Bed Rotting: When Getting Out of Bed Feels Impossible

If you are active on social media, you are probably aware of the "bed rotting" trend. Coined by a TikTok user in 2023, this term has become synonymous with self-care for Generation Z. However, I believe that bed rotting is not an act of self-care because it occurs when getting out of bed feels impossible. 

What Is Bed Rotting?

According to TODAY, bed rotting is:

"To spend basically the entire day or even weekend in bed, doing everything from napping and doom-scrolling to watching TV and eating."¹

If this sounds familiar to you, you are not alone. For those of us who have a mental illness like depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bed rotting is neither new nor trendy. What's more, it is a consequence of our mental health struggles, not a choice. And if something is not a choice, it cannot be an act of self-care. When my depression becomes overwhelming, the everyday act of getting out of bed feels impossible. I have had days when I was unable to leave my bed. Labeling a symptom of mental illness as a trendy self-care practice is as dangerous as it is ignorant. 

The Dangers of Glorifying Bed Rotting

There's nothing cute, quirky, or glamorous about bed rotting. Considering it a trend is just another example of the romanticizing of mental illness. When people on social media post about how they are relaxing or having fun while rotting in bed, they are inadvertently downplaying the severity of mental health issues. Some people also categorize bed rotting as laziness, which is an untrue but popular stereotype about mental illness. Such attitudes only make it harder for those in need to consult a mental health professional. Lastly, speaking from experience, lying down for hours is not good for your health in general and can worsen preexisting conditions. 

Staying in bed all day is often an indicator of poor mental health. If you find yourself stuck in a cycle of bed rotting, don't put it down to needing more rest or being lazy. Instead, take it as a sign that you have some underlying mental health issues and consult a licensed therapist. It's 2024: let's ditch pseudo-wellness trends and invest in real self-care. While building a culture that prioritizes genuine mental wellness may take years, calling out trends that glamorize mental health struggles is a step in the right direction. 

Source 

1. “Bed rotting” is the latest viral wellness trend. What is it and is it safe? (2023, October 2). TODAY.com. https://www.today.com/health/news/bed-rotting-rcna108074