So this post is going to be more personal. I want to start with this. Deciding to love myself and do what was best for me was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. It was long uphill battle that began around 21 – 22 when I decided that I wanted to change my life. I struggled against years of ingrained self-loathing and depression. It wasn’t a decision I made once, but a choice I had to continually make every day, every moment. It was a fierce act of defiance against self-hatred and anger. This fight was the most liberating experience I have probably ever had in my life. Each small step towards self-love and self-care was a victory for my life.

I won that fight and if I had to do it all over again, I would. I’m saying this because Have you ever found yourself asking, “Why is it so hard to take care of myself?” You’re not alone. Many people have a difficult time prioritizing taking care of themselves, even though it’s an essential part of living life. But why is this the case? Well, I want to talk about that.

Signs You’re Not Taking Care of Yourself

Let’s start here though. Let’s talk about the signs that you’re not taking care of, or what I call loving yourself.

First, not taking care of yourself doesn’t always mean neglecting personal hygiene or skipping meals. Sometimes, it’s more subtle. Here are some signs you’re not taking care of yourself:

1. Constant fatigue and low energy levels
2. Persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety
3. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
4. Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
5. Changes in sleep patterns, either insomnia or sleeping too much
6. Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s possible that you’re not giving yourself the care you need and headed down a path that is unhealthy.

Is Not Taking Care of Yourself a Sign of Depression?

While these signs can be indicators of various health issues, they’re also common symptoms of depression. In fact, not taking care of yourself can often be a sign of depression. Struggling with self-care is particularly common among depressed individuals, as they may lack the motivation, energy, or desire to take care of themselves.

However, it’s important to remember that not everyone who has trouble with self-care is depressed. If you’re concerned about your mental health, reach out to a healthcare professional for help.

Depression is simply, anger turned inward towards yourself. It’s self-hatred. To get out of this, you have to start loving yourself. That means taking action in areas where you struggle to take care of yourself. This can be as simple as cleaning up your room. Getting exercise, or going to be earlier so that you can get up. It’s important to start small and work your way up to bigger steps.

Why Is It Hard To Take Care Of Myself?

Taking care of yourself can often be a daunting task because it requires a consistent commitment and a sense of self-worth. It means prioritizing our own needs and well-being, even when we are pulled in multiple directions by responsibilities, work, family, and social obligations. Sometimes, it’s hard to take care of ourselves because we may feel guilty or selfish for putting ourselves first. We might also struggle with self-care due to ingrained habits of neglect or self-sabotage, or because we’re simply overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. Additionally, societal pressures and expectations can make us feel as if our value lies in our productivity or the approval of others, making it harder to justify the time and energy needed for self-care. Lastly, mental health struggles such as depression or anxiety can also make self-care challenging, as these conditions can sap our energy and motivation.

The Challenges

The main challenge to take care of yourself is letting go of what others think about you. When you are able to stop living your life to keep others happy or to get people to like or love you. That’s when life begins to shift because it’s at this point that you are able to move forward without burdens to keep everyone happy.

The other challenge is self-worth. To realize that you are worth investing in. That you are worth the time, energy, and effort required to move forward. This is the harder one.

Overcoming the Hurdle. Taking Good Care Of Yourself.

Despite the challenges, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Self-care is not selfish: It’s necessary for your health and well-being.
2. Small steps count: Start with something small, like a five-minute walk or a healthy snack.
3. Create a routine: Incorporate self-care activities into your daily routine.
4. Reach out for support: If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help from a trusted friend, family member, or professional.

Remember, even if you feel like there’s no time to take care of yourself, making self-care a priority can make a world of difference in your overall health and happiness.

Wrapping It Up

It’s not uncommon to struggle with self-care, especially if you’re dealing with depression or other mental health issues. However, recognizing the signs that you’re not taking care of yourself and understanding what causes lack of self-care can help you start to make positive changes. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. You’re worth it.