I recently highlighted an article, by Lisa Kaplan Gordon, on this blog, and have been pondering the link between clutter and depression in the days since.
Is every cluttered house a result of depression? Is every depressed person’s home cluttered? Of course not. However, I strongly believe there is a connection between the two. In my 19+ years of organizing, I can honestly say I see it quite often. If not actual depression, then definitely anxiety.
The article contains some great steps to start tackling the clutter in small ways and that’s the key, start small. Here are some additional suggestions to help…
- Even before you start touching cluttered counters, cabinets and closets all over your home, you need to take a step back and visualize. What do you want the space to look like? What would be calming for you? Believe it or not, it may not be an entirely cleared off, clutter-free environment. Many people find comfort in having objects out.
- The next step is to figure out ways to make the de-cluttering process more enjoyable. Light a candle, turn on the music, dance around while you work, put out the chocolate, whatever it takes for you to feel good and be ready to create the more relaxing environment you are craving.
- Find a trusted friend to help make with honest decision making. However, it is of extreme importance that you find the right person. It must be someone who is non-judgmental, very empathetic, honest, firm but kind. And if finding the right person isn’t a possibility, then consider a Professional Organizer, as this is our specialty.
While depression is a layered onion that typically involves a lot of time and work, being in a stress-free, calming environment can make a world of difference. Clutter and depression don’t have to be the norm. Put It There has helped many clients who struggle with mental health and we are more than glad to help you as well.
This post has been updated from an article from Feb 4, 2017.
