Bad hygiene and feeling embarassed

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The other day I sat down in the library and left a mark because I wasn't clean. Someone I know commented on my body odour, my sister said I smelled like pee the other day. I have been wearing deodorant recently. Sometimes I struggle to remember. I need to get better yet sometimes I think I make a mountain out of a molehill when it comes to my hygeine. I don't understand why it's so difficult for me..it seems like it's basic yet I act like it's almost impossible sometimes. maybe I need written reminders or something. it's just extremely embarrassing to feel like I'm dirty yet struggle to make a change. My family is starting to get really concerned cause they don't get my laundry and my room is very messy.

Ow, I'm sorry that people around you are criticising instead of supporting you. I know what you're talking about, as I do struggle with the same problem. The urge to be clean doesn't seem to exist somehow. I do manage to be clean when I have to leave the house (after a friend once told me that my hair smelled of sweat) but if I don't have to go out, all I do is brush my teeth twice a day.
Do you think it would help if you put post it notes in the bathroom, reminding you to wash yourself for example? Or set an 'cleaning' alarm on your phone?

I think you're brave for admitting that you're struggling with keeping yourself clean and I applaud you for your courage.

you might consult an occupational therapist to see if they can help you find healthier self care routines, they may be able to find alternatives to traditional self cleaning methods that might be easier for you to perform regularly. Your GP or therapist should be able to refer you. Most insurance will cover this.

It seems like an obvious thing to do doesn't it but it's not always as simple as that

For me I was just never taught about personal hygiene and then I ended up in a children's home where they got me into a routine and almost housetrained me

It's not just something that can happen over night but everyone here has hit the nail on the head really

It maybe a case of understanding the importance of self care and learning to make it into some kind of routine

I swear it won't take up too much time in your daily life once you do get into it

Best wishes Crystal
And as usual; take care and be kind to yourself