There is still a variable amount of stigma when it comes to conversations about mental health - especially in the case of depression where many just oversimplify the symptoms to "being sad." The symptoms of depression take many forms and can be misinterpreted by others as being "lazy" when, in reality, the mental toll is so debilitating that a simple task - such as house cleaning - becomes overwhelming.
Unlike getting a cold, severe depression is not just a sickness you can kick, but people can find ways to make life a bit easier with medication and therapy. Getting a handle on this mental illness can lead to various results, and for many, it is cleaning up their "depression nest." Bored Panda has curated the following list of before and after bedroom cleanup pictures from people battling depression, that showcase some truly inspiring success stories against this illness.
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Me 1 - Depression 0!
I suffer from severe depression and have a really hard time with cleaning and doing other kinds of household work. My room have been this messy for several months because I can't push myself to take care of it. But this friday I decided to finally do it!
Three days later you can finally see that I have a floor! Say hi to my teddy Nalle on the bed!
I know it's not a big victory, but for me it means the world to just be able to have my door open if people come over.
I feel so at peace right now, just wanted to share with all of you.
Great Job. For you, a fight against depression. So, you win. :-)
If only people i mean real people who have gone through this or going through this will understand it not a choice its an illness there is no magic pill its genetic and its the fight or flight , fight it dont let it win hiding away living no life and giving up does notbwork fight fight push yourself trust me 20 years of severe depression even if you make your home a home and go forca walkbat least twice a day you will see a difference sleep is a massive factor in depression so read as much as possible about sleep im always here to talk to anyone who is going through this i know how itbfeels and how people feel when you mention mental health but just remember every human have been through some form of mental healthbissursxits the norm so whybshould it be not tslked about in todays world ?
No, you're right, it's not a big victory, it's a HUGE victory! I know what this is like and this is a brilliant achievement for you! Massive well done, and hello to Nalle! 💗🥰🐻
"I know it's not a big victory" - 100% correct. That is by no means a "big" victory... That is a HUGE victory! As someone who has dealt with mental health issues most of my life, I can relate to how difficult even seemingly "small" tasks can be and how easy it is for the untidiness of your surroundings to get out of hand. For me it's a downward spiral, I get drained by too much clutter in my surroundings, but the more clutter there is, the less energy I have to deal with it.
Cleaning Up Your Depression
There was a dead mouse (my cat's trophy) and roaches. I didn't know because my room was so stuffy I aired it out every day, sometimes twice a day.
Background:
I got hit with depression around the age of 7 and started trying to commit suicide at 8. I was severely bullied until I dislocated some guy's shoulder when I was 11-ish. I passed tests and age 11 I had the "mental capacity" of a 16 year old. So I skipped a year. Although I was fine for a year, I then moved to a bigger place (I used to be at a school with 120 kids and moved to a place with 450 kids). I was bullied an awful lot. I had skipped a year and oh boy this private, conservative, highly religious place was so not my cup of tea. I developped massive social anxiety (at age 13, seriously. I wish I were a tumblr special snowflake making sh*t up rn). I had panic attacks daily, often passed out, threw up, had insomnias and etc.
Fast forward over a year and a half, school was back in and I missed more than half the month of school. I didn't go at all in October.
In November I was interned at a psychiatric facility.
They were awful.
There was no heating, it was always around 10 degrees (celsius), the food was revolting, and most of all, the nurses were bordeline abusive.
They blamed my mother for not being harsh enough and isolated me from her and my LDR girlfriend who was my only support. If things didn't go their way, they yelled, insulted, sometimes grabbed and shoved you around and would talk in your back 24/7. I got out a month later, hit with sometimes hallucinations, dissociating frequently, having a massive phobia of school in general and being paranoid. I also developped an eating disorder and varied in between starving myself and binging (like, 7000 calories binges).
