The Psychology of Depression and Anxiety - Dr. Scott Eilers I Know You’re Horribly Depressed, But You Still Need To Wash Your Butt
Feb 20, 2026
A candid look at how depression derails basic self-care and why hygiene struggles are so common. Practical tactics for a bare-minimum routine, step-by-step approaches, and habit stacking to make tasks feel doable. Tips on upgrading the bathroom vibe, using alarms and accountability, and pairing hygiene with small rewards. Emphasis on reducing shame and seeking help for persistent negative self-talk.
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Why Self-Care Feels Impossible
- Anhedonia blunts reward so basic self-care feels pointless and unrewarding during depression.
- Psychomotor retardation makes simple actions feel heavy and substantially harder to start.
Set A Depression Hygiene Routine
- Keep expectations low and create a bare-minimum
Use Rewards To Reinforce Habits
- Reward yourself after completing difficult hygiene tasks to reinforce the behavior.
- Use verbal praise, a treat, or a small enjoyable activity as positive reinforcement.
