Sitting In Shower Depression - Symptoms And Coping Strategies

Understanding Sitting In Shower Depression

Depression is a complex mental health disorder that can manifest itself in a variety of ways. While some symptoms like feelings of hopelessness and sadness may be more well-known, there are other more subtle signs of depression that should not be ignored. One potential symptom that is not discussed as often is finding oneself sitting in the shower for long periods of time when experiencing depression.

Why Sitting In The Shower Occurs During Depression

There are a few key reasons why someone with depression may engage in extended sitting in the shower:

• Lack of motivation - Taking a shower requires initiative and effort that can feel overwhelming with depression. Sitting in the shower avoids having to actively bathe.
• Fatigue - Depression often comes with profound fatigue and low energy. Standing in the shower for an extended time can be tiring.
• Isolation - The isolation of the shower can feel comforting for someone looking to withdraw and be alone with their thoughts.
• Rumination - The sound and warmth of the shower can promote rumination, or repetitive negative thoughts, that accompanies depression.
• Emotional numbness - The stimulation of the shower may feel helpful to someone experiencing the numbness of depression.

Sitting in the shower can essentially be an escape from the demands of life and provide a reprieve, however brief, from the most severe symptoms of depression. However, while it may feel helpful in the moment, it is ultimately an avoidance behavior that can make depression worse over time.

Significance Of Sitting In The Shower With Depression

Sitting in the shower for prolonged periods of time points to some significant issues when experiencing depression including:

• Disrupted routine - Inability to stick to hygiene and self-care routines may indicate greater severity of depression.
• Withdrawal - Avoiding typical activities in favor of isolation can contribute to greater isolation.
• Lack of motivation - An inability to carry out basic tasks like showering may reflect worsening motivation and energy levels.
• Poor concentration - Standing or sitting in the shower without actively bathing demonstrates difficulty concentrating.
• Feelings of guilt/shame - Being unable to complete daily hygiene may bring about feelings of guilt or shame that exacerbate mood.

Overall, an inability to complete the basic task of showering reflects significant impairment in daily functioning that can further worsen depression. It demonstrates the need for evaluation and treatment when experienced alongside other symptoms of depression.

Coping With Sitting In The Shower During Depression

If you notice yourself sitting in the shower more often or for longer durations than normal, here are some supportive coping strategies:

• Set alarms or alerts - Put reminders on your phone to alert you to complete your shower in a timely manner.
• Use bath products - Have motivating bath products on hand like scented soaps, bath bombs or shower tablets.
• Play music - Make a motivating shower playlist to listen to that energizes you and makes showering more appealing.
• Invite company - If comfortable, have a friend, partner or family member periodically join you in the bathroom while showering for company.
• Observe thoughts - Notice any unhelpful thoughts or judgments about showering and actively replace them with compassion.
• Set small goals - Challenge yourself to wash just one part of your body at a time until the full shower is complete.
• Reward progress - Praise yourself or engage in an enjoyable activity after reaching your showering goal.

It is understandably difficult to feel motivated to complete self-care activities when experiencing depression. Be patient with yourself while also pushing against avoidance tendencies by trying out coping strategies, seeking social support and considering professional help if sitting in the shower becomes an ongoing issue.

Other Subtle Symptoms of Depression to Recognize

In addition to possibly finding oneself sitting in the shower for longer than normal, here are some other subtle potential signs of depression that should not be ignored:

Changes In Sleep Patterns

Depression can significantly disrupt sleep in various ways. Some people may struggle with insomnia and experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Others may sleep excessively, feel irresistible daytime sleepiness or have inconsistent sleep patterns. Any notable changes in sleep quality or duration, especially over an extended time, may indicate depression.

Changes In Appetite

Appetite changes are another common symptom of depression that manifests in different ways. Some people notice a complete loss of appetite and lack of interest in food. Others experience increased cravings for sugary or other unhealthy comfort foods. Increased or decreased food intake resulting in significant weight loss or weight gain can signal depression.

Loss Of Interest In Activities

When people feel consistently bored, apathetic and disengaged from previously enjoyable hobbies, interests or social activities, it may reflect depression. No longer gaining pleasure, meaning or fulfillment from activities that used to provide those feelings indicates depressive symptoms.

Physical Symptoms

Depression can also cause various physical symptoms including:

• Headaches
• Stomachaches
• Back pain
• Joint pain
• General achiness
• Fatigue/exhaustion
• Digestive issues

If physical symptoms persist daily and doctors cannot find a medical cause, they may be tied to depression.

Difficulty Concentrating

Problems with focus, attention, recall and decision-making may arise with depression. Feeling scatterbrained with an inability to think clearly or stay focused points to significant concentration impairment associated with depression.

Withdrawing From Others

Social withdrawal and isolation is a core symptom of depression. Losing interest in socializing, communicating less with family and friends and wanting to be alone more often can be key signs of a depressive episode.

Irritability

Increased irritability, frustration, moodiness and anger outbursts can occur with depression. Feeling persistently impatient, intolerant and short-tempered with people indicates this potential sign of depression.

Guilt And Shame

Experiencing excessive guilt about perceived failures or shortcomings and profound shame about oneself points to the negative self-perceptions associated with depression. Believing you are defective, unlovable or worthless reflects this kind of depressed thinking.

When To Seek Professional Support

Noticing one or two subtle depression symptoms occasionally does not necessarily indicate clinical significance. However, if you observe a combination of signs that persist nearly every day for two weeks or longer, it is time to seek professional mental health services.

A licensed psychologist or therapist can provide a formal assessment to diagnose depression as well as recommend potential treatment options. Catching and addressing depression in its early stages, including subtle symptoms, leads to better overall care and outcomes.

With compassion, determination and appropriate professional mental health treatment, sitting in the shower and other subtle symptoms can improve. Eventually enjoying lively hobbies, engaging socially with loved ones, thinking clearly and feeling hopeful and happy again becomes possible.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.