Anyhow, fastforward several years of doing nothing, sleeping between 7am and 4pm to avoid as much living as possible, watching films and basically doing f**k all but binge, sleep and computer. I attempted suicide again in April. I basically shoved down more than 8000mg of paracetamol. I got hospitalized and I somehow barely got affected and drank a quarter of my dose of charcoal (they kept me awake until I drank some but gave up eventually). I stay 3 months in hospital.
About 6 months after the hospital, I discover have a 97% chance of being autistic, that I'm a "gifted child" with hypersensibility. (I couldn't afford the next tests because they cost hundreds so I'm leaving it at 97% chance) I've beaten what the psych facility did to me except for the fact I restricted myself to approx 1500cal/day and due to being shut in my room for so long I have migraines when I'm exposed to sunlight and get rash. Sucks.
Things didn't move much for a while after that but this September I went back to school. I picked up my studies although I'd dropped out after the psych facility. I'm currently studying and fighting both ED and depression and tbh I think I'm winning.
Wow... I can't say I relate, not at all. But I understand the tiniest fraction of what you are going through. Bullies suck and being sad all the time and you don't always know why.... That I understand. A little bit. You will get through. I admire you a lot for your struggle. Good job for getting your room clean. It may look like a little win but it is a big one because the battle is won in small victories.
Exactly. And because of his thoughts - he thinks he's the one who is winning in the process. :)
Load More Replies...Wow..... this was like reading my own life story... I have schizophrenia and with that insomnia and severe social anxiety as well. I’ve attempted suicide twice and somehow made it... I just wanna say that you are seriously so freaking strong. I dropped out of school three years ago during sophomore year due to my social anxiety causing me to pass out and puke during classes. I tried online school but since I have depression it really didn’t go well. I literally have no motivation lol. But since then I’ve been diagnosed with schizophrenia and actually found a few medicines that work after 6 years of trying different meds... I can finally hold a job :) life is getting better little by little and I’ve actually been able to make friends for the first time in my life. You are so much stronger than me and if life is getting better for me I’m so excited for how much better it’s gonna get for you. Reading that youve gone through a similar experience is really moving... thanks for posting:)
You are so brave and honest and very smart to know and recognize and admit all of these things. Love hugs and prayers for you.
i have gone through the same thing :/ but now im used to bullies and im still trying to resist "the urges"...
I hope so much that you can keep resisting. I know how much damage bullying does but I also know that bullied people are usually amazing. Creative, kind, empathetic & loyal. Please stay.
Load More Replies...You got this! It's so terrible when people are misdiagnosed and put through b.s. just to try and get better. You will get stronger everyday keep your head up!!
I’m really proud of you. Remember that there’s a chance you will relapse but don’t let that unmotivate you
This Is Gross, But After Years Of Depression, I’ve Finally Cleaned My Room
I was diagnosed with severe depression when I was about 12. I’m going on 19 this year. I’ve always had a big struggle with keeping my room presentable and, looking back at these pictures, I am genuinely disgusted with how I used to live.
I decided two weeks ago that I wouldn’t live like this anymore. I’ve been cleaning ever since, putting in at least five hours a day. And now I’m happy to say, my room is almost done.
I donated 80% of my things including clothing, old books, old toys, etc. As of right now, I’m still working. My room is completely empty. Even the furniture is gone. My plan is to repaint and get a futon instead of my decade and a half old mattress. It felt impossible when I started, but the only thing stopping me was me. I am proud of the work I have put in and I just thought I would share in case anyone else is going through the same thing. It is doable.
Wow, this was a massive project. I'm proud of you, even though you are stranger to me. Love your big, bright living space. :)
It's those bit bit bit victories that push us forward. You did it. Pat yourself on the back.
Congratulations on cleaning up. Is your depression gone? How did you overcome it?
