The 'Shower Phobia' Mystery: Why Do Some Gen Zers Avoid Bathing?

[Hazel]

Mental health professionals note increased hygiene neglect among Gen Z. Is this depression, sensory issues, or a changing cultural norm? If you are from this generation, do you also have a shower phobia, what is your personal "minimum standard" for self-care when struggling?

 

[Shree]

Neglecting hygiene among Gen Z can stem from multiple factors: depression, burnout, sensory overwhelm (common in neurodivergent individuals), or even a shift in cultural attitudes that prioritize mental survival over appearance. For many, the “minimum standard” becomes brushing teeth, changing clothes, or a face wipe, tiny acts that feel manageable when everything else is too much.