Clutter as a Trauma Symptom (Podcast Ep. 25)

Have you ever had the thought, “why do these decluttering tactics work for everyone BUT me?” Is it possible that emotional or psychological trauma has contributed to the clutter and disorganization in your life?
Listen in as Dawn and Anna Runkle from The Crappy Childhood Fairy address how clutter can often be a symptom of trauma and give encouragement on how to start the process of overcoming these hurdles in your life or in the lives of those you may know.
IN THIS EPISODE:
-Anna’s motivation in starting Crappy Childhood Fairy
- Encouragement on the “doability” of starting to heal and where to start
- Why It can be more helpful to write it out rather than talking it out!
- Removing mental clutter in order to help reduce physical clutter
- Theories on helping others who struggle with clutter
- Encouragement for the woman who always feels like an outlier
About Anna
Anna Runkle is not a doctor or therapist; she’s someone who grew up in a rough family that was deeply affected by addiction and all the problems that tend to go with that - poverty, violence, neglect, and shame.
Everything changed for her in 1994 when she stumbled upon two techniques that unexpectedly made her feel better - dramatically better. With that little bit of healing, she was able to, at last, begin changing the self-destructive patterns she had learned (common for trauma survivors) and change the course of my life. Today, almost half a million people follow her work and participate in her training. Her mission is to change the paradigm of what’s possible for people “like us” and to help all I can to heal and lead lives of joy and purpose.
See Anna’s video: Clutter as a Trauma symptom: • Heal Chaos and Overwhe...
IG: / crappychildhoodfairy
YT: / @crappychildhoodfairy
FREE course: the daily practice: courses.crappychildhoodfairy....
Welcome to The Official Minimal Mom Podcast channel. If you'd like to hear previous episodes, you can find them on all podcasting apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and iTunes.
Thank you so much for listening and could I ask a favor? Would you mind subscribing? It helps KZbin recommend this podcast to more friends. Thank you! Dawn
ABOUT THE MINIMAL MOM:
Hi, I'm Dawn, if we haven't met before, I'm married to Tom and we have four kids ages 8-13. We live outside of the Twin Cities in MN and have called ourselves minimalists for 8 years now. We got rid of 85% of our stuff and don't miss ANY OF IT!
If you'd like to see more instructional videos about minimalism and decluttering, be sure to check out my other channel @theminimalmom

[@jejrstans]

I'm so glad you're talking with Anna! I've had such a challenge with the sometimes unintentional flippant, "just get rid of it, you can get another one" comments. If only it were THAT easy. I'm SO glad Anna explained dysregulation for folks!

[@lucyblum3456]

Finally a clutter theory I agree with! Someone said “outer order, inner calm”. But I have felt like my clutter was due to my inner chaos (from stress, anxiety, overwhelm, depression). Just decluttering doesn’t remove the stress! And often I can’t declutter because of my stress levels. Anna talks about trauma. And trauma can be many things, not just childhood neglect - a failed marriage, losing your job, medical issues, financial struggles, etc! I look forward to trying her techniques.

[@Heather.C.ButterflySage]

Amazing! Love Anna Runkle so much! Crappy Childhood Fairy & Minimal Mom. Outstanding.

[@debbiev.1311]

In my personal experience, healing CPTSD & decluttering do go hand in hand...thank you Anna & Dawn!! 🙏🏼❤️🤗❤️🤗❤️🙏🏼

[@katwellkaye996]

I didn't know how much I needed this conversation until I unexpectedly burst into tears in the middle of it. Thank you Dawn for introducing your audience to the Crappy Childhood Fairy (LOVE the name!!)! ❤

[@tinadaniel5937]

This is bringing me to tears…thank you for validating the trauma I experienced as a young girl & the fact that we can’t change how parents handled that…I do feel way better when I have decluttered over the last few years, I just need to release the weight that my body & mind has held onto no matter how much I eat right/workout…thank you for all this great info 💕💕

[@lovinglife3954]

I love The Crappy Childhood Fairy! So much wisdom. (She's so thoughtful, did you notice that she has The Minimal Mom on her shelf?) This is why we can't just say "just do it" to everyone. Thanks Dawn for recognizing that decluttering is not as easy for everyone else. I love your channel and it's inspired me so much. Keep growing in your understanding. People need this!

