Was this rude?

Question

i was at the psychiatrist and when we were talking he mentioned that my hair looks greasy. Was that rude? Ya i didnt wash it cause i've been depressed lately and dont wash my hair as often, but do you think that was rude of him to say that or was it just because he wanted to ask me if i was neglecting my personal hygiene because of my depression?

Answer 1

well, he probably could have phrased it differently, lessee, he could've said something like "I'm concerned that you are neglecting to take care of yourself properly, for example your hair looks like its in need of a wash--have you done that recently?"

i don't think he was trying to be rude. i just don't think his bedside manner is all that great. i believe he was just trying to help you.

and it is true that depressed people do often neglect their personal hygiene.

Answer 2

I think he probably just wanted to find out whether you were neglecting personal hygiene because of the depression, because that can tell a lot about how bad your depression is at this point. He could probably have done it in a more polite way though.

Answer 3

Personal Hygiene is often the first indicator of depression, so he was not being rude but doing the job you went to him to do. He needs to ask questions so he can make an accurate and effective diagnosis. He's a professional and guessing at what you're thinking isn't professional. He needs to hear from you what you are thinking and doing as well as what you're NOT doing. Trust him and allow him to do his job. Answer his questions freely but don't be afraid to express yourself because that's important as well.

Answer 4

Both...He's a psychiatrist. If you didn't tell him the things you just told us in your question, you are wasting your money. Do not hold back for any reason in therapy. Let it all out, if something he says upsets you, tell him then and there. Fact is what you're trying to figure out about his comment is the reason he made the comment. But most certainly you should wash your hair, and buck up it's not your fault that the shortsighted complicate life.

Answer 5

I think that any psycahiatrist gets paid enough to be able to stand greasy hair. As long as you wash it every 2-3 days, your okay. You're going through a tough time, and shouldn't trust someone who is that rude. I would have been thouroughly offended, and would tell him so.

Answer 6

If he just blurted out, your hair is greasy today for the heck of it... find another psychiatrist. If it came up in discussion about neglecting yourself in relation to your illness, then, no not rude - probably drawing your attention to the way you are treating yourself.

Answer 7

Isn't your relationship with your psychiatrist close enough that he can give suggestions to you? Maybe he was pointing out that you should take better care during your depression. But if he said it like, "EW, NASTY!!! You're hair looks greasy!" That's pretty rude.

Answer 8

I think he was probably concerned. Neglecting personal hygiene is a sign of depression. Perhaps he could have worded it in a different way, but my guess would be that his comment was out of concern and not meant to be critical.

Answer 9

You are right he was trying to bring some of your personal hygiene neglect symptoms out to you, but shrinks can also be rude. Tell him "And how do you feel about that?"

Answer 10

It wasn't improper to inquire about a temporary condition (greasy hair). He was as you say, wondering about the symptoms of your depression.

However, if he said something about permanent atributes (like, "hey, you're ugly") that would be rude and very offensive.

Anyways, for a psychiatrist, he certainly seems to not have much tact.