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Something is better than nothing. My therapist recommended keeping protein bars or protein drinks on hand. They give you some nutrients and are no effort foods.

I stand by this. The Breakfast Essentials drinks basically saved my life.

ADL = Activities of Daily Living

I use protein powder in my coffee for this reason. It helps when I just don't have it in me to cook

You are awesome for this 💜

Thank you

Ensures and pedialyte were wonders for long hauls, help fill you up and hydrate, and you can make your own pedialyte or have someone else make it too

Saving someone a duckduckgo search is the little thing I can do for others today.

Thank you I was wondering what it meant. This is great advice and can also be classified as exectutive function.

It's sometimes hard to feel human when our own minds become like an enemy, I just hope this helps someone along the way

I know they're gauche but those 3 in 1 shower gel/shampoo/conditioner mixes help me deal with showering when I'm depressed.

Right? It's about making things as easy going as you can. Really even just getting under the water, not even to soap up, just getting under running water will make you feel so much better than before. Some days though I know part of me didn't have the energy, part of me just didn't care enough to do it. But making daily tasks easier, even if doing them half-assed, just getting to the point of doing them is the key here

And you can always sit down in the shower! No need to stand. Get a little plastic stool if you don't want to sit on the floor.

Also, washcloth and a bit of soap at a sink works too. Can even just make a bowl of warm water and sit somewhere, take ya time n do a lil scrub :)

Fresh underwear can also make a lot of difference to your mental state

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I use this for flossing my teeth also, Half assed is better than no assed. After the first couple of teeth the rest seem to get some attention at least too.

Shower Chairs!! Honest to God to just sit and enjoy the water without having to struggle up from the floor (which for me personally laying on the floor can make the Bad Feelings worse) Is soo nice. Into baths? Get a soft bath mat to lay on and a bath pillow, hard tubs can hurt.

You can also get Dude Wipes on Amazon if you don't want to buy baby wipes. They're similar to baby wipes but meant for adult men.

Lol but can you buy a whole bunch for a dollar? I'm a grown man on a budget, what do I care so long as I'm not smelling like 3 day old sweat? Can even buy more variety I'm figuring if you go for baby wipes, not trying to hate on ya man, if you got the funds and it makes you feel more secure to see the word dude on the label, go for it

I took a shower today because of it 💜

When I was dealing with really bad depression I made a “hygiene kit” to put by my bed. It has baby wipes, deodorant, the little disposable toothbrushes, those floss pick things, dry shampoo spray, face wipes, moisturizer, and breakfast bar type foods. Plus keeping my water bottle full. Doesn’t stop depression, but sure makes it less miserable.

"Some things are worth doing half", someone posted a while back on a similar thread. I've never forgotten it. Great advice.

Something is better that nothing!

Did you just learn that abbreviation in nursing school or something?

This is embarrassing but I needed this! I thought I was alone...

Also, compassion for oneself. Often when I feel depressed, I beat myself up for not being able to accomplish a task or doing it half assed. But half assed is okay when you are sick. Treat yourself like you would a sick loved one.

Set the bar as low as you need to.

Getting up isn't working? Okay, set the goal of Rolling over. Can't roll? Okay, tell yourself you're going to blink 10 times.

Anything to regain the idea that you have a measure of control over your thoughts and mind.

Anything worth doing is worth doing ANY PART OF.

Check your liver. Might be liver failure

Agree on shower chairs 100%. Every household should have one. I have MS and use one (with a back) on severe fatigue days.

Nah yall nasty af for this.

Edit: y'all need to stop being lazy and get in the fucking shower. Stop with this "awww I'm so sad 😭😭" type of shit. Y'all acting like you are physically disabled that prevents taking to steps into the shower and turning the water on.

Don't worry, your crybaby tears will wash right off in the shower.

I started having balance issues several months back, because I refuse to see a Dr more than once a year, I don’t know why. But I got a shower chair for safety. Also I have horrible body odor (to me) if I don’t bathe at least every other day. (Familial, my sister buys some expensive body deodorant stuff for the problem).

Anti Defamation League?

Nasty for ----------literally----------- cleaning themselves?

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❤️ look at you go, champ!