This is amazing! I need to do this so, so bad. I only moved into this house seven months ago, and ,already, I can't walk through my room, can't find anything (and when I do, it's disgusting), have piles of things almost as tall as me, and have ants. Every night I tell myself "I'm going to start tomorrow," and every morning I tell myself "I'm going to work on this today." But then my day's supply of energy is used up after breakfast, and I usually get a headache and sleep most of the day, effectively accomplishing absolutely nothing. Which does nothing for my self-esteem and resolve. I hate my psychological disorders, and the havoc they wreak on my life. Someday...someday I'll be able to overcome it.
So great that you had the strength! I so hope this clean, clear environment creates some peace and grounding in you. KUDOS!!!
My Neckbeard Nest, After Months Of Not Caring, I Looked Down And Realized What This Was Doing To My Mental Health
When she is in a better mood, doggo is in a better mood.
Load More Replies...I've seen the word 'neckbeard' here and there on the internet, what does it mean?
It's pejorative term, slang for socially awkward, or shy people in general.
Load More Replies...Look at that happy puppy!!! Great job and so important you saw what the clutter was doing. Lots of self awareness and strength went into this I know!
Today Was A Good Day, Even Though I Did Not Have Fun. I Did The Necessary
The top photo is what happens when your days bleed into each other and you keep putting things off because of lethargy and sadness. And the bottom is what happens when you decide to engage in depression treatment.
I'm disabled and spend a lot of time in my wheelchair or in bed. The before picture looks like my room at the moment. I wish I was strong enough to achieve the after picture
Just remember that everything starts with a 1st step.... (or in this case the first sock or the first shoe).
Load More Replies...What a difference.. good for you. And I bet you feel much happier that you achieved order in your home.
I would be ecstatic if my room was even 1/4 as clean as your before photo.
Doing the necessary can be so difficult. I lived for YEARS in a filthy environment. A couple of years ago I was finally able to really clean my room and keep it mostly clean since. It gets a little out of hand off and on but not so bad that it takes me 6 months to clean it again. Just a couple hours depending on if I clean something else as well. I still struggle sometimes, but for now it's gotten better.
Before And After Cleaning Up My Depression Nest
What the hell is up with the chain link fence across the sliding door? Are you in a prison (apart from the one your brain puts you in)? Or is your neighborhood that unsafe? Scary as s**t!!
This one looks like me, except my entire cottage looked like this. I am in cleanup mode now, for as long as it lasts. I've done the kitchen, bathroom, and most of the living room, where I also have a "bedroom section." My daughter has the actual bedroom. (She's 40, autistic, and has a serious problem with executive dysfunction.) I still have the dining room, which is supposed to be the Craft zone, but everything has been in boxes since we moved in 18 months ago. And I will have yo do most of her room myself.
So, The First Picture Is Depression For Me. It’s Awful And Embarrassing. Next Pic Is The Same Room In My Apartment
Still got a bit more to go, but damn I am so proud of this progress!
Let me also say, I didn’t do this in a marathon cleaning kind of way. It took me a week. I made it a goal to take out one bag of trash and pick up at least 10 things a day. Sometimes I would do more than 10 and sometimes the trash bag would be bigger than others, but by not overwhelming myself, I got this done.
I found that doing it in an incremental fashion was the best way to tackle it
Cleaning My Depression Flat After Months Of Being In A Bad Place
Hi,
I just wanted to share my before and after of my living room & kitchen.. mostly because I'm proud but also because when I was trying to start this, I couldn't find much on the internet & that made me feel worse.
This is a build up of being depressed for months, if not years, just scraping by. So please, no judgement. Eventually it got to the point there was just no more space to do anything, couldn't cook or have a space to relax and it made my depression worse.. I took a week off work & this is what I managed. There's still the bedroom, but I'm waiting on my new bed & drawers being delivered. Then next is the second bedroom which is piled high with just junk and rubbish, it's overwhelming, so taking a few days to recoup then I'll start there.
