I find that clutter tends to drag me down, and clean spaces tend to energize me. Sadly I don't put the energy into cleaning eventhough I'd more than make the energy back.

Hey Nick. we have talked about this alittle bit. I think alot of us who suffer from depression get in a rut and don't want to do much of anything, including cleaning. Yes, I have a house cleaner, but you know that. I can manage to keep my house pretty ' neat' , but gosh forbid if you wanted to look in my cabinets and drawers. I have no motivation to clean them out. I get the isolation. I think alot of us do. Don't be so hard on yourself, okay? you've got a job and you are taking classes online? I think that's great. Your world is gonna get bigger. I know that.

Big hugs.

LMT

Thanks for reply Luv, and pepperman.

Agreeing with pepper that clutter can drag people down, and clean spaces do the opposite...also, not off topic as far as I can see lol, we all deal with some type of this...do you think that cleaning things up yourself might make you feel better in the long run? Just an idea...I just know that if it was me, hiring a maid would just be added to the list of 'beat myself up over' things, if that makes sense...if you do it yourself, you can have a bit of a sense of accomplishment :)

it actually is opposite for me....I have always been a neat freak sort of speak but when it hits, I kind of let it go....I would not use a maid service only cause I prefer to do my own work....but think we can all relate to what you are going through....

Summergirl.. and anyone else who sees my reply. I do have a house cleaner. but my good friends here know that I have major back problems ( 11 days until I see the orthopedic surgeon), so I can barely even bend down to put my shorts on. If I could physically clean my house, I would. I guess I felt the need to justify having a house cleaner.

Carry on.. (and I know y'all weren't judging me, I guess it's me feeling like I'm a complete wimp ).

sorry Nick..

gaye. sorry for your back...I tell ya if I lived near ya I would help ya clean.....nothing wrong with having one if need be. I just like working. I know, I am weird. LOL

thanks Laurie. I'm a wimp. I admit it. Come on down here to Tennessee and you can move in with me. bring the kids, you know I am an empty nester. :))

anytime...always willing to help my friends.....XOXO

You are making progress and anytime we are making progress it is a good sign. Give it time and be very gentle with yourself. Keep sharing and reaching out for needed support -- you are not alone in this and that is our great comfort being here with our DS buddies.

Gentle ((hugs)) shared.

I like focusing on small places when I clean, that is when I get the most accomplished rather than trying to tackle the entire house, or in some cases the entire room. The problem with gettingt my entire house cleaned from top to bottom, I through a stage of "well what do I do now?" and just sit around feeling empty. But while cleaning, when i'm not feeling physically exhausted is almost fun. Like something to do, something to accomplish.

I keep my room and bathroom spotless, but my apartment(especially the kitchen and hallway) are a mess - clothes and dishes everywhere. When I am depressed it's even worse.

I agree with those saying clean it yourself in small spurts... like say to yourself, 'the dresser top only' then don't think about it, just watch your hands as they do it. Too much thought can be overwhelming. Then be satisfied with the accomplishment even if it falls short of your idea of perfection. Next time something else and again just watch as your body does it.

I don't think this is all that OT. I keep my place pretty clean now, but a few years ago when my life was in even bigger chaos my tiny apartment was a disaster. I didn't have the focus or motivation to clean it up. It wasn't until I moved in with other people I could get into the swing of a cleaning routine (save my bedroom, which will always be a mess).

If you can afford a maid, it's not a bad idea, even if just short term. The help might enable you to get into your own simplified tidying routine so that when you go to clean in the future, it's a few small things and not an ordeal. Don't feel badly about it.

Oh no...very very sorry if I offended anybody with that comment...so did not mean anything by it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Was only thinking of the mental aspects, and probably influenced by my tiny-apartment and cramped-house past LOL