Yep. I survived exclusively on Huel (complete meal replacements) for a few months. It takes the decision-making out of the equation, and you don't have to cook, heat up, or clean up (apart from the shaker).

I heard "things that are worth doing are worth doing poorly", and it changed my whole mindset

Agreed. The ensure complete nutrition drinks can be a bit pricey (about ten bucks for six) but they are helpful if you don’t have an appetite or don’t have the energy to cook. I went though a rough time earlier this year and I’d chug one of those bad boys every day. I didn’t sip it, I didn’t savor it, I just chugged to get the nutrition.

Much appreciated friend!

I’m in social work with people diagnosed with significant mental illness. ADLs (activities for daily living) are the things we all should be doing every day- eating, washing, laundry, tidying up your living space. They don’t seem like much, they are usually the first indication of a poor mental state, and as the mental state worsens, they can become huge barriers to other things we need to survive- like employment and housing. If you can’t keep your body clean, you risk losing or not finding employment, isolation from peers that may not want to be around someone that has poor hygiene. If your place is trashed, you risk eviction. If you’re not working, also eviction, lack of transportation, it all piles up. We stress ADLs at my workplace because once those start to slide, it snowballs into a complete loss of control of your life, only worsening mental illness and the effects.

It’s very crucial that if one starts to lack in these areas, that they reach out to a mental health provider or nonprofit agency so that the person may get back on track before it becomes unmanageable.

If you’re interested, look up a DLA 20 on your search engine.

Im 53 years old and have experienced the worst year of my existence.. ive gone from near death this spring to wishing i could die now...i lost my elder dog of 17 2 months ago and last week i had to put down my 2 year old pup.. epilepsy killed him. i cannot get through a day without super anxiety, crying and just hiding to avoid everybody... because i almost died i now have an eliostomy bag ive had to learn to deal with.. in a week i go in for another major surgery where they are going to take more parts... i lost my business i lost my license for business i cant work and not far from being homeless... eating and a shower dont do anything for me... how can i get past this?.. antidepressants dont work... neither does God,pot, alcohol, and just about anything else taken to numb oneself... seems im at the end of my rope

You delete your response?

It's absolutely insane you don't think washing with water and soap makes you cleaner.

That's literally what a shower is. I'm gonna guess you don't shower right after every #2. Your ass is nasty.

I didn't delete any responses I still see it.

Step in the shower stop being nasty. Washing yourself with a rag in the sink is unacceptable. Idc if you are sad af.

Also stop telling on yourselves, I wouldn't admit washing myself in the sink to my best friend 🤦‍♂️

Comments haven't been showing on my end frequently for some reason, weird.

You're being really, really, really dumb. Water and soap is the same thing regardless of where you use it. As I asked, and you ignored, do you shower immediately after every #2?

I'm not sure why you think someone cleaning themselves is embarrassing, that's seriously Fd up.

More fd up is your ignorance on mental health.

Oh waaa stop cleaning yourself in the sink idc how sad y'all are. Man up, honestly. If you are sad stepping into the fucking shower, then still do it. Nothing is stopping you. At least when you cry because you had to take a shower that didn't include the sink, the tears will wash right off.

Pickles are comfort foods?!

Life Pro Tip (LPT): always use the format shown previous when presenting an acronym in a piece of writing so you ensure clear communication. Once you’ve done this, you can now just use the acronym in place of the full phrase.

You are quite mentally unbalanced.

For the THIRD time - do you immediately shower after #2?

100%!!!!

Why do you keep asking that question like you are about to smoking gun me? Do you not clean your ass is that what you are trying to tell people?

OH NO I DIDNT ANSWER YOUR QUESTION I BETTER WATCH OUT FOR... you asking it again??

Dude just tell me what your point is... Stop waiting for me

When I was having a very bad time mentally especially living in a very small studio in lockdown, realising that it’s okay to just wash 1 plate and fork at a time. It’s also okay to get paper plates if that’s what you need.

If all you can give that day is 30%, and you do, you gave 100%

It was very difficult for me to do this in the midst of an episode. The thing I thought was more helpful is having compassion for others and trying to do something to help someone I loved. I couldn’t do anything to help myself but was able to do small things to help my wife and kids. I wasn’t worth the effort.

