When depressed, getting out of bed in the morning can be difficult, much less considering the thought of cleaning. When a living space is dirty and cluttered, it can cause one’s depression to worsen and overwhelm them into being able to start. One with depression needs to approach cleaning from a different angle than others.
Keep reading to learn how to break cleaning down for those who struggle with depression.
Break Cleaning Down Into Steps, Then Do it Again.
One of the most common suggestions one may receive when trying to find solutions to cleaning while depressed is to break it down. Oftentimes, when one considers ways to break down cleaning, they think of cleaning the kitchen one day and the bathroom on another day. However, this can be counter-productive for those with depression.
One with depression who may try to clean a room at a time might become overwhelmed by the many tasks it requires. Instead, one must focus on smaller tasks at a time, such as washing the dishes one day and then cleaning the counters another. One idea is to start with tasks that will help with the larger tasks. For example, one may need to empty the dishwasher or dish drainer to wash the dishes. Focusing on important areas first can create motivation to keep going until the goal is complete.
Where to Focus When Cleaning When Depressed
When depressed, having messy surroundings can cause those negative emotions to increase. When tackling these cleaning steps, one should start in the room they spend the most time. Starting the cleaning tasks in the room most often occupied will create a safe place for respite after completing other tasks.
One needs to consider the importance that each task holds. A pile of unfolded laundry may seem daunting to a person with depression. The first step one needs to take is identifying where the folding can take place. A table or flat surface is an easy solution to where to fold, but the first step may be to clean that surface. After the surface is clean and the tasks are done, the next crucial step is to keep things clean.
Keep Things Accessible
Cleaning when depressed can begin an endless cycle of cleaning up one area and becoming dirty before the rest of the living area is clean. One way to stay on top of already-cleaned areas is to keep cleaning tools accessible. Keeping a rag on the bathroom counter is a productive way to prevent water droplets from drying and staining the countertop.
Another solution is to ready things ahead of time. If one takes out the trash but then has to go across the house to get a new bag, it may be overwhelming and discourage the individual from putting in a new bag. Leaving additional trash bags at the bottom of a trash can makes replacing the trash bag much easier.
When one is suffering from depression, daily tasks can become overwhelming. Sitting in a constant reminder of unfinished tasks can worsen depression and mental health. Keeping tasks small, focusing on the more lived-in areas first, and finally keeping cleaning tools accessible can make cleaning less overwhelming.
To learn more about self-care and mental health, visit our site! Be sure to talk to your doctor if you are facing depression.