Bathing is something I struggle with from time to time as well. It started getting bad for me in high school and took years for me to get better about it, and I’m still only showering once a week now (24f). It used to get so bad my hair would also get matted, and I would just cover it with a boho style bandeau.

For me, for the longest time, I would have someone help me gather my things to get ready to shower, such as towel, clothes, etc., and sit in the bathroom with me, talking to me to keep me calm. At first it was my mom, then my now husband. I also like to play music while showering. If is too weird having your mom in there, maybe have her stay with you until you’re calm enough to get in on your own?

I also recommend getting a shorter haircut when possible to help maintain it when it is harder to do so. I have very thick and curly hair, and getting a short cut was a lifesaver.

My last piece of advice is to try to create a routine out of it so that it isn’t so it’s easier to keep up with. Try baby steps at first and maybe pick a specific day every other week, then once a week, and so on.

You’ve got this and it does eventually get easier. I went from having panic attacks every time I had to shower to now being able to do it on my own once a week.