[@FrogeniusW.G.]

Is it a yt channel?

[@MegInASheathDress]

​@@FrogeniusW.G.yes

[@lovinglife3954]

@@FrogeniusW.G. yes channel name is The Crappy Childhood Fairy.

[@lauranewman564]

It wasn't easy for Dawn, either! I totally agree with you!

[@jhjln8712]

I so appreciate you covering this topic. Decluttering is *not* easy for me, nor is any kind of self-care, which I strongly believe is due to trauma. Anna’s personal story is inspiring and I look forward to checking out her program.

[@roxanes43]

This was a podcast made in heaven, so to speak, with two of my favorites addressing the overlap of clutter and trauma! Mental, emotional, and physical decluttering are all so intertwined. Thanks for this collaboration.

[@lisam5744]

I have PTSD and live with my trauma brain daily. I know how easy it is for me to slip into that nesting-too-much issue. That saving for the future and becoming overwhelmed by it. I work hard at minimalism and keeping my space decluttered because it helps me keep my brain decluttered. Keeping my spaces under control helps to keep my anxiety under control. I never thought it would work until I did it. Dawn, thank you for your videos...they honestly help me keep myself in a better place.

[@kimberlymagleby7835]

What a phenomenal podcast! Dawn, thank you. This is so applicable no matter where you are on your journey. She is so relatable and knowledgeable. I cried over and over again listening to this as it spoke to my soul.

[@cyndyfabian7555]

Hi. Grannie Cyndy from South Australia here. I've been a follower of Anna for some time now and totally agree that clutter is often a symptom of cptsd. I'm 72 years old, the daughter of narcissistic parents (only learned this in the last few years). I raised 6 sons, mostly as a single mother after 2 marriages and divorces.

[@natashyas4149]

This is one of the most powerful segments I've heard. Thank you to both of you!

[@toriahennesey]

No way! Two of my favourite youtubers combined! What a treat, thank you both so much x

[@erikahyman8611]

This interview hit so close to home. I’ve been through a similar journey & I took pretty much the same steps & the healthier my perspective got, the clearer things became. I was spiritually lost & opening my mind to the possibility that I wasn’t in complete control of my life because God was, helped me survive & thrive in tough times. Faith is so important. Faith brings hope & we all need that.❤

[@daniellenunez185]

This was wonderful as someone who probably has PTSD but undiagnosed. All my scans are normal but I have unexplained neurological symptoms- however, now I think they’re explained. ❤

[@arikaGME]

I’ve been following Anna for a while, and recently found Dawn. I’m finally able to tackle the mess. I’m accepting personal responsibility for the condition of the space around me and downsizing. I need to step up and become the stable adult that I’m intended to be.

[@soulexplorer76]

Thank you for this interview Dawn! I do believe that clutter can be related to mental, psychological and/or emotional unwellness: anxiety, depression or simply feeling overwhelmed by life (maybe after having gone through a rough patch). I would like to add that a dysregulated nervous system is not only linked to "crappy childhoods". We can have had loving parents but something along the way left an unseen wound in our system. Maybe a difficult birth or early childhood surgery, an accident, chemical toxicity... For those interested in learning more about the nervous system, I highly recommend to also check out Irene Lyon here one KZbin. She provides a ton of information through her videos as well as free resources (exercises etc.) on her website. I find that having different resources is helpful as we all resonate with different people, techniques, exercises etc. 😊🌺

[@juliehowman3912]

I’ve been trying to declutter for two and a half years. Last year I bought your take back your house course and I’m no further forward. I’m no worse either. This means the course does work. I lived at 23 addresses before I was 18. My hoarding is definitely nesting in overdrive! I found this out by accident, however my therapist disagreed with me. She said it was a symptom of my childhood trauma - the Asperger’s and my general lack of organisation, and the lack of follow through. Whilst these may be contributing factors the crux of the issue is disregulation. Since self regulating progress albeit slow is happening

[@inthetwinklingofaneye]

very few formally trained therapists I would ever trust at this point. I've seen quite a few myself. Good for you that you took your health into your own power to change.