I’ve Been Dealing With Depression For About Three Years Now, And While My Room Has Never Been Among The Tidiest Out There, The State Of My Habitat Just Worsened My Mental State
Not pictured: the countless loads of laundry done and put away, the six full trash bags, or the four bags of things that went to donation.
You saw what it was doing, how brave and strong you are. Great job!!
Doing laundry when I feel depressed is the hardest thing to get to. When I get up and feel like I need to do a load or two, I know I'm doing better. Great job.
I found that not having a place to put everything made cleaning difficult. I need to purge some also.
i think i'm most impressed with the "not pictured" part. Behind the scenes is harder and it never stops. Congrats!
The bookshelf was never really cluttered but now you can really see their cool collection. My heart goes out to these folks. I can't even imagine. I get the what I call MY BLUE STAGE and let everything subside but once I get in gear, it does help to have a clean space. I would NEVER compare myself to anyone that has depression but I think I can understand a wee bit of it. I wish them all the best.
Cleaned My Room Thoroughly For The 1st Time In 2 Years. Feels Like A Physical Sign My Depression Is Getting Better
Wow you can see the beautiful rug under all your belongings. Keep it up--you got this!
LOL, that was my first question, too! I have to have the tv on to sleep.
Load More Replies...My (19F) Own Depression Nest Before And After. Super Embarrassing But Glad I’m Out Of That Headspace
No, no, no embarrassment. Great job on the room. Now you've got a place of peace and calm. That's the best part.
Never be embarrassed and putting it on a forum where thousands of strangers see it was great and courageous.
Grieving Over My Mom Put Me In A Deep Depression. I Decided To Deep Clean Everything For Fresh Start
This is the first one on the list that is anywhere near as bad as mine. I'm looking at these before and afters for inspiration and motivation. Instead, quite the opposite is happening. Seeing the state of the rooms in a lot of these "before" shots is making me feel even worse about myself, because they are super clean compared to mine. I don't even know where to begin on mine.
I have that same bb8 pillow! Have no clue where it is, as it's buried somewhere in my own DN, but...it's around here somewhere.
I lost my ma surprisingly end 2016, never been the same. Sometimes i hear her voice kicking me in the butt to clean or take care of her garden and in the end it always wins, but it is so hard. Keep her memory alive with you. Never be ashamed to talk loudly to her when you have problems or missed some things you never had the chance to say to her. Make her proud and yourself. It helps a little.
My Depression Nest. Hopefully Cleaning Helps Me Get Out Of This Rut
I love the wood floor! What a unique design! The whole place is gorgeous.
OMG, look at that beautiful floor. That would make me happy just seeing it.
Put some images on the wall of things that you love or enjoy or make you happy. Seeing them daily can break you out of hard times sometimey, and even when it is just for a moment it helps to remember that there are great things
Depression Recovery Comes One Step At A Time!
This was the photo that made me understand I don't need to clean it all straight away, it's the small steps that count
I'm not sure this is the same space. Wow. Certainly feels different, I bet! Congrats!
Depression Hit Me Hard A Few Years Ago... I’m Finally Taking Steps To Fight It. It’s Not Perfect, But I Have My Room Back!
My difficulty was not having a place for everything. Boxing it is great. You may be stuck with the boxes in your room for a while but date the boxes and if you have not opened them in 1 year, discard.
This is about how far I’ve made in my room, as well. But organized chaos feels a lot better than just chaos. Way to go!
Every step you take gets you that much closer. Keep moving in the direction of your vision and enjoy your accomplishments in the process...
I didnt realize this was a sign of depression but now I can see it. I lost the want to clean for a long time and now after being on meds, I clean every day.
Before And After. Too Depressed To Clean Until I Went On Medication. Still Proud Of Myself, Five Years Later
Hello, Kitty back where she belongs. The Queen of the bed! I love the red comforter. Beautiful
Such a pretty room also. Nice pink bedspread with your Hello Kitty pillow. Now it looks so peaceful and pleasant.
never ever give up on medicines... depression is a mental illness as people have liver illnes... and any human organs illnes... your and my is on the brain.
