You may not realize it, but there’s a scary link between narcissistic abuse and poor hygiene. Narcissistic abuse drains a person’s self-worth, making even basic self-care feel overwhelming or pointless. When someone is constantly put down and made to feel unimportant, they may stop seeing themselves as worthy of care. Hygiene isn’t just about cleanliness; it’s tied to self-respect. Understanding this connection is key to breaking free from the cycle and reclaiming one’s well-being.
Let’s dive into why this happens and, more importantly, how to break free from the cycle. Are you ready for number one?
1. Depression-Induced Apathy
Depression doesn’t scream; it whispers, “Why bother?” When you’ve been trapped in narcissistic abuse for so long, your brain starts shutting down to protect itself. You stop feeling joy, excitement, or even frustration. Instead, there’s just nothing. The worst part is that you don’t even realize it’s happening. One day, skipping a shower turns into three, then a week, and soon self-care feels like an impossible task. Dr. Edward Hallowell, psychiatrist and author, describes depression as a thief that steals your energy and interest in life. That’s exactly what emotional abuse does; it takes away your ability to care about yourself. When someone tells you to just get up and do it, they don’t understand that depression isn’t a choice.
The truth is that even small acts of self-care, like washing your face or changing your clothes, can remind you that you matter. Healing starts with tiny steps, even when your mind tries to convince you otherwise.
2. Chronic Fatigue from Hypervigilance
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