[@caivail4614]

Wow, thank you for sharing that, it actually just brought something to light for me I’d never put together. I also moved dozens of times in my youth and so never felt like anywhere was ‘home’. Hoarding/clutter as nesting in overdrive because we never had a secure landing place in our formative years makes so much sense.

[@juliehowman3912]

@@caivail4614 I know, once you see it you just cannot unsee it. My stuff is my safety rug, my way of saying to the world, this is my space and you cannot take it from me. Recognising that I can keep my home, even if I let go of things was a whole lot easier than owning and believing that truth. I still have a long way to go, but I will get there, one little space at a time. Recognising that my hoarding is due to nesting, has helped me stop buying stuff. I have a long ways to go, but my kitchen is 1000% better, and I can actually access my back door now! Little by little I’m finding my way forward through the quagmire. I’ve elected to do it by myself, only because otherwise people rush my decision and because I don’t truly believe in it, it fails. I allow those who want to “help” to do it from the sidelines, through asking me how I’m doing fixing my problem. They are starting to understand now why it is so crucial for me to clear up my own mess at my own pace. I like Dana’s no mess method and can honestly attest that it does work. I’m no longer just stuff shifting, I’m getting rid of stuff.. I am making headway, no one but me. I’m making decisions to let go of stuff because I’m asking those two decluttering questions, and answering them honestly. I no longer have food in every room of my house because I recognise that as an adult, I’m not going to be going to bed on an empty belly, I know that even if I do find myself back in food poverty, I have the ability and the power to get help through food banks etc. I had food everywhere, even in the bathroom, a lot of it went to waste, tins had corroded, dried foods had become damp thereby spoiling it. Now all my food is in the kitchen - or at least all the food I could see is. The course does work, but you have to be in control of your behaviour, regulating your mood and operating from a place of neutrality. In that place I can reason with myself, no one is making me make the choices I make. There is no one throwing out my stuff because they think it’s rubbish, unwanted or unneeded. I have taken back my power! I have had to acknowledge that the only choice I have is to throw it away or keep it. None of those wanting to”help” want to collect stuff and take it to donate and I’m unable to take it there myself due to my physical limitations. If I keep the stuff I’ve released to let go of in my home, I tend to start second guessing my decisions.

[@jamie.8525]

This was the most profound video I have ever seen on KZbin. I didn’t know I needed it. But it was eye opening. I love everything you create and because you brought the crappy childhood fairy to my attention you have helped me even more than I ever thought possible. I actually feel more empowered to let go of material possessions than I did before. It’s like understanding the effect that a traumatic experience has had on me shines light on to why I hold on to certain things. Thank you! I also have more compassion for others and why they might not be ready for decluttering.

[@Deedee-es3yy]

My psychologist sent me this. Already followed Anna, and looked at MM. Great talk. Things are really clicking for me finally. Always knew my mess indicated the mess in my brain. Both are doing baby steps thanks to these ladies who are such a gift to the masses

[@denisesanders499]

Very powerful!! This resonated with me so much. When she said- when a family member dies-"i kept everything and every six months went through the stuff and slowly started getting rid of items til it was weeded down to a box of memories"

[@PatriciaCarrier]

Wow! same here two of my favorite persons. I get it decluttering and ptsd, have much in commun. 🙏❤🙌

[@maggiebates3941]

We talk about scarcity mindset and I think it goes hand in hand with a traumatic history in childhood. C-PTSD is a real and very complex issue and decluttering is one layer of healing that goes along with nervous system regulation and reprocessing and reparenting

[@dianetesta659]

Wow, Dawn thank you so much for introducing Anna to me. I related so much to everything she talked about.

[@Modadaone]

Dawn! You so often quote Monica on friends. "This is new information!" And it is. Thanks so much for this.

[@rachelt727]

WOW! I’ve seen her videos popping up in my feed but just kind brushed her off as another “just love yourself and cut everyone out of your life “ KZbin “therapists” guru. Thank you, Dawn for sharing this conversation with us! I relate so much to everything she’s speaking about. I’ll definitely be checking her channel out!

