Why Depression Can Impact A Cluttered Home & Cluttered Mind

Picture of a girl in dark lighting sitting on a dock, slumped and head down, possibly depressed

Why Depression Can Impact A Cluttered Home & Cluttered Mind sets out to explain the possible connection between depression and clutter. Scientists that study depression have found a link to depression playing a role in some folks.

This has been shown to cause disorganization and cluttered lives both physical and mental. I would like to start by saying although I am a professional I am not a medical professional.

Are you living in a cluttered environment? Is your physical health taking a hit? If you feel you are a person suffering from depression I urge you to seek professional help if you have difficulty finding your way through. There simply should not be any shame attached to this subject anymore. Period.

I know from other writing I have done that the hormone cortisol impacts women more than men regarding clutter and unfinished tasks.

Evidence clutter affects homes and minds

Deacon Joseph Ferrari, PhD, is a professor of psychology at DePaul University in Chicago and studies the psychology of clutter, including how it affects our mental health. I have read and listened to Dn Ferrari many times because he has good old fashioned sense.

It is interesting to note there is not a definitive answer to what comes first the clutter or the depression when we study why depression can impact a cluttered home & cluttered mind.

Clutter and depression

Studies do link clutter to be a significant predictor of depression symptoms, even after controlling for other factors like income, education, and marital status. Basically what the researchers saw is how our thoughts and emotions can affect the connection between clutter and feeling depressed.

Negativity and clutter

When there is a lot of clutter around us, it can be linked to some folks feeling more depressed. Do you keep staring at the piles of stuff and the never ending to do lists?

The reasons why depression can impact a cluttered home & cluttered mind is influenced by what we think and how we handle our emotions. If we have negative thoughts and don’t have the tools available to deal with our negative thinking it can make the link between clutter and feeling down even stronger.

Many folks live a disorganized and healthy life with or without clutter. I would be unhappy living a disorganized and cluttered life, it all depends on the individual.

magnifying glass to find the best treatement for depression and clutter related illness

Identifying depression

There is so much hope for folks who experience the combination of depression and living a physically and mentally cluttered lifestyle. The benefits of recovering from a depressed state are enormous.

A commitment to recovery is essential, along with the acknowledgement that the path is not quick.

Accurate diagnosis for depression

The only one qualified to diagnose a person with depression is a medical doctor, including psychologists. These are the qualified professionals that will also provide a tailored treatment plan.

Finding a qualified doctor

Founded in 1909 by Clifford W. Beers, Mental Health America (MHA) is the nations leading non profit and community based organization dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all.

Mental Health America is a great resource for selecting the type of doctor and support groups that are available to aid in recovery.

seeking medical attention for clutter and depression

Treatment options for depression

Only a medical doctor can prescribe the correct treatment for patients based on the individuals specific needs. There are a variety of drugs and therapies available to treat the symptoms to regulate moods and improve well being.

FInding the right fit can take time, be frustrating and well worth the effort.

Relationship with your doctor is paramount

The reason for forming a relationship with a medical doctor you are comfortable with is you and the doctor can make appropriate changes and adjustments to medications and therapies until you reach the desired effect. There are many drugs and finding the right drug may include trial and error and dosages may need to be changed.

Make an informed decision

When I decided to leave my primary care physician some years ago, for several reasons, I considered a few different new practices, asked a lot of questions and then met the doctor I decided I wanted in my corner should the need arise.

This took some time and effort on my part and wanting to meet a doctor before signing the dotted line was seldom well received by the staff. Oh well, doing this I found a great fit for me.

Be assertive if necessary

My point is we do not have to accept a doctor that has been assigned to us. Shop around, and find a doctor you are comfortable with and who you trust. You are important. You should not put more time into shopping for the vehicle you plan to buy than you do your medical doctor.

Only a medical doctor is qualified to refer you to other mental health officials. Working with therapists and or psychologists can provide both cognitive behavioral therapies and talk therapy. This will help the patient get to the root causes of depression. Then finally coping strategies will be introduced.

holistic therapies are used to treat depression, such as herbs and tinctures

The role for holistic care

A doctor will consider the persons overall health and well being. There are many factors that contribute to depression. Doctors consider sleep patterns of a depressed person along with studying any underlying medical conditions, as well as looking at nutritional and exercise habits.

These factors will aid in the recovery and well being of a person suffering symptoms of depression.

The journey of recovery

It is important to find a doctor who will support, guide patients and offer emotional support as well as reassuring and encouraging patients to follow the path to wellness.

Community support groups

It’s important to note that while seeking the help of a medical doctor is valuable, it is often recommended to combine medical interventions with therapy and other support systems to address the broader aspects of depression and clutter.

Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous are available for people needing support for depression and other illnesses. The best support comes from a community of like-minded people.

Mental Health America offers an affiliate service to help find support systems. A comprehensive approach that includes both medical and psychological support can provide the best chances for long-term improvement.

Members of support groups benefit from the shared community. Feelings of loneliness are often eased just by knowing others share your feelings, knowing you are not alone, and do not have to continue alone.

10 Symptoms of a depressed person

Symptoms of a depressed person may include the following:

  • Lack of energy and motivation
  • Difficulty making decision
  • Feeling of being overwhelmed and the inability to focus
  • Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness that won’t go away
  • Appetite and sleep patterns have changed
  • Loss of interest in partaking in previous enjoyable pleasures
  • Fatigue and lack of energy
  • Negative feelings of guilt and self worth
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide, Please note need immediate intervention!

Getting the help needed to reduce the symptoms of depression may feel like a really big task especially when a person is stuck in the middle of these often overwhelming negative feelings. Perhaps an advocate could help to get the ball rolling. Again the MHA could be a great first step.

I sincerely send my best wishes to all that suffer.

Marj pic

Marj Bates is a life long ridiculously organized declutterer and artist. Less is more are words Marj lives by in everything she does except collecting dogs. “Dogs are like potato chips! Can’t have just one.” says Marj. Marj wonders if growing up with a fanatically clean Jewish mom means her decluttering and organizational skills are in her blood.

For more Declutter Buzz & Freebies check out our safe and private Decluttering community on our Facebook page. We are a safe and private space of like minded folks tackling this all encompassing clutter thing once and for all. No shame allowed! We will have a few laughs too!

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