Go You! Medication makes all the difference. Suddenly you have the emotional energy to deal with your own stuff. Good on you!
I Have So Much To Say About All Of This And Just Don’t Know How To Find The Words
I’ve spent the past two years in a fugue state, incredibly depressed and tired after a traumatic event in 2017, on top of buildup from high school trauma. Besides all that, I’ve never been a clean person - in case you couldn’t have guessed. I have a whole laundry list of mental and physical problems (I’ll spare you) that make it excedingly difficult to effectively organize and even move sometimes.
But… Something changed last night. I feel like a light switch clicked on in my brain that hasn’t been on in 5+ years. I am so, so proud of myself. My girlfriend and I have transformed this apartment in twelve hours and I am so excited to see what it will become in the next few days. We’ve had to clean up our depression messes before but this time I actually want to change for good, and am confident that I can.
I'm posting this because… Well, I know there are others in as sh*tty a place as me. And I know no one wants to show what it can look like. But no matter how deep your trash pit is, you can dig yourself out of it. Recovery is possible. Respecting yourself by respecting your living space is possible. I wish you all luck.
doing simple tasks at home should improve the depression, try it every day little by little... do not stay at home.... go for a walk or go window shopping... sports are very good to clean your mind.
How brave and strong!! And doing it together is perfect. It's a daunting task and you took it on! Brilliant.
This is great. Now you can use your bed to sleep on or "enjoy" with your girlfriend. Play your guitar, relax
Congratulations! Keep it up and glad you both have support with each other :)
Overcoming Depression: Living Room Addition
Animals are wonderful for mental health. And just wonderful in general, really.
Load More Replies...Just discovered this wonderful page. I just don't know where to begin.
Awwww... your doggo is here, food and water cooler for him here too. Good job.
This is great. When I used to live in a messy house, I did not want people over, now you have a comfortable lived in house to present to your friends. A neat freak would see the remaining mess, I see a lived in house.
Well Overdue Cleaning! I Could Feel A Depressive Spiral A’creepin’, So Bit Of A Spring Clean Was Needed
I wonder if this is where the custom of spring cleaning comes from. Like spring it is a new start.
Been Going Through A Rough Patch Since December - Finally Got My Room Together Though
What an interesting room. Now you can see the back wall interesting painting. I do agree with the other comments, needs something on the wall.Just a poster of your favorite singer, or a fun saying or even if you are going for a Goth look, a nice skull.
Try add different lightsources and some pictures. Your room has great potential!
Brighter colour on the walls to cheer you up. Dark grey is such a depressing colour in a home.
It’s Hard To Clean Your Room With Depression But Y'all I Cleaned It Finally
Took about 4 hours maybe? I just turned on criminal minds and went to work finally. But thank god it’s done!! I still have to clean my desk and i’m washing all of my bedding (hence just the plain mattress on the floor) but like damn y'all. I’m proud of myself.
I have depression, but as a result i'm am a severely obsessive compulsive cleaner. My flat is like a show home because it's my nest. I don't leave it except when I have to (mainly for work). It's the only part of my life I feel fully in control of. I find this interesting to see how depression effects people in completely polar opposite ways
I am the same. Which is no better really when you consider the time and energy you put into cleaning, instead of spending time with family and friends or even just relaxing at home by yourself. I can't "relax" until everything is purrfect, and then I'm just too tired. It's a vicious circle :(
Load More Replies...Kudos to everyone who found the strength to clean up their rooms! I'm proud of all of you. Good job! I too have depression, and I also have FM+ME, which means I have pretty much zero energy at any time. So, my advice, for any others who are either in the same boat or are very low on energy- clean small spots. Like set yourself a challenge to clean off the top of your desk, or one side of your bed, one drawer of your dresser. Do your best to get it done, but if you can't, don't beat yourself up. You did your best, and that's great. If you do manage to get it done, be proud of yourself! Then you can tackle another zone when you feel you have the strength. And that way, even the messiest room can get cleaned, bit by bit. Also, turning on some music can really help. Do your best, everyone!
