When suffering from depression, finding the motivation to do anything can be impossible. Even the most simple, daily tasks like eating or washing are overwhelmingly daunting. For me, having a shower can be a physically and mentally draining activity. In the past I have always favoured the use of cheap soap products as I felt that spending more on cosmetics was a waste of money and of my time. If I did end up owning a nicer-than-normal shower gel or moisturiser, it only led to me play mind games with myself about whether or not I, or the day, was worth the extravagance. Needless to say I usually decided we were not, leading me to ruminate about how substandard I felt my body and life to be.
Two months ago I decided to flip this on its head by buying and using only the nicest, natural cosmetics that I genuinely enjoyed. I threw out the remaining remnants of my cheap shampoos and began to lather my extremities in a relative luxury that I had previously denied myself. Now that I show myself this level of care and appreciation every time I have a shower, there is little room left for self-abusive ruminations regarding my worthiness. I still find it hard to get myself to the shower, but slightly less so and when I get there, I generally enjoy it much more.
Now obviously changing your shampoo brand is not going to cure your depression but the idea behind this successful behavioural change helps to exemplify some of the themes in Winch's TED talk. Here's to us all finding some mental band-aids.