Being lazy about bathing can mean you're depressed

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They accuse those who do not want to take a shower of having dirty and smelly bodies. "Stop acting like a child," "At least shower every day," such advice comments from netizens.

However, the problem is, as stated by the Japanese daily, The Mainichi, Friday (4/5/2024), the post about not liking bathing is not just because you hate bathing or prefer to live dirty. The post about not liking bathing is related to the psychological condition of someone who is depressed.

Netizens who have experience with depression then post comments, "People with mental illness cannot take a bath or do any household chores."

A non-profit group called the Mental Health and Public Wellness Organization once conducted a survey of 190 individuals with mental health issues. The survey results demonstrated that half of the 190 respondents found it extremely difficult to take a shower. In addition to being unable to shower, they also admitted that they could not clean their homes (44 percent).

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The head of the organization, Ken Utagawa, who also suffers from schizoaffective disorder (symptoms of schizophrenia plus mood disorders and depression), admitted that bathing is the main enemy for people who are depressed. “Anyone who is depressed will feel this way. I can understand why there is such a fuss on social media. "This is because not many people know about this problem," he said.

Utagawa once went without taking a bath for a year and he has also gone up to two weeks without bathing. When feeling depressed, he only wants to sleep. He doesn't feel like eating or doing anything. Even going to the bathroom is a tremendous chore for him. He feels that taking a bath is not a top priority to stay alive.

When he is not depressed, Utagawa really enjoys his ritual of bathing and soaking in a tub. However, when he is depressed, his energy is drained and his body feels weak. He asks netizens not to mock others who do not want to bathe.

Psychiatrist and Head of Fuchi Kokoro Clinic in Fuchu, Tokyo, Yuichiro Kasuga, explains that depression causes a decrease in brain function. This can lead to a decrease in motivation and the body feeling more tired. The process or ritual of taking a bath can be very troublesome for those with depression. They must first take off their clothes, wash their body and hair, and then dry their hair.

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It may sound simple to those who are not experiencing depression. However, the decreased cognitive function makes depressed individuals easily discouraged, making it difficult for them to carry out even simple tasks.

However, Kasuga stated that individuals who are lazy to shower do not necessarily mean they are depressed. It could be due to accumulated fatigue. "If you are unable to do simple things like cleaning and showering, you should immediately seek a doctor or psychologist and psychiatrist," he said.