Dear Abby: My depression is getting in the way of my hygiene

DEAR ABBY: I am a longtime divorcee and a retiree with grown kids.What is troubling me is that I’ve always had an issue with taking a shower and all the oil and dirt flowing down my body.

I think it’s gross, so I usually wash my hair in the kitchen sink.I also don’t get in the shower to wash my body.

I hate getting out of the shower and feeling cold, or trying to get dressed partially wet.When I’ve been in relationships, I force myself to shower or wipe down with hospital-type wipes.(I still wash up this way, just not regularly, and I know it’s gross.) I dry-shave my legs and underarms when needed, but this is really an issue for me.

I brush my teeth twice a day.I use a light perfume and often get compliments, but I know from reading your advice that seniors lose their sense of smell, and I could be ripe.I don’t know how to overcome this, and, for obvious reasons, I don’t have a friend I can float this by.

I’m healthy and, like everyone, struggle with depression, but I don’t feel it’s bad enough to seek professional help.I’m on a fixed income.Just curious as to what your thoughts are on this.

It’s been a good six weeks since I’ve had a proper shower, and I find no justification for it other than I don’t enjoy it.— UNSHOWERED IN ILLINOISDEAR UNSHOWERED: If I thought your quirk could be solved as easily as buying a portable heater for your bathroom, I would suggest it.

You state that you suffer from depression “like everyone else.” From the mail I receive, people do have problems interacting with interpersonal relationships, workplace issues, etc., but they do not “all” suffer from depression.Although you live on a fixed income, you could benefit from discussing your issue with a licensed psychotherapist.Help is available on a sliding financial scale through your county’s department of mental health or your local university with a department of psychology.

While medication might help you overcome your depression, getting ...