When someone is struggling with depression, they are often also experiencing a sense of hopelessness and a lack of motivation. Depression can be very draining; it can suck away your drive to do even the most simple and mundane daily activities. It’s because of this that depression can play a major role in your personal hygiene and basic functioning. Sometimes this effect on your personal hygiene can be noticeable to other people.
Depression is a common problem that affects many people regardless of age, nationality, background, or gender. Some people turn to substance misuse to cope, which can lead to addiction and other serious problems. The good news is that if you are struggling with depression, there are resources that can help.
What Are Some of the Signs of Depression?
Depression can occur no matter how successful you are or how well your life is going. You might not even be able to point to a specific reason as to why you are feeling the way you do. This can be very frustrating and disheartening because when you don’t know why you’re sad, you don’t know how to fix it.
While depression can stem from environmental factors or stressful life events, it can also be simply genetic. This is why many people can’t seem to understand why they are feeling this way.
While the symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, there are some common signs to look out for. Some examples include:
- Feeling intense sadness or hopelessness
- Trouble concentrating
- Acting unusually aggressive
- Feeling listless
- Lack of motivation
- Feeling apathetic
- A sense of lethargy despite being well rested
- Changes in appetite and sleeping habits
- Substance misuse
How Can Depression Lead to Poor Hygiene?
When you are struggling with depression, the energy you have to devote to taking care of yourself and your looks is often depleted. Things like putting in the effort to take a shower, wash your hair, or brush your teeth may seem overwhelming and be skipped. This can take a toll on your overall personal hygiene.
If you’re struggling with depression, some of the ways your hygiene could be affected include:
- Skipped showers
- Unwashed hair
- Poor oral hygiene
- Bad breath
- Unwashed or wrinkled clothing
- Clothing with noticeable stains or rips
- Noticeable body odor
- Weight gain or loss
- Matted or tangled hair due to lack of brushing
How Do I Take Care of My Hygiene When Struggling With Depression?
There may be days when you’re struggling with your depression so severely that taking a shower is the last thing that you want to do. On days like this, it might help to try to make your shower experience as enjoyable and relaxing as possible. This way, taking a shower is not something that you dread. Consider lighting some candles, turning on some relaxing music, using some scented soaps and lotions, or doing whatever it takes to make it seem like a pampering experience and not a chore.
Depression may also impact your ability to stay on top of your laundry. It can begin to pile up and you may find yourself without clean clothing to wear. There are some things that you can do to make the laundry decision more enjoyable.
Consider doing your laundry alongside a friend. While chatting together, the time will pass quickly and you’ll be done before you know it. You may also consider playing music or watching your favorite television show while you’re completing this task. This way, in the future, you may no longer find yourself dreading this particular chore.
How Do I Get Help With My Depression?
If you’re struggling with depression, there is help available and you don’t have to continue living this way. The first thing that you should do is reach out to your primary care provider, as they can provide you with a diagnosis. Many people find relief from depression through prescription medication. You can talk to your doctor about whether or not this is something that would be a good fit for you.
Therapy is another thing that can really help those struggling with depression. Working with a therapist can help you to sort through your different emotions and learn more about yourself in a positive way. They may also help you to identify triggers that could be playing into your depression.
Another important thing for you to do is make sure that you are taking care of your physical health, even when you’re lacking the motivation to do so. This includes getting enough sleep, eating regular nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and making time for exercise. Exercise is great for your mental health because it helps to reduce stress and release feel-good hormones called endorphins. This can really help boost your mood and help you to feel better.
Depression can take a major toll on your life. It can become very disheartening when you can’t understand why you’re feeling this way and don’t know how to change it. This is one of the reasons why a lot of people turn to substance misuse to cope with the pain. If this is something that you’re currently struggling with, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available. It is very possible to achieve better mental health and recovery from addiction as well. If you’re struggling with substance misuse, our team at The Ho Tai Way can help. Call us today at (714) 581-3974 to learn more about our services.
