Depression affecting hygiene, reader writes to Dear Abby.

A retiree told Dear Abby she has avoided showers for weeks and links the problem to depression; the columnist suggested talking with a licensed psychotherapist and mentioned low-cost options through county mental-health services or university programs.

A longtime divorcee and retiree wrote to Dear Abby saying she avoids showers and often washes her hair in the kitchen sink instead. She described dry-shaving when needed, brushing her teeth twice daily, using light perfume, and worrying that age-related loss of smell could hide body odor. She said she struggles with depression but did not view it as severe enough for professional care, noted she is on a fixed income, and reported it had been about six weeks since a proper shower. Abby responded that speaking with a licensed psychotherapist could be helpful and pointed to lower-cost options through county mental-health departments or university psychology programs; she also mentioned that medication might help while talking addresses the root issue. Details from the letters: - The writer is a retired divorcee with grown children who avoids regular showers. - She washes hair in the kitchen sink, dry-shaves as needed, brushes teeth twice daily, and uses perfume. - She connects the avoidance to depression, is on a fixed income, and had not showered properly for about six weeks. - Dear Abby recommended discussing the matter with a licensed psychotherapist and noted sliding-scale services through local mental-health departments or university psychology programs. - The column noted medication could play a role while conversation helps explore the underlying issue. Summary: The exchange highlights how depressive symptoms can affect daily personal care and cause distress about cleanliness. The columnist recommended professional discussion and identified potential low-cost local resources as options. Undetermined at this time.