Why Do I Engage In Self-Neglect And Have Poor Hygiene?

Do you withdraw from social situations and avoid others?

Does your home exhibit signs of neglect and decay (e.g., rodent infestation, exaggerated amounts of garbage in and around the home)?

Do you engage in extreme self-neglect?

Do you engage in excessive hoarding?

Do you experience no embarrassment or shame about your surroundings or lack of cleanliness?

Do you refuse support or help?

Based on your answers, you may be displaying a sign of not taking care of yourself or your surroundings. Diogenes syndrome is a behavioral disorder in which a person engages in excessive hoarding, has a dirty living environment and poor personal hygiene. The disorder usually affects older people. People with Diogenes often live alone and withdraw from society. They often don’t see they have a problem, usually it’s a family member who asks for help. Because they don’t take care of themselves and their homes, they may develop illnesses such as pneumonia, or accidents may happen like falls or fires. In case you answered ‘no’ to all questions, there may be no need to worry.

Based on your answers, you may be showing some signs of poor hygiene and not taking care of your surroundings. It may be useful to plan a visit to your doctor. When someone suffers from Diogenes, the person does not take care of themselves or their surroundings, and they are also likely to self-isolate. They may have poor hygiene and possibly health and social problems. Views on self-hygiene may vary between people and cultures, however someone with Diogenes may be at risk of harm from self-neglect or lack of hygiene.

Unfortunately, you are displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have Diogenes. It is highly recommended to plan a visit to your mental health professional. Diogenes is a behavioral disorder in which a person does not take care of themselves or their surroundings. At the moment there are no medications or therapy options that are specific for treating the problem. However, medications for paranoia or mania may help and intensive psychological therapy as well. Besides, cleaning and personal care services can help to decrease the severity of symptoms. It’s important that any intervention is done with care and sensitivity.