Well I have an opposite problem. I eat more when I'm depressed, which is becoming quite an issue :(

To quote another post, "Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly, because doing it poorly is better than not at all."

I am sorry to hear you have been going through so much. I can't offer much but a listening ear, and your feelings are valid. This year has been rough for me too. I haven't gone through near what you have, but I have struggled immensely with heat intolerance and I feel like I'm literally melting from the inside with no explanation and I feel so alone with no one who understands 💔

If it means anything, I am glad you are still here.

Keep those dental picks with the floss laying around. I floss all the time now after a couple of months of picking one up whenever I was bored and thought about needing to brush but couldn't function to do that much activity.

Obviously up to you, but it might be a good idea to see a doctor more often when you're having new symptoms. Even if it's just telehealth visits. Sudden balance issues could be serious.

Those dental picks are great. I struggled all the time to floss before, but with those it's so much easier.

Definitely. I have some Boost on hand for exactly this reason. Protein, vitamins, and liquid.

You're never alone in situations like this. There are subs for help and there are tons of us you could message for support.

LPT: buy a waterproof stool/chair for the shower and detachable showerhead

Celebrate every victory over this fucked up disease. Super proud of you!

There are also disposable washcloths with soap used in hospitals and that people also use camping that are really nice. Some are self warming.

Just answer it. Not hard.

that sounds horrible. you really need to get some support and id start with a support group for whatever your medical situation is because theyll get it. then you can apply for disability maybe, idk. theres clearly a lot to deal with here but you dont have to deal with it alone. i really think support from people who get it would help, please consider it

You don't wash your ass. Got it. Anything else you wanna admit?

Could you please recommend some good subs… for a friend? 👀

Oh, I agree. I just hate Doctors and the cost. Also I don’t have a car, so I have to find a ride there and back. Then there are the tests, and after all that, he will say “It’s cuz your old” or something like that. I am not worried about it.

Get help!!!! Idk how many times I think back to before I was diagnosed bipolar and thought that this was the only way to live my life. ITS NOT!!! Lean in, even if it’s hard, move towards what is good. I know it feels hard, that nobody understands, I’m different, nobody can fix what I have… but that just isn’t true. The hardest step is finding the right psychiatrist who can help you, but once you find them it’s the brightest dawn you have ever seen! All I ask is that you keep trying. Keep fighting and know that you are worth it and that the light at the end of the tunnel will come and you will see a new (still challenging) world to enjoy.

Who calls them ADLs?

Yeah. Especially ones that are jargon.

Just answer the question.

Do YOU shower immediately after #2?

Answer my question!

Thank you 💜💜💜

You want me to answer a hypothetical from you after you've refused to answer a single one I've asked 5 times now.

It's pretty fn obvious you don't shower after #2. You're ok with feces just hanging out all day. While saying people who clean themselves with soap and water are gross.

You're a lunatic on here.

Thank you for moving on with the fucking question LMAO. God damn. That's all I asked "where are you going with it you don't need me to answer "

Maybe now you learned how to tell your point in a normal way

Search for your particular illness or symptoms. I read the bipolar board everyday because sometimes it's just nice that those members just "get it." The ADHD and psychosis boards Are also good. I wouldn't recommend the depression sub though.

All you asked. Wow. You're horrible at this. And ok with feces on you all day, while mocking people who use soap and water to clean themselves.

And you're a psychopath, in general.

Therapy. If you can, find a therapist in your network who specializes in maybe medical trauma/stuff? I got a therapist who helps me deal with the emotional side of my sciatica, among other things. Are you correctly diagnosed? For YEARS every doc said i had depression. Turns out, surprise it's bipolar!

"Wow. Your horrible at this" 🤓🤓

You made your point. You can leave now :)

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As a very depressed person the idea of being proud I blinked 10 times while surrounddd by garbage is rly funny

This wasn't meant to be taken as life long tips, but rather ways of getting through in the meantime. In those moments between being able to get help, when getting a bite to eat is more priority than finding a dr in that moment. Finding the right treatment team definitely makes the world of difference, but some aren't able to, or can't for awhile

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Have you ever tried protein bars or powder for shakes? When I splurged and got a mini blender on the cheap, it made the shakes much better. It helps fill me up though, and could be helpful in satisfying your hunger

Good to hear. You need a laugh.

