Struggling with drinking water
Hi,
I am diagnosed autistic and awaiting and ADHD assessment. I have been really struggling to drink water for a few reasons.
- I live at and share a kitchen with my family, I find it very overwhelming as it can sometimes be messy and I can feel really anxious and nauseous being around specific foods that I don't like.
- I can only drink water from 2 specific bottles (having 2 overwhelms me because I have to make a decision but I need a smaller one for going out and a bigger one for at home). I worry about them being dirty or like in some way being contaminated (I am not sure if this is the right word because its not about germs or getting sick or anything its just like a fear of it being dirty) but I don't have the energy to clean them as often as I would like and also the thought of cleaning them overwhelms me because of the kitchen and I can only put the water bottles on certain surfaces because I'm scared of them getting dirty.
- I really struggle with executive functioning and even if I have water right next to me, I can't get myself to actually drink it.
- Drinking from plastic bottles or cans that I can buy from a shop feels safer for me because I trust that they are clean but I feel guilty about all the plastic that it uses. I also normally get drinks that contain caffeine or artificial sweeteners so I worry that I am not actually getting hydrated this way but they are more exciting so give me dopamine and encourage me to drink them.
I feel like I sound like I'm being dramatic or complaining over something that isn't a big deal but if anyone could give me any advice or tips that would be really helpful and very appreciated! Thank you π
Posted May 5, 2026, 5:17 PM UTC