Now you can see the nice color of the wall and you can find your laptop!
I have been inspired. Tonight I clean my living room...it's just a collection of c**p. Not a mess, really, just not organized and I don't want it. So...be gone with you stuff! You are bringing me down. Thanks for the proof that it can be done!
The Before And After Of 14 Hours Of Cleaning. Finally Got Rid Of My 3 Month Depression Nest!
Great. Now, like peeling an onion, you see the inner layers. Look on Amazon or at your favorite computer store for cable solutions. Our electronic world gives us piles of cables.
Depression Mess. Not Perfect, But A Good Start
70 minutes of cleaning did this? Wow! Impressive! Give yourself a gold star. Jewell
Love the throw blanket. Get a few eye catching paintings to meditate on.
Depression And Anxiety Related Mess. I Feel Like I Can Breathe In My Room And It’s Become My Little Oasis. Now To Scrub And Repaint The Walls And Replace The Beat Up Rug
Finally Cleaned My Room After My Depression Took A Steep Dive. I’m Feeling Better Already
When my room gets like this, I call myself Poor Dobbin, from the Harry Potter books. I am almost 70 with about that many injuries, illnesses, syndromes, and conditions. I can’t stand or bend or lift without the danger of falling or passing out. But I love crafting. So every night before hubby turns the lights out, I try to have my little craft table clear of supplies and projects. A project may be a 1” Cactus out of modeling clay, but making it and cleaning up the area give me a tiny sense of accomplishment in an often chaotic and no-gain day. The next day, I try to do a little more fun and exercise and keep very close to my cardiac diet. By the end of most months, I do feel better and see the things I have made. Life is good, even if the living of it is hard and painful. To God be the glory! Jewell
Now your eye is attracted to your posters rather than the mess. Great
Depression. One Step At A Time! Feeling Pretty Good About Myself Right Now
After been dying to clean my house for a year now it's taking a lot to actually get down and do it. I haven't really done this in 5 years! Tend to keep the places and things I use clean and tidy (barely) but just leave everything else anywhere and not bothering with it! The inspiration for doing this was the fact of it's sad to look at, thinking "how did I let this happen? This is disgusting!, you are a lazy slob!" and I have man in my life now who inspires me to be a better version and it was probably the kick I needed to just take a step back and think "I am not living like this anymore!
You are not lazy. When you look at a mess that has been added to over time, it is overwhelming. Just do it a bit at a time.
Finally Cleaned My Depression Nest
Depressed-Nest. Freshened Up The Bed Area
Now your pretty rainbow flag can be seen by you and the world and your fun pillows also..
This is closer to my room. I have stuff piled up. All the clothes are clean...just no place to put them. If there is a flat space, I'll fill it with something. Good for you. I still have to turn sideways to get into bed.
I suffer from PTSD from Iraq and Afghanistan. I clean every day but when it hits me really bad, my home can go from clean to chaos in minutes. ive been learning how to calm down and accept. my girlfriend and four adopted cats are my biggest supporters and the reason I keep going every day. its not easy, but for those out there that may think is no possible, please keep you head up and take things in your own terms and time.
Sending ❤. I've suffered from depression and PTSD since childhood myself.
Load More Replies...It's so hard to find the mental and physical strength to clean and organize.
