r/ADHD • u/Extreme_Foundation66 • 9d ago
Questions/Advice Hygiene with ADHD
Hi to all my ADHD friends!
I have ADHD and I have my whole life struggled with my hygiene.
I hate to talk about this but the few times I have done it with my friends with ADHD I feel less alone so I hope this will have the same effect. I also wanna say that I would appreciate if you kept your judgements and negative comments to yourself (since I’ve also experienced that when talking about this)
First of all, I absolutely hate to shower. It has so many steps, I hate the feeling of water on my body and I really struggle to start. This makes it harder for me to workout cause the thought of taking a shower is so overwhelming.
I also struggle with steps like brushing my teeth and remembering steps in my routine!
Also other weekly things like shaving, cutting my nails!
Please tell me that I’m not alone and if you’re having any advice or anything I would appreciate it! I’m really embarrassed about it!
Update: I’m genuinely so thankful for every single comment under this post! I’ve never felt this seen and understood before. I’m so proud of everyone that has shared their stories and I wish you all the best ❤️
5
u/VictorianGuy 9d ago
You are not alone! A lifetime struggle. When I was a young person I was called lazy by family and friends and felt stigmatized. Forcing myself to shower daily - for decades - did nothing to help the amount of sheer will and emotional exhaust it took for a ten minute shower. I tell people, “imagine trying to cut your arm with a knife - do you think it would be hard to force yourself to do that? What if you had to do it every day? Would the process and pain and exhausting stress of cutting yourself change and become minimized? No? Well, that what it is like to perform simple tasks, like brushing my teeth. Twice a day, every day for life.”
You are not alone and there is no shame. Only courage for living through what we go through and to share your life with others.