[@HannahMitchell-Art]

Wow, no Anna is definitely not like that! You have a massive wealth of resources to dive into ❤❤❤

[@toocooltobeold]

Dawn, Thank you for sharing this. Her videos keep coming up in my feed but I kept ignoring them. I don't know why but I just didn't want to cope with anything. I am so excited now to go watch more. I think this will be very helpful.

[@HannahMitchell-Art]

Definitely try out Anna’s Daily Practise! It can help a lot 😊

[@amnerisjacobucci6067]

Just 13 minutes into this episode and it on two major issues I am having! WOW!! I need to listen to the message has to share. WOW!! THANK YOU Dawn!

[@shaynaformity1384]

Thank you! I easily got rid of about 50% of my stuff, then hit a wall a few months ago and the letting go of literal things became a slow trickle and was frustrating. 16 minutes into the video, I popped over to Anna's website and started the daily practices. I appreciate the very specific phrases and structure of the writing exercise, and that it gets torn up. The next 7 days are going to be very interesting.

[@kelliconlan8133]

God should definitely be #1 in our lives!!

[@lisas3692]

Dawn, thank you for introducing me to Anna. I’ll be looking in to her programs as this podcast hit several raw nerves! I’m so thankful for the resources and people you share with us. I feel so blessed to have stumbled across your podcast a couple of years ago.

[@mariahwilson6505]

Absolutely wonderful to hear this visit ❤

[@lauriepowell3959]

Good Morning! How wonderful to wake up to you two gifted ladies just when I needed a breath of fresh air and compassion. 🦋

[@amywert8088]

Yeah! Two of my favorites! Hello Anna-fairy!

[@normalafountain7013]

Love this video! Thank you so much for sharing

[@sarahschulz9179]

What a valuable episode. That you so much!!!

[@jinglesh1398]

This makes total sense. Thank you for making all these podcasts.

[@cynthiahunter6588]

Can't tell you both how much this discussion and information resonates with me. Thank you so much

[@user-bg1eo7lo9u]

Love love love Anna Runkle ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Bloominjoycoach]

Some of my favorite people coming together! I love it! Thank you for all you both do!!!

[@teresaschwarz1243]

Thank you so much for this interview!!!!!!!

[@incapable911]

Wow,I’m hearing this thanks so much.

[@deborahcoyne1894]

This was an amazing episode, Ty.

[@lisaware9697]

Two of my favorite ppl!! ❤❤❤Thank you!

[@hoflandmm]

Thank you for all you do

[@spunkysagittarius87]

What a wonderful discussion. Thank you Anna! 😊

[@joanncase]

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this, Dawn. I will be checking this out.

[@jheniferjohnson7487]

This is brilliant. So many insights.

[@mel1234513]

Oh wow!!! Two of my favorite people in one video! LOVE it!!!

[@ingridneugebauer7562]

Thanks very much for sharing this 🙏💞

[@itchysheets1222]

This is wonderful. Was already subscribed to both of you. Thank you.

[@30Hotline]

Thank you Dawn, you have amazing guests, so appreciative ❤️

[@Downbacksawmill]

I love this. Very helpful, we’re doing so much than just decluttering houses

[@ehlucky13]

I love The Crappy Childhood Fairy! So glad you had her on!

[@teriegoodmiller6243]

Yes, “there is a wound there” is good recognition.

[@jessalynhardy5465]

I couldn’t stop listening! Wow. Thank you for sharing this. ❤

[@sajidamayapellegrini8428]

Amazing! Thank you a million times. That was Very inspiring and filled me with hope!

[@denisearonow4921]

Outstanding. Profound.

[@teriegoodmiller6243]

And yes, I already knew and described some reactions as ptsd. So insightful.

[@deidrapowell8762]

Wow I can relate to all of this. Thanks for doing this

[@Leomoonmom5]

💗💗💗 both of these ladies!!!

[@amyhardin2079]

What a great podcast! Thank you for sharing.

[@TravelingwithJenny]

This was really helpful!

[@Elizabeth-490]

Excellent guest!So well expressed!

[@Oceangirl1234]

I can't wait to watch this tomorrow.