You can do it, to be kind to yourself, to show that you value yourself. And let it take the time it does. You don't need to rush. Once you get a clean spot you can feel good about it, and it will inspire you to do more, and for every time you get a new clean spot, you realise you value yourself higher and higher. The trick is not to do things perfectly, there's no such thing as perfect, but to your own satisfaction. You are worthy. You are valued. Be your own best friend, your own warrior. Always stay on your own side. My best wishes for you. 💖
Load More Replies...Oh god I can so relate to this post and these pics. Unfortunately I'm stuck in the "before" state st present because my Depression is do severe that I can't do anything let alone eat or clean or any of the routine maintenance tasks because they Judy seem futile. I've been accused of being a "hoarder" by ignorant people in the past - even though my psychiatrist describes the abandonment of basic household maintenance, etc., as symptomatic of "garden variety (ie., common) Depression", especially Major Depression, from which I have suffered my entire life, complicated further by complex PTSD and a plethora of physical illnesses.
Bless you. I can certainly relate. My depression is much better now than it was in the past. I'm fortunate enough to be managing it through counseling and medication. Sending ❤
Load More Replies...You are very brave for sharing what you are ashamed of. Thank you.
I didn't realize my neighbor "X" dealt with depression until her boyfriend moved out, leaving her and her son. When things became messy, she was so overwhelmed, she didn't know how or where to begin. I first heard her wailing and thrashing around when she had to find a prescription that had been swallowed into the mess. Ironically, it was medication for her depression. I went over and we sifted and sifted until the prescription was found, then sifted some more until the major part of the mess was moved out. I bought three small garden garbage cans and bags, put one in each room, then helped her to reduce the immense amount of "inventory" that fell into clutter. She had a lot of difficulty with mail, so I got a stapler and put it on a cord tied to the leg of her dining room. This way she could open mail, move the most important page to the top, and staple everything together. We got four large stacking bins and labeled them DO NOW, DO SOON, FILE, TRASH, and ???.
You are an angel. That was just what she needed: a friend.
Load More Replies...I think it's brave that these people risk judgement for the sake of showing a facet of depression (or anxiety) that nobody really knows about. People with depression can go on about how they feel all day and will get some understanding but when there's a physical result, such as sickness, no motivation to clean or take care of oneself, people are automatically disgusted and believe the sufferer to be a pig/slob/lazy. The reality is that this is one of the ways mental illness manifests itself and its worse that the sufferers feel ashamed and guilty already, but will receive judgement none the less. There are differences between a generally untidy or lazy person, one difference being that people with depression actually keep some things organised, things that they need to cope, for example the guy with the tiny room in #1 still kept his desk and laptop clear, the one with the dolls on the shelf were still intact, as well as the one with the piano etc
so much respect for these people for actually making the changes and sharing them with us! Inspired me to clean my apartment!
i'm still stuck in the before picture due to my severe anxiety disorder with depressive episodes. how do i get to the after without a self help book?
it's the little things really.. one day i organized my books, another i did my clothes.. if you do too much i can happen that you don't see a start or an end.. clothes for example: one day, put them in the washing machine and hang them up (one maschine at the time, )the other day organze one half of your closet ... maybe ask a friend to help you.. take breaks and make babysteps..maybe make a list with many diferent steps: e.g: kitchen: wash dishes - dry dishes - put away - clean countertop... this way you see the progress better and feel good about checking many boxes :) ... i once tried to clean my whole room and was exhasuted really quick. my friend that helped me, told me to stop and continue on the next day because i tried to do too much and didn't see any progress anymore... :) i wish you the best of luck
Load More Replies...I feel this in so many levels. I don't think anyone else than people like us understand where is this mess comming from. I got better, my room is way cleaner than before... only when I'm super busy or I have a lot of emotional charge I go back to that. but everytime is easier to clean up!
I suffer from PTSD from Iraq and Afghanistan. I clean every day but when it hits me really bad, my home can go from clean to chaos in minutes. ive been learning how to calm down and accept. my girlfriend and four adopted cats are my biggest supporters and the reason I keep going every day. its not easy, but for those out there that may think is no possible, please keep you head up and take things in your own terms and time.
Sending ❤. I've suffered from depression and PTSD since childhood myself.
