Posted by Jen Star on November 14, 2005, at 14:18:24
In reply to Hygiene, posted by Dinah on November 14, 2005, at 13:20:57
hi Dinah,
I think it's because a depressed person is consumed with the sad/angry/depressing thoughts, and because their mind is so filled with it, there is no room for "frivolous" stuff like hygiene, making phone calls to friends, doing fun stuff, etc. I think the brain kind of gets hijacked by the obsessive bad thoughts.How to get over it -- a difficult question! I'd say to "force" yourself, but HOW to force yourself...that's the million dollar question. When I was supremely depressed/anxious, I didn't even want to bother brushing my TEETH - it seemed so pointless.
Somehow I managed to keep doing it, and showering too (although not doing my hair) because some part of me knew I'd be coming out of the depression eventually, and that part of me would certainly appreciate plaque-free, cavity-free teeth. And that part of me would be extremely embarrassed if it remembered running into acquaintances in the store while looking like a homeless bag lady. And the part of me that is the huge health worrier kept remembering that clean teeth and gums are supposed to help prevent heart valve infections, and because I just didn't need any MORE things to worry about, I decided to keep brushing. And flossing. And showering.
So I suppose being a paranoid health freak kept ME clean. But I don't know if that would work for you.
I also alway feel better after a shower. And buying a really nice bath gel from Bath & Body Works always help me. I LOVE smelling nice and pretty, and I love pretty shower gels. So putting some fancy stuff in the shower helped motivate me to keep clean. ;) I hope that helps for you!
JenStar
poster:Jen Star
thread:578634
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20051109/msgs/578662.html