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/nairoosha]

I am 29 years and I still struggle with this, having to brush my teeth, or shower, but what helps me is finding things that fights against mental resistance, for example, I found turning on heater making warm water accessible before I shower and showering with water that has strong pressure not weak, helps me to shower more often, mostly I am too lazy also to shower cuz my hair is curly and ia just too much to take care of, so I bath instead of shower most of the days like wash body no hair, and I feel you, I am unmedicated and everything is a battle again, on medication I used to be able to even do my skin care but now I barely get off the sofa and walk. Ensuring the process is easier and comfort will helps so much, any obstacle will make it harder and dreadful than it actually already is! When I was in accomdation with shared bathroom with weak water pressure id almost never shower to the extent of developing dandruff and inflammation. Also having nice shampoos and body shower gel with scents you like will make u feel better.

[u/Extreme_Foundation66 → u/nairoosha]

I understand, take care of yourself!! May I ask why you stopped?

[u/nairoosha → u/Extreme_Foundation66]

Cuz of my bipolar diagnoses, they told me I need to stop stimulants till I stabilize my mood, and still haven’t started the treatment plan for bipolar once I do I’ll eventually treat my adhd when doctors see best.

[u/Extreme_Foundation66 → u/nairoosha]

I’m so sorry! I wish you all the best! My therapist suspects that I may have Borderline Personality Disorder so I have just started that process!

[u/nairoosha → u/Extreme_Foundation66]

Best wishes to you too, bpd really gets better with DBT