# Newfound Appreciation of Self-Care
**URL:** https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668
**Category:** Your Story
**Tags:** self-care, depression, self-love, motivation, sobriety
**Created:** [January 8, 2026, 5:55pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668 "2026-01-08T17:55:18Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Alexh666](https://talkingsober.com/u/Alexh666)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2026, 5:55pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668/1 "2026-01-08T17:55:18Z")
During my active addiction, self-care felt almost impossible. My days were consumed by survival, by getting through the next hour, the next craving, the next emotional crash. Basic needs like showering, brushing my teeth, or changing my clothes slowly fell away. I would go weeks without showering or brushing my teeth. At the time, I told myself it didn’t matter, that I would deal with it later. But the truth is, neglecting my body was both a symptom of my addiction and something that fed it.
The lack of self-care was devastating to my mental health. Every time I avoided a mirror or skipped another day of cleaning myself, the shame grew heavier. I felt trapped in a cycle: the worse I felt mentally, the harder it was to care for myself, and the more I neglected myself, the deeper my depression and self-loathing became. Not cleaning my body or caring for my hygiene made me feel unworthy of care at all. That shame isolated me, convincing me I was beyond help or too broken to fix.
One of the most lasting consequences of that period has been the damage to my dental health. Neglecting my teeth didn’t feel urgent back then, but it affects my life now in very real ways, physically, financially, and emotionally. It’s a painful reminder of how addiction doesn’t just harm you in the moment; it leaves marks that can take years to heal. There is grief in realizing that some damage could have been prevented, and learning to forgive myself for that has been part of recovery too.
Getting sober changed my relationship with my body and my health. Sobriety didn’t magically make self-care easy, but it made it possible. Slowly, I began to prioritize myself in ways I never had before. Showering, brushing my teeth, eating regularly, these acts became more than habits; they became proof that I deserved care. Building a self-care routine helped ground me, giving structure and stability where chaos once lived.
With that came a new sense of self-love, and my self-confidence grew alongside it. Taking care of myself sent a powerful message: I matter. Each small act of care rebuilt trust between my mind and body. I started to see myself as someone worth investing in, worth protecting. That shift has been life-changing.
I also understand now how deeply depression affects the ability to do even the most basic tasks. When you’re depressed, showering or brushing your teeth can feel overwhelming, not because you don’t care, but because your mind is exhausted. Recognizing this has given me compassion, for my past self and for others who struggle. These difficulties are not a moral failure; they are a sign that someone is hurting.
My hope is that anyone struggling with self-care, whether due to addiction, depression, or both, knows they are not alone, and that change doesn’t have to be drastic. Sometimes, it starts with one small step: brushing your teeth once, rinsing your face, changing your clothes. Small changes matter. They add up. They can be the beginning of healing.
Recovery taught me that self-care isn’t vanity or weakness, it’s self-respect. And everyone deserves that, no matter how far they think they’ve fallen.
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### Author:  [@mxelle](https://talkingsober.com/u/mxelle)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2026, 6:08pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668/2 "2026-01-08T18:08:36Z")
> [@Alexh666](#):
>
> no matter how far they think they’ve fallen.
Facts. Thanks for sharing.
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### Author:  [@Alexh666](https://talkingsober.com/u/Alexh666)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2026, 6:20pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668/3 "2026-01-08T18:20:17Z")
No problemo, it’s been on my mind for a while, I was finally able to put the feelings into words!
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### Author:  [@PositiveThoughts](https://talkingsober.com/u/PositiveThoughts)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2026, 6:34pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668/4 "2026-01-08T18:34:22Z")
Thank you for sharing. This was touching, and I for one am proud of you, as I’m sure many people will be on here.
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### Author:  [@SassyRocks](https://talkingsober.com/u/SassyRocks)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2026, 6:54pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668/5 "2026-01-08T18:54:59Z")
> [@Alexh666](#):
>
> With that came a new sense of self-love, and my self-confidence grew alongside it. Taking care of myself sent a powerful message: I matter. Each small act of care rebuilt trust between my mind and body. I started to see myself as someone worth investing in, worth protecting. That shift has been life-changing.
Your entire post is strong, beautiful and resonates deeply…especially the above quote. I so appreciate you sharing your experience, it helps to know that others have felt similar feelings and been in rough spots and came out stronger and healthier. Thank you for sharing!!!
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### Author:  [@Alexh666](https://talkingsober.com/u/Alexh666)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2026, 7:29pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668/7 "2026-01-08T19:29:57Z")
Honestly the biggest reason I shared was because I knew the people on TS would be receptive and supportive!
