http://www.care2.com/greenliving/clutter-and-depression.html
Clutter and Depression
By Melissa Breyer, Senior Editor, Healthy & Green Living
Does clutter cause depression? Does depression cause clutter? At any given moment during a high-clutter period in my household, I may argue the validity of both of these scenarios. Clutter has a special way of inspiring stress and frustration, which, more often than not, abets the inability to combat the mess. It becomes circular–which came first, the chicken or the egg? In the end, it seems to snowball into a tangled mess of tension and depression and it’s hard to tell what’s causing what.
Chronic disorganization is not a medical diagnosis, nor is it a generally specified symptom of depression–but ask just about anyone who suffers from clutter if they feel there is some type of link, and I bet 99 percent will say yes.
According to an article in The New York Times, excessive clutter and disorganization are often symptoms of a bigger health problem. People who have suffered an emotional trauma or a brain injury often find housecleaning an insurmountable task. Attention deficit disorder, depression, chronic pain and grief can prevent people from getting organized or lead to a buildup of clutter. At its most extreme, chronic disorganization is called hoarding, a condition many experts believe is a mental illness in its own right, although psychiatrists have yet to formally recognize it.
Compulsive hoarding is defined, in part, by clutter that so overtakes living, dining and sleeping spaces that it harms the person’s quality of life. A compulsive hoarder finds it impossible, even painful, to part with possessions. It’s not clear how many people suffer from compulsive hoarding, but estimates start at about 1.5 million Americans, according to The Times.
Next: The Link Between Clutter and Depression
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41 comments
add your comment »I too can relate....when my ex-husband left me and my daughter was taken away from me I was left with everything...I was overwhelmed by it all. I was in a two bedroom house and had to move to a bachelor. I had to downsize and move at the same time which was devistating for me. Whatever was left that I couldn't sale went to charity. What I kept what I thought I would need and I put into storage. However the rest I had brought with me to where I live. I still have too much clutter here with me to deal with and this has effected my depression. That has effect my ability to deal with my clutter. However, I am slowly dealing with this by forcing myself to get rid of stuff I no longer need, which seems to help. So I do believe that the two are so interlink with each other that you have to break the cycle somehow.
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For step by step instructions on how to start to clear the clutter... even when it seems overwhelming... try this: http:/www.organize-more-stress-less.com/De-clutter-One-Room-at-a-Time.html
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to elaborate further...i don't know about clutter contributing to depression or a symptom of depression..but i DO know..as someone who has suffered from depression..that if you have been landed on your butt for days at a time with depression..staring at piles of newspapers, and laundry etc, all over the house, does not help..it just you feel more helpless and overwhelmed. I am finding that a well run and organized envoirnment, is just better for my state of mind..and if i have several days where i cannot make myself get up and do something..i simply do'nt have a mountain of work to do afterwards.
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i love this article.i absolutely agree that clutter will contribute to feelings of stress and being overwhelmed. Two years ago, i moved from a tiny 2 bedroom one-level bungalow, to a huge 4 bedroom 3 level house.i thought i was cluttered back then and my problems were due to lack of storage space. Now in my house that is 4 times as large i still have stuff spilling out of every closet and drawer and every flat surface has clutter.I was spending every weekend trying to tidy up.It was exhausting.I have now come to the realization that i have way more stuff than i need.I have started going through one room at a time,keeping only what i need and giving away the rest.The problem was not my house , it was me.I have "adopted" furniture and dishes when my mother-in-law passed away, and also stuff from another friend who died..and i have not been able to let go of this stuff for sentimental reasons..but i finally have realized that if my friends things are a burden for me ..and i'm spending all my free time taking care of them..i am sure this is not what they would want for my life..much better to pass them on to those who really do need them and give the stuff good homes.
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thanks...you...
Kabin
Konteyner
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Dorothy you asked what about about the clutter being a symptom of depression, not the cause? Yes, that could be the case. Often one gets situational depression based on their physical situation. Be it a death or illness which then results in a person not being able to do as much and things pile up. Literally. Then they feel overwhelmed and even more depressed. It almost becomes a viscous circle for some. This is where biting the bullet has helped me. Just dig in and clean is what I do. But for someone that would be horrid!!
One book by Mike Nelson titled Stop Clutter From Stealing Your Life is the ONLY book out of all the books I have on the subject of clutter that understands how hiring someone to come in and deal with the clutter, is as helpful as someone (as Kristy Alley noted) coming in to make the food, hire the fitness trainer etc, and then after you have met the goal they ::::::::poof:::::::::: and you go back to where you began and often worse. People have to find what works for them.
~Beth~
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It goes both ways. It's a downward spiral.
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How about the clutter being a symptom of depression, not the cause?
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Clutter can indeed acerbate depression. Ten years ago I really got serious about clutter and aside from finding what I needed when I needed the item I also saved big $$$$$$. Simply because I was no longer buying replacements for things I knew I had but could not find. When I decluttered I actually found a half dozen sets of measuring spoons and cups, knives I forgot I had, can openers, and lord knows how many sets of silverware.
~Beth~
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I find that my anxiety and depression are problems with clutter. I feel overwhelmed with sorting mail - what's trash, what needs to be kept, what I may need "someday". I think I will buy containers and label them "urgent", "needs to be filed", and "paper recycle". That might help me?
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