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Introduction & Personal Context
Hi everyone. In today's video, we are going to be talking about keeping up with personal hygiene, and specifically showering, while living with a mental illness. Hey everyone, and welcome back to the channel. So real talk. I have a big difficulty with taking a shower at times, especially when my symptoms are flaring up, or when I'm in a period of prolonged depression. And I don't think I'm alone in this struggle, you know. I've heard a lot of people through our Discord server, or through support groups, or through other mediums of hearing people who are living with mental illness, that they struggle too, with keeping up with personal hygiene, and especially with taking regular showers, and, you know, just taking care of cleaning your body. I think that depression especially, just kind of makes everyday mundane tasks, such as showering or brushing your teeth that much harder. Also with schizophrenia, executive functioning can interplay with this as well, where you just can't quite make the connection
that you need to take care of yourself in that regard, and go take a shower. And so there's a lot of factors at play that may be lessening abolition to go and take a shower. And it is definitely something that I struggle with. And another thing that I just wanted to kind of touch on is that I don't think it's touched, or I don't think it's talked about enough within the mental health community and within society, you know, that mental illness can lessen a person's ability to tend to their personal hygiene. And, you know, I think that that's a very stigmatized thing, because cleanliness and taking a shower, and all that kind of stuff are really linked to morality. If you are unclean, if you haven't showered in a while, that's typically connected or, you know, linked within society's frame of reference to things like laziness. And it's very moralized, like that when really it shouldn't be. So I just want to kind of point out that if this is something that you do struggle with,
Stigma & Reassurance
taking a shower or keeping up with hygiene, it shouldn't be as stigmatized as it is. I don't want you to feel bad. It is perfectly normal for people who are grappling with mental illness to struggle with these kinds of things. And if you just don't have the capacity to do it, that's okay. Okay, now that said, it is very important to at least make an effort to keep up with personal hygiene, because it can keep you safe from diseases, and it's just a good way to take care of your body. And so in this video, I'm going to be providing some tips and tricks for how to take a shower when you're struggling with your mental health. The first trick is to use dry shampoo. It's a quick way to brighten up your presentation, and even if you're not feeling very together on the inside, it can help you to look more together, which can help you feel more together too. Plus, there are some very nice smelling dry shampoos. Number two, is try doing a sponge bath or using baby wipes. When you really can't muster the motivation or will to shower, giving yourself a quick sponge bath
The 10 Tips
or wipe down with some baby wipes can be all you really need. It helps you to feel a bit more fresh, and can help manage body odor too. The third one is to kind of trick yourself into showering. A trick I have used sometimes, is to lower the temperature in your house or apartment, so that when you wake up in the morning, you want to get into a nice warm shower. It can help with motivation to get your day started. Number four is using deodorant and body sprays. So I usually use deodorant and body sprays, especially, when it's been a while since I've been able to shower. It really helps to manage body odor, and can also make you feel a bit fresher and livelier too. Number five is cutting down on extra steps. So something I try to do when I'm struggling, is to set out what I need to keep getting ready after the shower. I try to get my clothes ready and out just to eliminate the extra step that can feel especially daunting after getting out of the shower. Number six is setting personal hygiene alarms. So I use this trick of setting alarms on my phone
to cue me to take my medications, though it can also be a really helpful tool to cue you to tend to your hygiene as well. Number seven is making realistic shower expectations. So sometimes the most you can do is just to get in the shower and let the water run over you. And that's okay. You don't have to wash your hair if that effort just feels like too much. Number eight is using a shower seat, or just simply sitting down in the shower. When I'm struggling, I often find myself laying down in the shower or sitting on the floor of the shower. This feels like a safe space to just kind of wallow sometimes, which maybe isn't recommended, but also just helps to conserve a bit of the energy you've mustered up to get in the shower. Number nine is asking for help. If there is someone you feel comfortable with doing this, try asking for some help, getting through the tasks of showering. Sometimes it's really, really helpful when my partner Rob helps me out by washing my hair and body. Number 10 is to wash your hair in the sink. If it feels like way too much to get into the shower, see if you can muster the energy to give your hair a quick wash in the sink.
