Feeling can make us want to not do a lot of things. No harm in acknowledging our feelings. They r true. Accept your feelings. Then take a shower and brush your teeth. Small victories. :)

Hey Mark,
I used to feel the same way, there were times that I seriously just felt weird about showering or coming my hair. I think it was anxiety and fear of being alone and vulnerable there is something much deeper in there. See this as a challenge and overcome it. You can do it Mark. Think of it like Sonofa said, small victories. You will see them add up and make a huge difference. Think of everything you do as a conscious choice. You have the power to make changes and thats what is awesome. If you see life as insane then ask yourself, "How do I want to view and live life?" Then ask yourself, "What am I doing to get there?" And be honest to yourself. You'll realize that the only thing keeping your life and your world from being sane is yourself. You can do it. You are very strong.

These are common symptoms of depression, and many depressed people struggle to do these basic things, sometimes even when they are feeling better. I know I have. This may sound weird, but reminding myself that I have chronic depression that I take meds for is sometimes a liberating experience. I stop beating myself up and realize that the problem isn't "me," it's the chemicals in my brain. You are not alone. Try rewarding yourself for each small victory. If you take a shower and brush your teeth today, you'll buy yourself some small treat. May God bless your day.

thank you all for your great support. yes, after 9 days I took a shower, I shaved and brushed my teeth. but after doing all of that my mental attitude didn't change and my other medical problems didn't disappear.. guess what brought me back into the dark world. at 9;30am today I got a fed ex package that killed me. it was my first cane. ii have neuropathy and parkinsons in both my left leg and foot. and arm. before I got the cane I fell head first a little to often, and I have the bruises to show it. but the cane just told me you . are never going to do lots of things any more. like swimming, walking, bowling or feeling attractive any more. I am just a guy with a cane. so even though I bathed I feel far worse today than ever before. I am sooooo close to giving up. its scary.

The "why" and the "it" are both Very Frustrating to understand when "it" comes to doing what we know "is right" and 'why' we don't do "it".

I've finally come to understand, people "me" generally do what they want. When I'm depressed, the "I don't, I can't, I'm overwhelmed' take over my thinking.

What you 'think' is what will happen most times so if you "think I can't' then you won't.

What I work at doing now is to catch myself before I say "I don't....Nope I Do Want to take a shower, 'why' because I will feel physically and mentally better afterwards....hope this works for you, best, ml

I've been too weak to really take a shower before. Sometimes though, I'd start it, and sit on the toilet seat and let it steam around me.
Other times I'd get in the tub, but sit down, and just let the water spray hit the back of my head.
It did make me feel better.
I still don't brush my teeth.

the cane is a current situation. I currently am wearing my dressing gown. i don't consider my life bound up by this.

You don't have to consider your cane to be the end of your story. You don't have to consider there is no way back. They are making moves towards solving all sorts of neurological problems daily. Australia has created an ultrasound to remove plaque from alzheimers patients. Parkinsons is probably next. Take that cane, use it, and wait and see what eventuates.

And meanwhile I found playing the television allowed me to 'unlock' and do various things around the house I was too anxious to get off my chair and do. Having music or a tv show going constantly makes an enormous difference.

I can sooo relate!!!! Depression saps our every bit of energy and drive! Just taking a literal step is a challenge! Try this---turn on some music you like and start moving! This does not mean run a marathon--unless you want to! But just tackle and slam depression to the ground my friend!!!