For most people, their room is a safe space to feel in absolute control of their life. From their teenage years to adulthood, people viewed their room as an ultimate safe space where they could escape life’s struggles for a while. One of the enduring stereotypes about messy rooms is that it’s a sign of high intelligence and creativity and, while that may be true, could it point to something else? Is having a messy room a sign of depression?
Is There a Link Between Messy Rooms and Depression?
Busy schedules can lead to chores getting bumped down the priority list and various things piling up in your room. While on the surface, a little clutter and disorganization don’t scream “clinical depression,” the severity of the buildup can pinpoint a more serious issue. Extreme instances of clutter have been shown to have a link to depression, and it can become a never-ending cycle of perpetual messiness and depression if left unchecked.
There are some facets of depression that make it more challenging to keep your room clean and tidy. As these feelings continue to creep into every aspect of your life, tidying up your space becomes more of a hassle and, at times, seems impossible. Some of the feelings associated with depression that make cleaning and organizing a challenge include:
- Decreased energy levels
- Increased fatigue
- Disinterest
- Pervasively feeling overwhelmed
Not Feeling Motivated
A distinct lack of motivation is often tied to depression. Someone with a mental health disorder often lacks the necessary energy and motivation to do the things that once brought them joy. When they lose interest and motivation in what brought them happiness, it starts a trickle-down effect that extends into daily life and necessary chores — like cleaning their room.
Depression can sap away the emotional and physical energy you once had to do a wide range of activities and chores, but now use whatever stores you have left to battle your inner demons and survive another day.
Does a Messy Room Contribute to Depression?
While this question may appear contradictory on the surface, it’s an important part of the puzzle that needs to be addressed. Depression is a complex mental illness that manifests differently from person to person. While its presence may lead to a distinct lack of motivation that can lead to messier rooms, the cluttered space can also feed into your depressive state and worsen it.
Some recognize that they need to clean their space and want to do it; they simply lack the energy to make it happen. This reality can often make them feel more dejected and down about themselves, worsening feelings of depression. People might begin thinking, “my home wouldn’t be such a giant mess if I weren’t depressed,” and feed into the seemingly never-ending cycle. Feeling like you’re surrounded by chaos that you cannot control can cause or worsen depression.
Can Cleaning Your Space Help Alleviate Your Depression?
If a messy room contributes to depression, cleaning the space should help alleviate the symptoms. The answer is slightly more complicated than that. Clearing the mess from your area can help create feelings of hopefulness, remind you of what you can accomplish, and begin to improve your mood. However, it still doesn’t address the underlying causes of your depression, so the benefits can often be more fleeting than you would hope. Finding a personalized depression treatment program can help you find a more lasting solution.
Pasadena Villa offers residential treatment programs for various conditions in addition to depression. If you or someone you love is currently battling depression, they are not alone. Contact our team at 866-319-8270 to learn more about our locations today.
Sources:
https://psychcentral.com/depression/messy-room-depression
https://www.sandstonecare.com/blog/messy-room-depression-8-answers-about-messiness-and-mental-health
https://www.altaloma.com/the-link-between-depression-and-a-messy-room/