Honestly it works!! I'm going through a depression phase right now (I have recurrent depressive disorder), and every day I don't want to wake up. So when my first (of three) alarm goes off, I think to myself "what's the smallest thing I can do right now just to stay awake?" And generally, the answer is to just keep blinking until my second alarm goes off 5 minutes later.

Then I say "Okay, I've made it to my second alarm, now all I need to do is just roll over or sit up. Sitting up is the goal, but rolling over is just as good." And generally, by my third alarm 5 minutes later, I'm sitting up.

Then, when my third alarm goes off, I tell myself, "Okay, now all you need to do is grab an energy drink. Yes, they're across the room. But let's take it one step at a time. The first thing I need to do is just put my feet on the floor. That's not that bad." And by 30 minutes later, I've gone to the bathroom, brushed my hair, started sipping an energy drink, and made a plan to get food.

Sometimes just taking it one small step at a time makes all the difference and celebrating every little stage of doing it.

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Omg yes, I just commented this but I noticed you mentioned it first! This quote kind of changed my life. I was an all or nothing person, a big perfectionist and had huge problems with task initiation because of it. Learning to do what I’m capable of instead of being perfect has had a big impact on my wellbeing

Another piece of wisdom I read on here was a story about someone’s lesson to “run the dishwasher twice”. I’ll try to find it but the gist was that he was struggling too much to properly load his dishwasher, so his therapist (I think) told him just to put things in, and run the dishwasher twice. A lesson that it’s okay to use the tools you have available in the way that you need them if it’s going to get you through the day

Tell your 'friend' that there are several, usually targeted for whatever kind of issue you're dealing with. But there are also some general ones like /r/mentalhealth. I also like /r/trollcoping which is basically just mental health shitposting and memes, but it's also reaffirming to know other people understand your struggles. I hope that helps :)

Sometimes my depression gets so bad I don’t have the energy to chew; meal replacement drinks/shakes have saved me from starving. I always keep the ingredients for a shake on-hand, and throw in frozen fruit and veggies (spinach or kale usually).

Anyone who feels this post was beneficial would definitely get a lot of of the book/audiobook "How to Keep House While Drowning". Very easy to read/listen book with all the compassion in the world for people who struggle with basic tasks and lots of really helpful ideas and tips for how to do the basics and potentially build on them, when possible.

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I always feel better when I take a shower. The hard part is moisturizing. It used to be so hard. But with consistency i manage. If I dont i get itchy then just upset. So I get it. Small victories. 🤍

One tip that works for me is to set a timer. I am going to do 3 minutes of dishes. I am allowed to stop after the timer goes off. Sometimes there are still a lot of dishes and that was good enough. Other times, I only have a few left and I power through.

My mom had an exercise book for older women and a quote in there stuck with me. It’s the old physics adage “bodies in motion stay in motion, bodies at rest stay at rest.” Applies to humans too and for normal life, not just exercise. Little movements lead to bigger movements. The longer I remain at rest the harder it is to move again.

I found pollution and thus not being able to exercise the root cause of my depression. Couldn't eat for days, then I changed my residence to a place someqhat away from the city.

And the "Depression" slowly disappeared. Stopped using phone. Like completely. (used forest app first and then some digital detox). Took up running. 6 months in. Feeling good to move on to 2023. I would advice you guys to do the same, but obviously there might be other problems for you. Exercise, connecting with nature, and not staring at the screen for fucking 4 hours at once helps a lot. (I was playing CODM and such games back then)

Edit: do not eat candy bars facepalm

Or a Bing.

Dang, your username is accurate. Why feel the need to be so inconsiderate on a thread about trying to give suffering people a little comfort? In what ways do your responses here make you feel better?

How am I annoying? Dude wanted me to answer a loaded question so he can slam dunk on me. I simply told him to get on with it lol.

