Anonymous
07/10/2025 21:47
Subject: How to approach things with chronically depressed friend
How old is she? This honestly sounds menopause or perimenopause related. Suicide is one of the top causes of death for women that age. I’d read up on it and try to approach her about it.
Anonymous
07/10/2025 19:46
Subject: How to approach things with chronically depressed friend
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:No, don’t give her scented bath products. That’s a terrible suggestion.
The hygiene issues are not THE issue. They are just a sign of how depressed she is. Don’t worry about her hygiene. See if she will let you visit or go out to lunch with you or text with you — if she’s able to connect with people, it might help keep her from getting more
Depressed.
When I went through a deep severe depression years ago, something basic as taking a daily shower seemed so insurmountable to me. Heck just the act of getting out of bed every morning seemed like a huge chore.
I just didn’t have the desire to shower at all so what encouraged me to even turn on the water faucet was a bath set that I received from a caring friend in a care package.
I had never used vanilla cashmere scented moisturizing body wash or lotion before and I was excited to smell like a cupcake!
This is what ultimately worked for me though there are certain people who may not like scented bath products.
When one is depressed, sometimes taking a shower can psychologically make a change in how one feels about themselves.
It can be a significant first step towards getting back into one’s normal routine.
That’s wonderful that bath products worked for
You! I think for many people, it would feel
Like a
Criticism.
I have received gift sets of bath products over the course of my life and I have never felt criticized.
I never take it personally when someone gives me anything scented whether that be a candle or hand lotion.
I can see how giving a depressed friend a scented bath set could help her.
Since baths are very relaxing (as opposed to a shower) it could encourage her friend to be clean.
After getting clean -> her friend may feel a little better about herself in order to tackle other obstacles in her life.
Anonymous
07/10/2025 13:35
Subject: Re:How to approach things with chronically depressed friend
Anonymous wrote:So it’s worse if you hint with products? I guess shame doesn’t help depressed people? Does the guilt not make them act to change?
Depressed people already feel intense shame.
Anonymous
07/10/2025 12:47
Subject: Re:How to approach things with chronically depressed friend
So it’s worse if you hint with products? I guess shame doesn’t help depressed people? Does the guilt not make them act to change?
Anonymous
07/10/2025 08:15
Subject: How to approach things with chronically depressed friend
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:No, don’t give her scented bath products. That’s a terrible suggestion.
The hygiene issues are not THE issue. They are just a sign of how depressed she is. Don’t worry about her hygiene. See if she will let you visit or go out to lunch with you or text with you — if she’s able to connect with people, it might help keep her from getting more
Depressed.
When I went through a deep severe depression years ago, something basic as taking a daily shower seemed so insurmountable to me. Heck just the act of getting out of bed every morning seemed like a huge chore.
I just didn’t have the desire to shower at all so what encouraged me to even turn on the water faucet was a bath set that I received from a caring friend in a care package.
I had never used vanilla cashmere scented moisturizing body wash or lotion before and I was excited to smell like a cupcake!
This is what ultimately worked for me though there are certain people who may not like scented bath products.
When one is depressed, sometimes taking a shower can psychologically make a change in how one feels about themselves.
It can be a significant first step towards getting back into one’s normal routine.
That’s wonderful that bath products worked for
You! I think for many people, it would feel
Like a
Criticism.