we've discussed this topic before.
which causes which? which comes first? the clutter or the depression?
i just wanted to add that i have recently seen this symbiosis in action.
i dropped in on a gf whose home i don't normally visit. (she comes here or we catch up at the markets. we like to entertain and some of our friends don't. it's all cool).
she suffers from depression.
she's smart, she works, she has friends....but she lives alone and there isn't much real joy or adventure in her life (in my opinion).
her small two bedroom apartment was absolutely bulging at the seams with clutter.
it was like a hoarder's episode (seriously, it was pretty bad) and it took every ounce of sensitivity in me (i wasn't born with much) to struggle past it and use her bathroom, and not blurt out anything, or look appalled.
after that, we went out and spent the day buying her a new wardrobe (she was in dire need of decent clothes that fit and flattered and made her feel good, and i organised this BEFORE i saw the apartment).
the next day, i invited her up home for a day of coffee and cake and looking at the rain, and so she could model all her new outfits for us. lots of layering pieces, so we had a boatload of fun styling up different looks for her.
and i gently eased into the topic of decluttering.
i am sure i was as subtle as a battering ram BUT the end result is that she was willing and keen to talk about it.
almost RELIEVED to talk about it.
i told her i was away until the second week of may, but that i'd be very happy to help her after that.
she had a look around at my own decluttering efforts here, and agreed that the space and light and clean was very peaceful and kind.
i told her she deserved the same.
i got her talking about what was in the boxes and we discussed decluttering for a couple of hours.
i asked her to simply consider the stuff for now, and to ask herself a few questions:
is this thing serving me right now?
is this thing something i love or use right now?
would i replace this thing if the house burned down tomorrow?
she actually left here looking more energised and happy.
and i gave her some homework: she has to go through her wardrobe and get rid of 13 old worn raggedy items....so she can hang up her 13 beautiful new items.
and come mid-may, i'll be on her doorstep to help declutter, and i am really excited about it.
i am dying to see how fast we can declutter her place, and how fast it will make a real difference to her.
i know without shadow of a doubt that the depression and the clutter are feeding one another.....i walked in there and felt the sadness.
