When you're in a depressive episode, it's really, really common to struggle to shower. And, if you yourself find it difficult and overwhelming to shower as a result of your depression, then we've written a little poem that we think will resonate with you.
"I Have Depression, And Today I Showered For The First Time In 9 Days"
During those weeks, time had erased.
The passing days seemed like a haze.
I'd sit alone in bed,
The little things, bigger,
In my head.
But today was different ...
I felt the strength to get up.
I brushed my teeth
And had a shower.
It was these "small"
Tasks that gave me
Power.
And although my
Emotions are still raw,
I feel tomorrow I'll be able
To do some more.
It takes so much strength to fight through a depressive episode and do the "little" things like have a shower, our friend. So, any time you do accomplish doing a "little" thing like showering, then please give yourself a big pat on the back because you deserve it!
All our love,
The Depression Project Team.
P.S. Do You Call Yourself "Lazy" When You Struggle To Have A Shower During A Depressive Episode?
If you struggle to have a shower when you're in a depressive episode, then please never, ever call yourself "lazy" for doing so. After all, when you have depression, there are many reasons why finding it difficult to shower is actually very understandable!
On that note, if you'd like to learn more about what some of these reasons are, then we encourage you to read this blog post next: Why People With Depression Struggle To Shower (It Is NOT Laziness)
P.P.S. Because struggling to look after your personal hygiene when you're feeling "depression tired" is so, so common, we've also created a cognitive behavioural therapy-based journal, in order to:
- Share with you a variety of strategies to make it easier and less overwhelming for you to look after your personal hygiene when you feel “depression tired”;
- Help you let go of any shame you may feel on the occasions when you don’t manage to look after your personal hygiene.
