I saw a terrific little piece on facebook about self care from someone who "gets it". Not from a professional or someone who has studied and truly is educated, but perhaps has never actually been there.
I'll just follow along with what was written and give my commentary.
1. Can't take a shower or bath. I have definitely been there. I'm still there. I so struggle with personal hygiene right now. I hate showering when I feel good, so it's hell, and basically non doable when I don't feel well. Last year I went six months without showering. I'm not kidding. I just couldn't. That's all there was to it. I'd wash my hair occasionally leaning over the bathtub, but that's it. Dry shampoo. Get some dry shampoo. It helps your hair feel and look cleaner. Also mentioned is baby wipes. Just something less intrusive to keep grime at bay until you can shower. This is a great idea. There's all sorts of wet wipes out there now for adults. Grab some next time you go to the store.
2. Can't wash your sheets and make your bed. I feel this. What I do is just brush them off. Sometimes I lint roller where Mr. Purrington lays most of the time just to remove any cat hair that is there. At least it makes it more comfortable to sleep in.
3. Can't even change out of your dirty pajamas. I can go months without doing my laundry because I rarely change out of my pajamas. But I can put on deodorant and I can lint roller myself. I can also brush my hair and put it a ponytail. I can do little things until I can change my clothes.
4. Can't make anything to eat. Cooking is ridiculously hard when you're depressed. It's just easier not to eat. I understand that. Order in. There's nothing wrong with that. It's better to eat than not. I buy a lot of pasta and noodle sides that cook up in 10 minutes. I eat a lot of ramen. I can make that in 5 minutes. But frozen or easy to make meals. It's not hard especially when it's just you to feed. Just eat. And drink water. I buy those flavored powders to put in my water so I'll drink more of it. They're 88 cents at Winco and come with 8 packets.
5. Can't respond to messages or reach out for help. It's suggested to set an alarm a few hours from now and respond to your messages then, after you've given yourself time to prepare. It's always ok to say you're having a personal emergency and can't respond right now, but will when you're able. And respond the way is comfortable for you. I always respond to phone calls with text if I'm able. I hate phone calls, they give me such anxiety.
6. Can't even sleep because it's so bad. You can download white noise apps for free that are helpful in helping you relax and take your mind off things. Painting shows are another good way to soothe yourself to sleep. It's mentioned Bob Ross, and I completely agree with that. Bob Ross, Mr. Rogers, anything with a soothing voice to help lull you off to sleep.
7. Can't go for a walk/drive. Open your blinds or curtains. That's all you have to do. Let in some natural light for awhile.
8. Can't go into work or school? Let people know. Let your coworkers or classmates know it's a personal emergency and you can't make it in. It says to give yourself up to two days, then you have to go back. You can even have your work emailed to you so you don't miss too much.
9. Can't brush your teeth or wash your face. Again use makeup wipes or baby wipes to cleanse your face. And use mouthwash for your teeth. "Don't let yourself rot physically because you're rotting emotionally."
10. Remember you've been here before. You've survived many days up until now and you'll survive this too. It's ok to just survive right now. This is survival. You don't have to be thriving right now. It's enough that you're alive.