[@tracys.5143]

YAY Anna! Love her. She has helped me tremendously. Interesting interview. Thanks Dawn

[@planningwithnanny326]

Oh how I love this video! I have a loved one that is going to benefit in every way from this video! Thank you Dawn for all your wonderful content. I always love your interviews with others.

[@sarahouser3100]

What a great introduction to Anna, I will find her channel thank you.

[@andrearoose5919]

This was great! I'm glad she mentioned Huberman.

[@NoelleAm]

My two favorite KZbinrs!! Excited for this one.

[@suzanneosborne2238]

WOW! I think you both have spoken to and helped more people than you will ever know. I've already shared this link with a friend.

[@simmiedavissimmiesings8185]

I'm so glad to see the Crappy Fairy! Good collabo!

[@bernadetteswanson3304]

I learned so much from this podcast! Thank you both for this conversation.

[@susanoutler1724]

Thank you❤✨… this was very helpful in clarifying all of the different reasons why we hold onto our clutter!

[@dianajones1334]

Dawn thank you so very very much for having Anna on your channel I find things that I relate to and I have a dear friend that I haven't known how to help her and I think Anna's Daily practices may pave the way to her healing.She had a terrible childhood and is very much alone in this world.

[@anncastanon2191]

I have been watching both of you for several years - this was so helpful !

[@nataE-845]

LOVE this episode!! 😊

[@jessicaperlove4715]

This was outstanding! Both of you just make the listener feel so comfortable. And Anna shared so much good information!! Thank you! ❤

[@Wendy-eb2tl]

Thank you so much for this Dawn and Anna. I am going to suggest this to some hurting people in my family.

[@KS-yx7ho]

Great job, ladies! Such wonderful and helpful information. ❤

[@lauranewman564]

What an amazing person!!

[@teriegoodmiller6243]

Yes I see myself protecting, providing, etc, haven’t heard this (me) described like this👍🏼

[@ellie448]

This is soooooooooo good!!!! I’m going to share this with SO many people!!!

[@gj1695]

What an insightful conversation. Incredibly enlightening. Thank you.

[@janieclaypool9842]

OMG, what an amazing video! There’s hope for me yet!

[@Cat-ik1wo]

Thank you Dawn. This is another layer and understanding of how our invironment manifest into the material overload around us.

[@jamiecorisis6122]

Phenomenal podcast!

[@JoyfulHope115]

So grateful for the two of you who have each helped me separately, and now, together! WOW what a big smile I have on my face after this video! Just WOW!

[@kimperfect2295]

This is terrific! Thank you for this lovely video and the work you both do. ❤

[@zuzu2416]

Dawn - this is a wonderful podcast! - especially as a follow up to what we were all doing last Saturday during your Take Your House Back day! I hope your immensely helpful programs continue to reach others and expand our understanding of finding the light in our own lives through decluttering! Thank you for introducing us to Anna! ❤

[@teriegoodmiller6243]

I SO much understand and agree!!

[@JRManess]

Great video Dawn. And Anna rocks. Very funny, sunny and real.

[@annaread3829]

Two of my favorite ladies together!!! Dawn, this is your best interview so far! I think it will help so many people!

[@shelleykapp9637]

O.M.G I am so happy this is being addressed!! I fall into this category and often wonder how to push through the depression.

[@joanie3158]

Wow! I’m so glad I heard this podcast. This could be very helpful.

[@terrypoff2651]

I am crying listening to you. You are speaking my life. 😢😢

[@samanthacostello3792]

I love your podcast so much! I almost didn't listen to this episode because I thought that it wouldn't apply to me because I haven't gone through any terrible trauma, but I'm so glad I decided to listen. I'm really looking forward to following her channel and taking her free course. I feel like this practice of writing your feelings down in this way can be helpful to anyone! Thanks so much for sharing this message ❤

[@bumblebee_mrs]

I love you Anna Runkle, thanks Dawn for this interview.

[@bumblebee_mrs]

Just an add-on: Anna you sound like an INFJ with an analytical brain.

[@kd33d]

Whattt??? Two of the ppl I watch on a show together! I'm so excited