But yeah my fault because you disagree with me

Oh for sure, it's so much easier to keep going once you get started than it is to get started in the first place. And setting a timer is a great idea, if I have an overwhelming task I often break it down like that, though I need to get better bout following through, so a timer would be helpful.

I only know from working at assisted living places

Many healthcare workers in a variety of settings

I thought I was/have been depressed until I saw this post lol. Sad is not equal to depression clearly. Still eating healthily, exercising, working, and overall taking care of myself.

Yep. Jargon.

This is both a really good way of showing how difficult depression can be and also a pretty good strategy

Before my mixed states hit, depression used to be either long periods of uninterrupted sleep, broken by a piss and a cigarette, then another nap for 20 hours, and on repeat until im faint from blood sugar crash. That or, I have horrific insomnia, but zero energy whatsoever, can't even hold and use my phone.

Now I have what's called mixed episodes or mixed states. It's where I'm manic and depressed. Not anxious, manic. Like thoughts racing like I may as well be on drugs, all around suicide, why I should, how I should, bordering or fully delusional, and with the mania involved, during these depressive episodes, I now have the energy to put myself in dangerous situations and often find myself hospitalized.

Depression is definitely more than just being sad. But your feelings are valid too. I hope you get to feeling better soon, and if the feelings of sad last for a really long time, or start hindering you from taking care of life, then you probably are depressed.

Be well.

Thank you! I can't take credit, though. My therapist (with the help of the Friends tv show) was the one who taught me how to do it.

I mentioned the episode with Chandler's wedding, how Ross breaks each part of getting ready down for him so he didnt freak out, and wished there was a way to do thaf in real life, cause i could do with a step by step guide and someone encouraging me to do it, and it must be the weirdest thing my therapist had to do, but she did it! She broke down every task I was struggling with into small, simple steps that I could repeatedly achieve and celebrate, and once I tried it out, it actually worked.

Like showering: first, I just need to find a towel. Then head to the bathroom. Then switch the water on. Then get in, possibly sitting down on the floor. Then I just need to get my hair wet... you get the point. Small simple steps make it so I don't think beyond just that small thing, and then take a moment to be happy I did that small thing

You’re not alone. I’ve been going through it too.

For anyone here looking for help, “The Comfort Book” by Matt Haig has helped me every single time I’ve been deep in my depressive episodes.

You've still got room to empathise with others even while suffering yourself. You took the time to post this info as a way of helping others despite you needing help yourself. That makes you an exceptional person in my mind and it's what I aspire to be. The world would be better with more people like you in it. Perhaps try to remember that next time you're feeling particularly bad about yourself. It has me thinking that the real LPT here is helping others as a great way to get outside of your own head, with all its exhausting, sabotaging, negative self talk. Thank you.

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Another similar item are those little interdental mini-brushes. Stick 'em between your teeth and it's kinda like flossing, kinda like brushing, even though it's not quite either.

Ive been esting once a day for the past couple of weeks, give or take some dnacking and random binging

Thabk you

I should’ve known better than to google it before scrolling down

“Floss one tooth”

I heard "anything worth doing is also worth doing half-assed". I like yours better lol

So much this. When I was at my darkest I read this quote and it actually helped so much.

Brushing your teeth for 20 seconds is better than 0 seconds. Eating a piece of toast is better than not eating anything. Being in the shower, even if not washing, is better than not showering at all.

You don’t have to do things well in order for it to be worthwhile.

My house has a handicap accessible shower in it from the previous owner and I’m so grateful for it.

Or Yahoo.

Even brushing your teeth without toothpaste, in your car, and when the motivation strikes you, is better than nothing, and honestly better than most people think.

I started sitting in the shower while I was pregnant, and it was the best thing I’d ever done

You don’t understand what depression is if you just think it’s someone being sad. It’s literally debilitating and you can’t just do something even if you wanted to. The apathy for a lot of things is not controllable.

Life Pro Lip: eat and shower occasionally

I feel like our standards are lowering somewhat lol

The issue is definitely psychological more than anything. I LOOK forward to eating something good. I just live a sad boring life and good food is a decent way to escape it, and well I escape a lot. Too much.

