Does Clutter Contribute to Depression?

Clutter is a common problem that affects many people, and it can have a significant impact on your mental health. In your life after loss, the clutter can become paralyzing! While clutter might seem like a minor issue, it can actually contribute to depression in several ways.

1. Overwhelm: When we are surrounded by clutter, it can be overwhelming and create a sense of chaos in our lives. This feeling of overwhelm can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress, which can contribute to depression.
2. Lack of control: Clutter can also make us feel like we don’t have control over our environment. This lack of control can contribute to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, which are common symptoms of depression.
3. Shame and guilt: Clutter can also make us feel ashamed and guilty about the state of our living space. We might feel embarrassed to have guests over or feel like we should be doing more to keep our environment clean and organized. These feelings of shame and guilt can lead to self-criticism and negative self-talk, which can contribute to depression.
4. Difficulty completing tasks: When we are surrounded by clutter, it can be difficult to focus on tasks and complete them efficiently. This can contribute to a sense of frustration and hopelessness, which are also symptoms of depression.
5. Lack of self-care: When we are living in a cluttered environment, it can be difficult to prioritize self-care. For example, it might be difficult to find the space to exercise or prepare healthy meals. This lack of self-care can contribute to feelings of low energy and a lack of motivation, which are also symptoms of depression.

Overall, clutter can contribute to depression by creating a sense of overwhelm, a lack of control, feelings of shame and guilt, difficulty completing tasks, and a lack of self-care. To improve our mental health, it’s important to take steps to declutter and create a more organized environment. By doing so, we can reduce feelings of overwhelm and stress, improve our sense of control, and promote a greater sense of well-being.

Remember, you CAN do this, and I’m here to help.

Julie

P.S. Did you know I have a checklist for how to survive the first year after your loss? It’s yours if you want it! Check it out on my homepage.