Stuck in like a ‘fear loop’ regarding taking a shower

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I haven’t showered for a while. My hot water heater broke about 6 weeks ago and it took my shitty then landlord ages to get it fixed.

Since then it has been fixed and even serviced and given a clean bill of health. Plus I have a nice new landlord who is such a good person.

But I am paralysed with fear of using my shower. I worry the hot water heater will break again and cause a massive problem. It has gotten so bad I bought body wipes to give myself a bed bath.

Showering has always been a problem for me but this is ten times worse. My sister has invited me to her house to get a shower (she lives just round the corner). This seems like a good idea but I am procrastinating.

Anyone identify with this or am I completely irrational.

Thanks

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I feel for you @Jimbob , I was too afraid to shower when my hair was falling out.

I would go to your sister’s place to get some encouragement and use her shower to start off with.

Good luck.

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Are you afraid you’ll get evicted if there’s a problem with it? How likely is that though?

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My last landlord was a mean bully. He made it so uncomfortable to ask for things to be repaired and when he did repair them it took months.

That landlord is gone. He sold my flat to a close family friend who is the loveliest person ever. But I am still nonsensically still under a bad vibes cloud from the last landlord.

In short my shower is not a happy place for me

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for me, just don’t like getting hot all over.

I would actually prefer a cool or cold shower, not always though.
just depends if I’ve been outside in winter.

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If you want to save on using hot water. Just use some soap and a little water to soap up and then just use the shower for rinsing.

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I think you should just take a shower at home @Jimbob. It will help you feel better and then maybe when it’s time again to take one, it will be easier.

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get in the shower !! no worries…you have a new landlord and he will fix it if it breaks…don’t worry…and play “outside” !! haha

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I’m on a health kick and there’s some benefits to cold and hot showers. Being a bit more fitness oriented I’ve been on cold showers for over a month. So get in and hit the hot but straight away put on cold and just ride the wave…

It’s hot here so a little easier but it’s still such a shock. Still. I do it and end of my showers there’s no hot so just I guess cold according to climate and pipes. It’s bloody hard but you can train yourself to anything my friend…Just take that first step…

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be careful rogue, changes in water temps like that can affect your heart !

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It’s ok for an old man and just out of a cold shower…It’s invigorating! :slight_smile:

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Promised my mum I would shower this morning but am too timid

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Hey man its okay if you cant do it right now. Maybe try again on a brighter day. Nothing wrong with a wet wipe bath. Id keep trying just so this fear doesnt become a permenant phobia (cause ofcourse we have to face our fears or they will grow). But no shame in doing the wet towel thing.

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Nothing bad will happen. Honestly, what’s the worst that can happen? If the water gets cold, it won’t kill you.

It could also go extremely well and you’d be clean and relieved.

The best way to get over a fear response is to gjve yourself a chance for positive experiences with the thing you fear.

It’ll be ok.
And if the water does go cold, it won’t harm you.

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So had a shower and low and behold cold water. We called the engineer and they are coming out

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I know this is going to sound weird, but maybe if you have a tub, fill it with water from your sink and then get something to pour with… sorry if I am of no help but just thought it might be a good idea to help :confused:

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Sorry just read your last post. I’m sorry it was cold.

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If it makes you feel better, let your landlord know about your concerns regarding breaking the shower. I’m sure they will tell you not to worry.

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