Load More Replies...It's so hard to find the mental and physical strength to clean and organize.
You can do it, to be kind to yourself, to show that you value yourself. And let it take the time it does. You don't need to rush. Once you get a clean spot you can feel good about it, and it will inspire you to do more, and for every time you get a new clean spot, you realise you value yourself higher and higher. The trick is not to do things perfectly, there's no such thing as perfect, but to your own satisfaction. You are worthy. You are valued. Be your own best friend, your own warrior. Always stay on your own side. My best wishes for you. 💖
Load More Replies...Oh god I can so relate to this post and these pics. Unfortunately I'm stuck in the "before" state st present because my Depression is do severe that I can't do anything let alone eat or clean or any of the routine maintenance tasks because they Judy seem futile. I've been accused of being a "hoarder" by ignorant people in the past - even though my psychiatrist describes the abandonment of basic household maintenance, etc., as symptomatic of "garden variety (ie., common) Depression", especially Major Depression, from which I have suffered my entire life, complicated further by complex PTSD and a plethora of physical illnesses.
Bless you. I can certainly relate. My depression is much better now than it was in the past. I'm fortunate enough to be managing it through counseling and medication. Sending ❤
Load More Replies...You are very brave for sharing what you are ashamed of. Thank you.
I didn't realize my neighbor "X" dealt with depression until her boyfriend moved out, leaving her and her son. When things became messy, she was so overwhelmed, she didn't know how or where to begin. I first heard her wailing and thrashing around when she had to find a prescription that had been swallowed into the mess. Ironically, it was medication for her depression. I went over and we sifted and sifted until the prescription was found, then sifted some more until the major part of the mess was moved out. I bought three small garden garbage cans and bags, put one in each room, then helped her to reduce the immense amount of "inventory" that fell into clutter. She had a lot of difficulty with mail, so I got a stapler and put it on a cord tied to the leg of her dining room. This way she could open mail, move the most important page to the top, and staple everything together. We got four large stacking bins and labeled them DO NOW, DO SOON, FILE, TRASH, and ???.
You are an angel. That was just what she needed: a friend.
Load More Replies...I think it's brave that these people risk judgement for the sake of showing a facet of depression (or anxiety) that nobody really knows about. People with depression can go on about how they feel all day and will get some understanding but when there's a physical result, such as sickness, no motivation to clean or take care of oneself, people are automatically disgusted and believe the sufferer to be a pig/slob/lazy. The reality is that this is one of the ways mental illness manifests itself and its worse that the sufferers feel ashamed and guilty already, but will receive judgement none the less. There are differences between a generally untidy or lazy person, one difference being that people with depression actually keep some things organised, things that they need to cope, for example the guy with the tiny room in #1 still kept his desk and laptop clear, the one with the dolls on the shelf were still intact, as well as the one with the piano etc
so much respect for these people for actually making the changes and sharing them with us! Inspired me to clean my apartment!
i'm still stuck in the before picture due to my severe anxiety disorder with depressive episodes. how do i get to the after without a self help book?
it's the little things really.. one day i organized my books, another i did my clothes.. if you do too much i can happen that you don't see a start or an end.. clothes for example: one day, put them in the washing machine and hang them up (one maschine at the time, )the other day organze one half of your closet ... maybe ask a friend to help you.. take breaks and make babysteps..maybe make a list with many diferent steps: e.g: kitchen: wash dishes - dry dishes - put away - clean countertop... this way you see the progress better and feel good about checking many boxes :) ... i once tried to clean my whole room and was exhasuted really quick. my friend that helped me, told me to stop and continue on the next day because i tried to do too much and didn't see any progress anymore... :) i wish you the best of luck
Load More Replies...I feel this in so many levels. I don't think anyone else than people like us understand where is this mess comming from. I got better, my room is way cleaner than before... only when I'm super busy or I have a lot of emotional charge I go back to that. but everytime is easier to clean up!