Thank you for your support 😌
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### Author:  [@Alexh666](https://talkingsober.com/u/Alexh666)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2026, 7:32pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668/8 "2026-01-08T19:32:52Z")
I’m grateful to have a place to share! Thank you for your kind words 🙂
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### Author:  [@Alexh666](https://talkingsober.com/u/Alexh666)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2026, 7:34pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668/9 "2026-01-08T19:34:46Z")
Thank you!! It feels good to be open and honest about my struggles and how I’ve begun to heal! ☺
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### Author:  [@Jesile](https://talkingsober.com/u/Jesile)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2026, 7:55pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668/10 "2026-01-08T19:55:15Z")
Thanks for sharing! Beautifully written! Truth be said, I’ve never gotten to this point, but still it’s a very helpful post for others that might be struggling! I’m glad you’re doing so much better now, and putting yourself first. Our body is our most valuable asset!
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### Author:  [@Alexh666](https://talkingsober.com/u/Alexh666)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2026, 11:03pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668/11 "2026-01-08T23:03:21Z")
Thank you!! If I could help even one person by sharing it would be completely worth it! 🥹
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### Author:  [@SassyRocks](https://talkingsober.com/u/SassyRocks)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2026, 11:11pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668/12 "2026-01-08T23:11:07Z")
You helped more than one. ❤
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### Author:  [@TrustyBird](https://talkingsober.com/u/TrustyBird)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2026, 11:20pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668/13 "2026-01-08T23:20:53Z")
> [@Alexh666](#):
>
> I felt trapped in a cycle: the worse I felt mentally, the harder it was to care for myself—and the more I neglected myself, the deeper my depression and self-loathing became
I want to print this on business cards and hand it to any person who tells depressed people to take up jogging or yoga.
You are heard and understood. Thanks for putting it into words.
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### Author:  [@Alexh666](https://talkingsober.com/u/Alexh666)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2026, 11:20pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668/14 "2026-01-08T23:20:55Z")
Glad to be of service 🥲
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### Author:  [@Alexh666](https://talkingsober.com/u/Alexh666)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2026, 11:26pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668/15 "2026-01-08T23:26:45Z")
Not a bad idea! I could never have even considered doing either while in the depths of my depression, only now that I’m doing better mentally am I able to participate in things like yoga, and even that is still a struggle some days!
Thank you for hearing and understanding, I appreciate your words greatly! ☺
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### Author:  [@TrustyBird](https://talkingsober.com/u/TrustyBird)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2026, 11:29pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668/16 "2026-01-08T23:29:56Z")
Same. I like the phrase “meet people where they need to be met”. We all get to travel our own path and it’s better with kindness. That starts with learning to be kind to ourselves. And that starts, with discussing bad days.
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### Author:  [@Alexh666](https://talkingsober.com/u/Alexh666)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2026, 11:51pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668/17 "2026-01-08T23:51:18Z")
I’ve never heard the at phrase but I like it too, it really encapsulates the idea of understanding we are all different and being able to adjust depending on the person or situation!
I think most things in life are better with kindness, either for others or yourself! I was a bitter SOB for a long time during my active addiction, being kind seemed like too expensive of a luxury emotionally. Turns out it’s completely free, sometimes it actually pays you back 😊
You can’t know how beautiful the light of day is without understanding the darkness of night! I appreciate the reminder that even the bad days have meaning!
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### Author:  [@DanielaJ](https://talkingsober.com/u/DanielaJ)
#### Post date: [January 9, 2026, 12:06am UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668/18 "2026-01-09T00:06:21Z")
Thank you Alex 💜
Depression is an insidious disease. It tells people they are not worth it and not loveable and selfcare just doesn’t matter.
And it’s exhausting. Sometimes there is so little energy left, even eating and drinking are too much.
I am very happy for you, that you are better and that you care for yourself. You deserve all the love. Thank you so much for sharing and caring for others who might know the struggle.
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### Author:  [@Alexh666](https://talkingsober.com/u/Alexh666)
#### Post date: [January 9, 2026, 12:21am UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668/19 "2026-01-09T00:21:13Z")
Insidious is a perfect word for depression!!
Thank you for your kind words, I appreciate the support ☺
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### Author:  [@Cjp](https://talkingsober.com/u/Cjp)
#### Post date: [January 9, 2026, 2:02am UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668/20 "2026-01-09T02:02:33Z")
Wow i feel this post in my bones. I was just greatful the other day that i take daily showers. In my addiction and depression self care or hygiene were a huge struggle. My sobriety journey helped me heal, find support, and i dont have to fall back into that deep of a pit again with proper care and support
❤👏
> [@Alexh666](#):
>
> You can’t know how beautiful the light of day is without understanding the darkness of night!
Yasssss
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### Author:  [@Alexh666](https://talkingsober.com/u/Alexh666)
#### Post date: [January 9, 2026, 2:27am UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/newfound-appreciation-of-self-care/203668/21 "2026-01-09T02:27:58Z")
It is a deep pit indeed! Glad you found your way out! ☺
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