lonely and strickened with sadness that I don't even care, I no I also have to tell my counselor and psychiatrist, but I have been on just about ever antidepressent... all the ssri's and snri's cause me to have this condition called akathesia, u can google it... the one I am on now that is a ssri is the only one that hasn't cause this...
I even tried the other forms of antidepressents, forget the name of them..so I stick with this one I am on now for I can't take any other's, it makes me a mess and I truly me a mess... Now recently it has come to bother me that I am not taking a shower, and I mean really bother me..so I force myself... and after I do I feel a tad better... in my opinion I think u should tell your psychiatrist and counselor as I am going to do myself next week when I see my psychiatrist... they r there to help and if you get a doctor who makes you feel less then... it is time to move on to a better doctor, not saying your doctor isn't good, just saying if u ever feel you ain't getting the proper time and treatment you need to start fresh... sending my prayers your way..you r not alone and never will be as long as you are here with your dc family... sending prayers your way..your friend...
Pia Aulin
4 Jan 2014
Absolutely been there and done that! NO SHAME!!! You are severely , clinically depressed. These are classic symptoms. I was exactly the same after the death of my beloved child. I lay in bed and never moved, never washed, found it a mental chore to even use the bathroom. I was completely depressed. After three, yes three years of this horror I just snapped out of it. I sort of woke up out of a fog... a grieving,lost fog. I had not even realised that much time had gone by. I managed to save myself. However it would have been much better if someone would have recognised how sick I was and got me the proper help. The proper thing for you my sweet one is to go to your therapist and talk,talk,talk! Tell him or her everything, and I mean all. Get it OUT of you, even if only for catharsis. Also you will definately benefit from the wellbutrin. It ( in my opinion) is wonderful for that kind of deep, dark depression. I was on it a long time ago and it worked like a charm.
I dont use any antidepressants any longer but i have tried them all and wellbis are great! I wish you the best of luck and lots of love and smoches! P.S. Put on that make up and go rock it out girfriend! xoxoxo Chantel
fayfaith
22 Dec 2013
Oh my... yes, all that you have written is as though you wrote my words, ... word by word,so ashamed,so embarrassed always. Never wanted anyone to know... not even my children. Have tryed desperately to keep it to myself. I attempted to share this info with my doctor once and as he set quietly an stared at me,I was so self-conscious an stopped in Med sentence. THANK YOU FOR BEING THE BRAVE ONE !!! Thank u, thank u, sincerely fayfaith,
endlessPred
19 Dec 2013
Confide in your doctor. He/she will not be surprised. In fact, it may be possible to get some help for you. I have an aid come twice a week to help with bathing. She perks me up just with us talking. I was taught to be polite so I have to get out of bed and do the work. Some days I dress and some days I do not. See if there are some good solutions for you that you haven't really thought about. It is the doctor who can order the help. Or your therapist. Time to help yourself. The change will do you good.
Oh, and it isn't as weird as I thought it would be. Being a private person I found an actual freedom by not caring about that one thing, who knows what you will find? Karen
scowegi
11 Dec 2013
Sounds like too many antidepressant medications to me. A pharmacist once said the reason these are prescription drugs is because they are so dangerous. And maybe try getting some rest, eating good food, taking a walk outside. If you were taking two showers and wearing makeup then do the same other things including stopping all of these medications and you will be back to two showers and wearing makeup right. OK hugs and kisses and God Bless you.
Go try transcendental meditation for the depression and getting centered in your mind and body.
Pia Aulin
4 Jan 2014
I get what you are trying to say. However unless you have ever beeen so depressed that you physically did not have the will to move and could only suffer in agony in your mind then you really can not begin to understand the depths of hell that the mind can end up in! This girl is definately in need of at least talk therapy! She most definately will respond to the Wellbutrin. It is an upper type of anti depressant. It gives one energy without the panic. I was on Wellbis and they helped me alot. If someone has only got the blues, which is completely diffferent from clinical depression then your advice is solid! Much love on ya anyway bro! xoxoxo0 Chantel
PamC123
12 Jan 2014
I agree Pia. I can't even get out of my chair sometimes. I never really knew this kind of sadness and pain existed. But it does
Pia Aulin
13 Jan 2014
Hi Pam 123, Please forgive me, I am still trying to learn and figure out how this board works. You asked me if I even got up to wash my hair while I was in my severe depresion. The sad but true answer is no. I layed in my bed as though dead, hoping to die myself. I cried uncontrolably then was numb, like in shock. I never washed my hair or any thing. I ate the bare minimum and found it a horrible chore to even feed myself. I had no appetite. I was in the darkest pit of hell. Like you though, if I had a Dr. appt. that I could not get out of, after I would cancel and reschedual at least 5 times, if i was forced to go,I would just rinse my face, and brush my teeth. But that was very rare and almost immposible for me to pull off. I too was so embarrassed at my appearance. Believe it or not, I used to model and act and was quite vain before my child died. I was really into health and beauty and good grooming, almost obsessively so about my appearance.
I got paid for looking good and my health was of the upmost importance when i was performing as a trained dancer. However when the depression took over, I could not care less about anything, much less about how i looked! I just wanted to die. It was so sick. Really, I was a very sick girl after my baby passed away. I was an athete as well. I am/was a trained and working dancer. But when the dark depression took over, I was hopeless and suicidal. So you my love are not alone. ALOT of people have been where you are if not in an even worse place. Not to belittle your predicament. But you can do it. You make up your mind that you will get better, and you will do whatever it takes to overcome this horror. I know that it is hell on earth. But if I can recover I know you can. Seek help. Talk to any girlfriends you have or had. If you lost your friends, get them back, they will help you. If you have any family that will support you then take a chance and confide in them. you will be surprised at how the most unexpected person will step up and help you. Definately get to your therapist and spill it all. There is not anything he hasn't heard before. Take your meds and if they don't work then you switch your meds until you find the proper combo that works for you. Never give up because there is life and laughter and beauty just waiting for you. I know you will and can get better. If you are reading this, I want you to at least promise yourself to do at least one good thing for your self every day this week. For instance, promise yourself you are going to force yourself to wash your face and brush your teeth everyday and every night all this week, without fail, and make it a habit that no matter what you will do those two things all this week. Force yourself. Then next week keep that promise, and if you possibly can add one more hygeine routine to it. Like pluck your brows or shave your legs at least once a week.Don't over whelm yourself, just go at a pace that you can and do at least something good for you everyday and keep at it until it is automatic, no matter how small, it will help you and be the start of helping yourself. It does not matter about what anyone else thinks. You are the one that matters right now. No shame, just start small and build from there. Make these habits, then as you get better you can add on. That is just an idea for a start for you. remember you are NOT ALONE! You can do it! Go do one now, you will feel so much better about yourself, if even for a short while. You have all my love sweetie, I know you will get better because you have made the first, most important step, you admitted you need help and you asked for help. That is the hardest part so it is gonna be a piece of cake for you now baby.! xoxoxo Love ya, Pia
PamC123
14 Jan 2014
Thank u Pia. I did drag my self out of my chair and went to my parents house for a little while. I took a bath and washed my hair while I was there. I have an appointment with a new DR on Wednesday and I'm hoping he'll put me on some different meds. It's weird I feel very peaceful at this moment. Thank you again my guardian angel
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