Hygiene with ADHD

[u/Extreme_Foundation66]

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 ❤️

[u/Huntie2047]

Youre not!! I struggle a lot with transitions. Getting from dry to wet, hot to cold, and viceversa, is difficult for me! 

What ive done that helped is make the transitions less intense :) i would HATE getting into cold water, or it shifting IMMENSELY if i touched the knob 1 milimiter- so i bought one of those showers that keep the temperature constant. I also puta heater in the bathroom, so when i get out of my clothes i dont feel so cold, and also when i get out of the water.

For everything, I try having all i need at the reach of my hand: soap, sponge, etc. I gamify it too: i have gels of different colors and im like, what color/smell do i feel like today? ^{.^}

[u/Extreme_Foundation66 → u/Huntie2047]

That is actually great advice! I’m moving into my new apartment in July and I’m making a list right now with all the things I can buy/ do to make it as easy as possible for my ADHD! Thank you so much

[u/Huntie2047 → u/Extreme_Foundation66]

Oh, thats wonderful!! Im so glad you found it helpful! 🥰 My life has improved A LOT since i started making my house ADHA friendly! I cant recommend enough the youtube channel or How to ADHD, Jessica is amazing, and actually has several episodes about how to do exactly that! 😁

[u/Extreme_Foundation66 → u/Huntie2047]

SAME and These comments just makes me add more and more to my “new apartment list”! I definitely recommend tik tok, it saves me sometimes! The baskets for everything has definitely saved me (especially the ones for medication, half dirty clothes and shower stuff) + my whiteboard paper that I just put everywhere on my walls! And my weight blanket OMG and My premade outfits that I have pictures in my phone