Taking a shower is something most of us do every day without much thought. However, did you know that showering can be a crucial indicator of our mental well-being? While many find showers relaxing and comforting, for others, it’s a time for deep thinking and reflection. Sometimes people may even wonder if sitting in the shower can be an indicator of depression. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between sitting in the shower and depression.

Understanding Depression

Depression is a complex mental health condition that impacts various aspects of a person’s life, such as their thinking, emotions, actions and physical health. Depression can also cause other symptoms, such as persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of depression is crucial for early intervention and effective treatment.

The Link Between Sitting In The Shower And Depression

People might choose to sit and spend time in the shower for a variety of reasons. Some people might find the shower a warm and relaxing place, while for others, it could be a place for thinking and reflection. Thus, sitting in the shower cannot be considered an indicator of depression in isolation. However, if someone consistently sits in the shower for an extended period, while also showing other signs of depression, then it might be cause for concern. 

Some signs to look for are:

  • Emotional Overwhelm

Sometimes people may find the shower a comfortable space to express their emotions. However, if someone feels emotionally overwhelmed and experiences emotional breakdowns while sitting in the shower, then it might be a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

  1.  Social Isolation

People experiencing depression, often withdraw from social activities and isolate themselves. Sometimes, sitting in the shower for a long time can be an indication of social withdrawal. Thus, if sitting in the shower is accompanied by social isolation, it might be a sign of depression.

  • Lack Of Motivation And Energy

Depression often leads to low energy and motivation among people, making even simple tasks seem overwhelming. Thus, sometimes sitting in the shower can be an indicator of low energy or a lack of motivation, as the person struggles to find the strength to stand and complete routine activities.

  • Temporary Escape

The comfort of warm water can sometimes provide people with an escape from their negative thoughts and sadness, which are quite persistent during a depressive experience. While it’s good to look at sitting in the shower as a temporary coping mechanism, it cannot be a sustainable coping mechanism 

Showering: A Positive Sign

While sitting in the shower can sometimes be concerning, showering in itself can be a positive sign and even help in reducing the symptoms of depression. Showering every day can help people with depression take care of themselves and improve their physical health. Improved physical health is also associated with improved mood and confidence. Showering with warm water can also promote relaxation and reduce any physical pain or muscle tension. 

Conclusion:

Sitting in the shower cannot be considered a sign of depression by itself or in isolation. However, if someone chooses to consistently sit in the shower for an extended period of time, it might be a cause for concern. Additionally, if sitting in the shower has been impacting someone’s life significantly, then it might be an indicator of an underlying issue. If sitting in the shower is accompanied by other symptoms mentioned above, one should consider approaching a mental health professional at the earliest

References:

  1. MD, B. W. (2016, July 15). Morning showers can Boost Your Mental Health, Here’s Why. Lifehack. https://www.lifehack.org/424338/morning-showers-can-boost-your-mental-health-heres-why
  2. Sitting In Shower Depression—5 Strong Coping Strategies. (2022, December 3). https://theholisticpath.org/sitting-in-shower-depression//
Dhruva Koranne

Dhruva Koranne has completed his Masters in Applied Psychology from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, BALM. He has been practicing as a counsellor since 2020 and works to create a safe space for clients where they can open up. In addition to this, Dhruva loves researching and studying about upcoming theories in the field of Psychology. Connect with him on Linkedin