Poor personal hygeine and self worth?

I'm 19 and a guy. I have this problem motivating myself to do things like trim my nails, take a shower every day, wash my face, clean my teeth, shaving etc. It's not super bad, but I don't try very hard. I have a history of depression and insecurity about my appearance, I used to have skin problems that have left me with some scarring, and I lack self worth. But, I feel like I'm really abnormal or lazy for not keeping on top of the simple daily things that's routine for everyone else. Often I can't be bothered, because I'm not showing myself off to anyone. I spent most of today in bed for instance.

Does anyone else experience this? Do you find yourself not caring about yourself and how you feel or look unless you're in the company of other people? Do you have any advice on how I can change my routine or anything really that might encourage me to take pride in my appearance. Thanks

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Based on 98 votes (54 yes)
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Comments ( 19 )
  • oskilover18

    Depression is often the cause and/or result of being lazy, but with time solving the hygiene part quite simple though not easy. If I have a week off from life and seeing people, I have been known to (well only to myself because I would never admit it to others) sloth around, reading, eating, smoking, watching movies all week, and neglecting to shower or do anything productive. In addition, I hate brushing my teeth and don't do it as often as I should. I'll get in bed, read or go on the computer and not ever want to get up to brush my teeth. However, I would suggest forcing yourself to do it anyways. What is painful at first will eventually become a habit and hopefully help you become a little less depressed. Keeping as busy as you can also helps tremendously. I've overcome my laziness (most of the time) to graduate from a great university, have awesome friends, and a usually spectacular love life. You can too. My MOST IMPORTANT SUGGESTION is to exercise. It's a bitch at first but once you find something you enjoy doing, it improves your mood and self worth SO MUCH! Plus after working out showering is relaxing and enjoyable. The scientific community has stated many times that most cases of depression can be improved tremendously by exercise. Good luck!

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  • Terence_the_viking

    Thats ok walk around with shit in your pants i'm sure everyone loves you for it

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  • nothing2

    set one day a week to do some things and you know make a quick list of daily things and just do them everyday

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  • AnnaNomis

    As long as you don't get as gross as a certain "based on a book vampire" actor, some women like a scruffy man. Besides, it can be fun to have a woman wash you clean. (Women, including myself, have many shower fantasies)

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  • VintageCharm

    You're just depressed because you aren't satisfied with your appearance, so you see no point in up-keeping it. Just try to get back with the flow of things and consult a therapist.

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  • SyC0Pathik

    as for the depression and the lack of caring for self image i think that your insecurity about your appearance thats in your mind. you ever hear that saying you're your own worst critic well thats true i had the same deal when i was in highschool i got numerous MRSA infections in my face and resulted in a couple of pock marks on my cheeks and forhead but you have to realize that people when they first see that kind of thing they usally look at it once and then never think about it again so my advise dont be hard on yourself and stop hating yourself thats the worst thing you can do to your self esteem which could explain your lack of enthusiasm

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  • SyC0Pathik

    i too do that sometimes i dont remember the last time i brused my teeth but thats cuz i dont want flouride in my body and my teeth and breath are fine i shower though i hate feeling greasy makes me itch i dont trim my nails but where i work they get worn down anyway as for shaving who likes to shave not me!! i hate shaving it sucks balls and ive only had to shave for like 3 years now. as for washing my face i do that in the shower

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  • alloutballsout24

    i go through that quite a lot, mainly with my teeth, and homework, and showers

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  • Thanks for all the comments so far... nice to get a new email and a bit of inspiration if I'm going through a bad patch :)

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  • ven067

    Hmm I've actually experienced this, but only when I was younger, like 7-15 at the latest.
    I was sooo lazy as a kid lol
    You had to literally pay me to shower and wash my face!!
    But now, I hang out more with people, so you have to take the necessary measures to make sure you look decent around them and not some bum

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  • blech

    I'm not sure if it's normal but I am the same exact way. I used to be TERRIBLE! I'd only shower if I had to, I wouldnt brush my teeth as often as I should have, id just sit in bed watching tv or on the computer. To fix it I just made myself very busy, filled up my schedule. Now I'm out everyday and don't have time to mope around. Plus I'm constantly around people so I feel pressured to keep up with hygiene. So my suggestion would be just find your own strengths and focus on them, be it sports, a certain skill, your job. And try to keep busy.

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  • jackgabe

    That is normal as struggles with depression and low self worth often make one lazy when it comes to personal hygiene. Although I'd still say it is worth your while to try to get better at it as it is a lot easier to feel better about yourself when you are well groomed.

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  • spyderr

    hm well... I know what it's like to not want to get out of bed in the morning. went through a long time where I slept like 14 hours/day. and another time when I could hardly sleep so when I woke up I was still exhausted. and then I had to get ready and stuff.

    the thing is, other people make showering etc look easy! it's not that easy. I know that sounds odd but it's true, everyone has to force themselves to do it. if I had it my way I wouldn't shower at all but because I have classes I don't want to gross out the people around me. plus I don't want to get funny rashes in funny places O_o due to a lack of hygiene.

    but yeah it takes a lot of energy to get up and take a shower, sometimes I just don't wanna do it.

    I have seriously helped myself though by showering at night, because then you're already out of bed and it's easier that way. also easier to wake up in the morning knowing that you have one less annoying morning chore ahead of you.

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  • gorgeousgirl

    i really feel for u, i have suffered depression in the past and i totally know what u mean, u cant even bare getting out of bed in the morning never mind showering ect. so dont worry ur not alone. just ignore all these ppl sayn ohh jst do it. coz i no its not tht easy. maybe speak to your doctor? but i really dont think this is a big problem. at least ur not a shallow big headed prick like 99%% of men r haha x

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    • Lettuce12345

      Amen Sister.

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  • snakechik22

    holy shit i am exactttly the same way! i thought i was the only one.. i got my licence taken away 5 months ago and i live outa town with few friends to see me so i dont bother to get ready i see my bf every 2 weeks and he doesnt care if i shower everyday or not but still when hes gone at work i feel soo gross and like a lazy piece of shit for not doing simple things that my family does whom i live with btw..im always scared they think im gross and lazy.. well they talk behind my back about how lazy i am so i kno they think that.. but ya why cant i just do this stuff!?! sry for the long comment haha im just excited im not alone!

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  • euphoria

    Yeah, I've experienced it before. While I was all depressed and being lazy, I actually... cared. That's why I was that way.

    The first step is, start not caring about your appearance and what people thinks of you. Wear what you like, be who you are... And then you'll get more compliments if you hang out with your friends, that is. You'll feel better and you'll start taking care of yourself... unconsciously. It takes time, of course. It worked for me.

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  • brush your teeth and take a shower

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  • DramaGurl113

    You would be doing yourself and everyone else a favor if you just took personal hygene seriously.

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