Today, it's the fifth day in a row my workmate has worn the exact same clothing. We share the desk. I'm absolutely positive he hasn't hit the shower since last weekend. FML
That may be a tad extreme. Explain to him that he needs to be clean if he is to work in the same area as you. If that doesn't work request to work with someone more hygienic.
Honestly, I don't really care what problems you have at home. If you are working next to me and stink/can't change your clothes, I'll give you shit about it. For a couple days. Then take it up with your boss. Depression isn't a free pass.
I'm with ya, 32. Even if you're depressed as fuck, that doesn't mean you don't need to be at least a little hygienic. I can understand not shaving for a month or eating a tub of Ben and Jerry's while watching some sad movie. But you need to take a damn shower. Not just for yourself, but for the people around you. I can not stand the smell of someone's BO. It's fucking disgusting. I'd tell him to take a shower before he comes into work. OP shouldn't have to deal with that. If you want to smell like shit on your own time be my guest, but in a professional environment you need to be somewhat clean. That's just downright nasty.
I suffered from severe depressions for years and most of the time I was able to maintain at least a minimum of hygiene, take a shower now and then or change clothes. I admit there were times when I just had no energy for things like this - but then I was simply not able to go to work or university too. I admit though, that every person is different when it comes to things like this.
Anyway, I think a direct approach might still be the best thing one can do.
I battled depression (almost to the point of suicide) but I never went that long without a shower. but people do handle it in different ways, so you may be right.
I can go a week, a week and a half without showering or changing my clothes. All depends on your mood, when you're down you really couldn't care less about yourself.
That stinks. I'd like to clear the air in the room: OP shouldn't have to invest money to be comfortable working in the ol' factory. It's not a sweatshop (we hope)!
he still has a job and therefore, still needs to maintain a professional image. you can get a hot shower at a truck stop where they also have laundromats. that is IF a friend or relative wouldn't take him in the the instance of homelessness.
Megan, not every homeless person has relatives / friends or the means to get to a truck stop. None of the truck stops near me have showers either. While I agree maintaining a professional image is important, not everyone has the ability to.