If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of things you have to do, I find it helpful to pick a single thing and make that the only goal of the day. You don't have to complete it, just start it. This way the stress of all the other topics is reduced. Starting something is usually enough to also complete it. Once it is done the feeling of accomplishemnt can motivate you to pick a second topic. Rinse and repeat from there, as far as you are able.

Whoa! Thanks to this post I'm now cured! Thanks OP! Hazah for the OP! HAZAH!!

I read in 1 post if you can’t do too much, For example cleaning the dishes, if you can only clean 1! 1% is better than 0%! That has helped me tremendously! Especially since I am currently trying to dig myself of a deep depression! I am on meds & doing therapy!

Yes, exactly. Even just washing a single spoon or cup is better than letting them sit, and for me, knowing I continue to let them sit without engaging at all

Same here.

So far alcohol seems to be the only thing that helps.

So you don't wash your ass. That's all you had to say bruh. All of that bickering to confirm what I assumed all along since you had the inclination to ask such a dumb question

that seems like more effort than getting in the shower.

That’s an awesome quote thanks :3

I'm sorry for your loss, all of it, and every single thing. As someone who lost a lot, am essentially homeless, you can't deal with it all at once, it's to overwhelming, try to deal with it one thing at a time, and that's what it takes, time. Time to grief, time to change perspective, time to accept.

It sounds like you are used to being independent, it's not a loss of that, to ask for help, especially where you don't have time, like the possibility of becoming homeless in the near future. It's a strength, to have people that can help.

The things you write that doesn't help, it's complicated, i can go in details if you like, so you know why, and how to make them work.

Notice you're the only one liking your comments? And others are liking mine? You're unhinged.

You STILL haven't answered the question, 6 or more times now. Do you shower after #2?

I have absolutely no idea why you would assume someone doesn't wash their ass asking this question.

Answer the question, simp.

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Likes, as in people see I'm making sense and you're taking nonsense.

I'm hurt? Lol, you're the one offended people use soap and water to get cleaner.

Meanwhile you walk around with feces all day.

So wait... YOU wash your ass in the sink every time you go to the bathroom??

DUDE just stop talking. No don't because every single time I realize something you are telling me, I think of you even less as a person 😂😂😂

Huh? There's nothing I said to remotely suggest that.

You need help, if you think it affects me what internet strangers 'think' about me as a person.

You criticize people who clean themselves with soap and water. While you walk around with poop butt.

DUDE you've been triggered this entire time!! You are hiding behind your nonsensical question because you know if you argued about how much of a lazy sack of shit people are for washing themselves in the sink, you'd break and say something that may get you banned.

But no haha somearejustannoying doesnt want to play this stupid game of mine so that means he poopy his pants.

Oh and you didn't answer my question. Why even ask the question? Are you implying that you wash your ass in the sink anytime you substitute that for a shower? Am I being clear boy?

Look at your rant. I'm triggered?

People using soap and water bothers you. While you walk around with feces.

And there you go again with your one trick pony. It's actually amazing how off the mark you are.

Soap and water don't bother me.

Showering in the sink does not count as soap and water 😂😂. Is that dumbed down enough for you? Why not argue against my point directly instead of trying to make "poopy butt" a thing? Well I know why, I explained it in my previous comment, but I'll still ask you.

Another triggered rant. People cleaning themselves bothers you.

While you walk around shedding feces.

Just because I called you out doesn't mean it's a rant 😂. You clearly don't want to face the music so just do everyone a favor and stop talking one trick pony.

Face the music? Get help.

The stuff you pick out is random and quite funny.

Meet: mirror.

-funny

I keep them in my car

Protein shakes sub for creamer very nicely and then I can honestly say I had breakfast not' just coffee"

Doing stuff during commercials helped me get going again after surgery and during depression. I could accomplish 1 thing during a break when I felt overwhelmed.

I'm going to try having baby wipes and baby powder in my dorm room. Depression has been hitting hard, and I try to shower, but I only end up showering around 4 times a week. It's really hard to do things, even if I know its better for me.

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Unfortunately, your food advice does not work for me, as I am a fat ass who has issues with eating on the exact opposite spectrum.

Maybe give protein powder a try, I use pea plant protein mixed in coffee and it tastes alright, fills me up, and is an easy meal