Closing
This little act of self-care can help you to feel a bit better and more put together. Okay, so I hope you found this video helpful. I know that, you know, taking shower is something that I struggle with quite frequently, and keeping up with personal hygiene and that kind of thing for all the reasons I mentioned before. And I'm assuming, I'm not alone in that struggle. And so hopefully, you found these tips and tricks helpful, in terms of encouraging yourself to take a shower, to take care of yourself in that way. If you'd like to see more videos like this from us, make sure to subscribe. Make sure you check out our Patreon page, if you'd like to help support the creation of these videos. If you like what you see today, I'm going to be starting an OnlyFans. No, I'm totally kidding. I'm not, totally kidding. But yeah, check out our Patreon. All right, well, thank you so much for watching and as always wishing you and your loved ones good health. We'll see you in the next video. Bye.
(Rob giggling) [Rob] Oh okay, another thumbnail. (mellow music continues)
Transcript auto-generated by YouTube. Verbatim — duplicates intentionally preserved.
Maintaining personal hygiene can be an overlooked aspect of self-care, especially for those grappling with mental health challenges. For many, tasks that seem mundane, such as showering, can become overwhelming hurdles. This struggle is not uncommon; it is a reality faced by many individuals living with conditions like depression or anxiety. Recognizing this reality is the first step toward fostering a more compassionate understanding of mental health.
The stigma surrounding personal hygiene and mental illness often compounds the difficulty. Society frequently associates cleanliness with morality, leading to feelings of shame for those who struggle to maintain these standards. However, it is essential to challenge this narrative and recognize that the capacity for self-care can fluctuate based on mental health status. With practical strategies, we can cultivate a more supportive environment for ourselves and others, making the act of showering a manageable and intentional ritual rather than a daunting task.
Understanding the Struggle
The intersection of mental health and personal hygiene is often overlooked. Individuals living with mental illness may find that their ability to engage in self-care diminishes during difficult periods. As one speaker notes, "If you just don't have the capacity to do it, that's okay." This acknowledgment is crucial; it reminds us that struggling with personal hygiene is not a reflection of one's character or worth.
Conditions such as depression can significantly impact executive functioning, making even simple tasks feel insurmountable. The act of showering, which many take for granted, may become a source of anxiety or frustration. It is vital to understand that these feelings are valid and that seeking help or employing strategies to ease the burden can be beneficial. By normalizing these conversations, we can reduce stigma and create a more supportive community for those affected.
"Sometimes the most you can do is just to get in the shower and let the water run over you." — Speaker
Tips for Showering
Implementing practical strategies can make the process of showering feel more achievable. Here are several tips that can help:
1. **Use Dry Shampoo**: A quick application can refresh your appearance without the need for a full shower. This small act can help you feel more put together, which can positively influence your mood.
2. **Sponge Baths and Baby Wipes**: When a full shower feels overwhelming, a sponge bath can provide a sense of cleanliness and comfort. This method can be a gentle way to manage hygiene without the demands of a traditional shower.
Sitting on the floor of the shower. This feels like a safe space to just kind of wallow sometimes.
3. **Adjust Your Environment**: Lowering the temperature in your home can create a natural incentive to step into a warm shower. This simple trick can stimulate motivation on particularly challenging days.
4. **Set Personal Hygiene Alarms**: Utilizing alarms on your phone can serve as helpful reminders to engage in self-care practices. This structured approach can reduce the mental load associated with remembering to shower.
5. **Make Realistic Expectations**: Sometimes, just stepping into the shower and letting the water run is enough. It is important to honor your capacity and recognize that any effort is a step toward self-care.
6. **Ask for Help**: If you feel comfortable, reach out to a trusted friend or family member for support. Having someone assist you can alleviate the pressure and make the experience feel less isolating.
These strategies are not one-size-fits-all, but they can provide a framework for creating a more manageable hygiene ritual.
Words Worth Hearing
"If you just don't have the capacity to do it, that's okay." — Speaker
Practical Takeaways
Recognize that struggling with personal hygiene is a common experience for those with mental health challenges.
Implement practical strategies to ease the process of showering, such as using dry shampoo or setting reminders.
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