Letting yourself 'go'

[downhillfast]

Not sure whether to post this here or in health but here goes.

I just can't seem to be bothered anymore, I find it hard to take an interest in or make an effort with how I look. My hair seems to permanently be greasy (which I hate but feel so tired I'd rather sleep than wash it), ditto taking make-up off (that's when I can be bothered to apply any - mainly concealer for gross spots). I struggle to get dressed (when not at work), feel hungry, eat rubbish and look a mess. Suffer from acne - always have but seems to be getting worse.

Those people who manage to look good, how do you cope?

Do you find it a huge effort?

How can I improve? Please don't tell me to focus on the little things like manicures etc as it's not gonna happen.

I probably have a problem when even keeping my hair clean is too much effort

Thanks, some useful tips here. I managed to do my hair today and cleansed my face properly with some Neutrogena scrub things I had and feel 100% better than yesterday. It's nice to hear that washing / drying hair with 2 yo dc 'helping' is also an effort for other people

That's really good to hear It put a smile on my face!

I have to go against the grain and say roaccutaine is not really the best thing for someone who is possibly depressed - it can make depression much worse

I think the fact you are finding looking after yourself a chore is definately a sign you are depressed.

I LOVE putting make up on, doing my hair etc - having good hair is the most important thing about looking good to me. I can't imagine feeling so demotivated that I don't want to do it.

I think this all hinges on the fact that your energy levels are down due to bad health - whether that be mental health or physical health or a combination of the two. Until you get your diet in order and some activity under your belt you are not going to know if you have deeper underlying mental problems - PND for example.

I dont' suggest for one minute that you ought to start running or anything, but a brisk half an hour walk every day would help. Also start with a balanced diet - not a low calorie one. I constantly watch my weight but I am never hungry and I do eat 'junk' food. It's just I have them at meal times and don't snack.

You should see the benefits of a balanced diet, some activity and fresh air very soon - after a few days. IF you don't feel better then you need to look deeper at your life and your mental state. Good luck - I hope it's just a question of improving your energy levels and therefore boosting your motivation rather than something more complex.

No roaccutane if there's depression. Ever. It can cause serious problems.

I like Pacific's post, and Tethersend's.

How about trying to get out for a little walk every day, buying loads of healthy snacks like nuts, cheese, yogurt, even dried fruit anything but fried or too salted stuff. Try a good breakfast that includes protein cheese on toast, egg, something quick like that.

Keep up the gentle face cleaning. For a quick boost, how about some perfume you like? And look into a change of GP -- sounds like you need a listening ear and some tests.

SOrry, havent read the whole thread but I totally agree with those who have said best place to start is a brisk walk every day. Hell, even a dawdle every day is a start!

It sounds to me like you may be depressed (sorry if this has already been covered). Wouldnt hurt to see a GP about this (a different one, by the sounds of it!)

Change your GP.
I have always suffered from depression and a good GP made the world of difference.

Yep, no Roaccutane while you are low, could make your skin better while you feel suicidal, not a good tradeoff IMO.

Well done for doing hair - you look lovely!! Write that in your "good thing" diary: "I washed my hair today and felt better for it".

Seriously, think baby steps.

Can you see another GP?

Wanted to add, if you don't already take a vitamin and mineral supplement, now is the time to start. Vitamin B6 is good for skin, and can lift your mood. Twas recommended to me (100mg) by my OB/GYN while suffering horrible skin and low mood problems, plus morning sickness with one of the DCs.

How are you feeling today?

I got stuck in a 'am I depressed or am I ill' spiral a few years ago. It was awful. Spent months wondering why I was so joyless and negative, spent ages mulling over but not sorting out my problems. TYried to improve mood witrh better diet or exercise but couldnt stick to it.

Finally got bloodtest at GPs, was anemic. Thught this not possible as was taking multivit with iron. Anyway got some serious iron suplements and was so so much better in 2 weeks. Still had other stuff to solve but then finally had the energy to actually do that.

PLease get your health checked asap. All the other self diagnosis/regimes could be reaaly assisted by solving nay iunderlyiong health issue. I realised I wasnt thinking straight anymore as I had totally run out of energy so all the stuff I tried to make myself feel better before kept disintegrating as I was too ill to keep them up.. After I sorted the iron deficiency I could finally eat better, look after myself better, go for short walks and tackle the other bigger problems with consistency etc

How you doing today, downhill?