Clutter, depression and what steps to take to alleviate it.

[@quotidian5077]

I usually feel angry, overwhelmed and defeated like I'm a useless person. Having a less cluttered home would get rid of a lot of clutter in my mind.

[@petmomful2260]

Yes, I read somewhere that, "Every thing in your house is a to do list." Oh, boy, that made a big impression on me!! I want a smaller to do list!

[@katiejon17]

Have you made any progress since you made this comment?

[@lindamcdermott5475]

Rachel, I just happened by this year old video. My heart goes out to anyone suffering from depression. I too have been there. I had two children at the time, suddenly found myself alone and homeless. My father had just died, my mother was dealing with her own senses of loss. It was through the grace of God, I was able to find a job, an apartment for my children and me and a neighbor to watch them while I worked. My depression was internalized. I was consumed by keeping everything organized and making a home, not a broken home. But the depression was consuming me. One day at the library, I happened upon the self help section. I realized that I was not the only person going through these emotions. I truly believed that I was such a failure, I wondered if I was worthy of life. These books brought some comfort. In the early 70’s I did not even know about counseling or any kind of assistance. My mother (100 miles away) told me to talk to my priest. I did. He listened, and said, “what do you want me to do about it?” People at that time frowned on ‘broken homes’ and being a ‘working mother’. All I knew was to work, take care of my girls and clean the house. I couldn’t even cry. Depression, as I look back, takes many different forms. You and I are survivors. We have to celebrate that.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Thank you for sharing that Linda! I'm glad God brought you through all that, and that you found some books to encourage you.

[@annm4833]

As someone who has clinical depression for years I can say your video was very comforting and helpful. You have advice that makes sense and just feels friendly and doable. Thank you so much for that. ♥️

[@ineedmyteaable]

Wow! You are the real deal. I appreciate your candor and showing us that yes, you can have depression in you life and move past it. You showed a vulnerability and you are so genuine. The superhero that a lot of your viewers need. Thanks for your inspiration and for sharing.

[@user-ei8rb7sj6c]

OMG!!Thank You for sharing your story & tips. I’ve struggled with depression for over 40 yrs. off and on. Most of the time I was able to mask it around other people, but this took so much energy I had nothing left over for my family at the end of my work day. I’m now widowed & am learning to recognize when I’m not ok. I’ve made an appt to get back into counseling. Good enough is ok for now. Blessings to you and all here in finding your way to wellness!

[@Nourishingminimalism]

So glad you're taking some steps to help yourself D! ❤️

[@foxyshazaam3310]

I found you after searching on YT "messy house indicating depression" and "how to declutter with depression" I'm a single mom to a 4 year old, left my son's dad (abusive relationship), I'm chronically ill and having such a hard time we don't have the time to get into everything going wrong in my life right now.. What you said about having routines vs just deep cleaning hit home lol I function like that currently and I would LOVE to change that about myself. I've now been binge watching your videos. I admire the work you do to help others and by sharing your story. You are certainly helping me right now. Thank you!

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Thanks Foxy. ❤️ You’ve got this! You’ve already done the hard part of getting out of an unhealthy relationship- getting your home under control is so do-able for you!

[@jom6320]

Love your honesty i had postpartum depression 42 yrs ago before anyone really talked abt it even when attended nursing school at that time. I was in lowest of low with a very angry young husband. Every decade of a woman's life is a new adjustment . I asked God for his divine grace to accept each new phase. My marriage ended after 17 yrs. Great job Rachel! You didn't fail at your marriage it failed you so glad you have a good life now

[@raewebb6365]

What ever action you take still moves you forward 🙏🏻👏🏻

[@elainefirth8277]

THANKYOU Finally, some one that suffers from depression who knows what its like to try to keep up with everything when all you want to do is curl up in bed and hope the world goes away. after listening to this vlog, I'm ready to do (something ) and I will be back to watch more later.

[@bonniebrown6856]

I feel the same way. I was led to you to hear someone else understands my situation

[@brandiglass2983]

Thank you, I feel so bad about myself, hopefully this will help me

[@Nourishingminimalism]

You got this! ❤️

[@weekendnomad5038]

Your videos are the only ones that make sense to me. Other ppl are judgy. I’m a single mom and was working two jobs things really got away from Me

[@CraftyRocks]

You are helping so many people, thank you for your videos, I know they are really helping me with my clutter!

[@TheOrignalTRockz]

Hey, don‘t get stressed out over this - you’re doing this for the people, you’re doing a great job and make all your struggles visible to the public - that’s huge! Somehow it feels like you’re way tooooooo strict with yourself. You’re awesome! Please stop monitoring every breath you take under such a rigid radar. You’re such a nice person. It’s out of this world what you’re handling. So please be more gentle with yourself. You say all the right things - but it feels like I can hear your tension. You can do whatever it would ever take. But life isn’t about torturing yourself just to improve and get better, like „I NEED TO GET ON TOP OF THIS AND HAVE TO BE HAPPY, NO MATTER WHAT!!“ - almost like it’s another form of pressure, just another goal to achieve. Simply enjoy it. You’re on track. You may not be all perfect with less stuff, but gratitude and being gentle with yourself are things that grow as you practice them. Maybe read this book about the regrets people have in their last moments, written by this nurse from Australia. I never meant to sound presumptuous, it’s just a feeling that came across. Like you are under way too much pressure. Wishing you all the best. 🙂

[@janicemurphy4373]

This is one of the greatest channels I have founded, you truly are someone who understands, I am doing a lot better since pandemic, I HAVE MORE TIME,!!!! I try everyday to do a little bit and have made progress, I have had a lot of major things done in my house and not much money at all!!! I am making baby steps a little at a time!!! You have helped me just listening to you. Before I saw your channel I had a goal to work on a project tomorrow and I am going to do it!!!! I have been discouraged a lot by people and then I get some energy to start again and then I get knocked down again and then I get up again, I want so much to achieve my goals in my house and yard!!!! I thank you so very very much for your wonderful channel and your sharing!!!!

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Thank you Janice! I have a pretty awesome free group on FB- everyone is so encouraging, you would get a lot out of it if you joined us! Here's the link: facebook.com/groups/nourishingminimalismyearlydeclutteringchallenge/

[@lesliecook2922]

I've been stuck forever it feels like. Depressed and overwhelmed to the point I can't move and feel lost. I started doing the just do one thing a couple weeks ago. It lasted a couple days. I felt defeated. Did it a few more times this week and came across this video. It gave me hope that I'm on the right track. I will keep plugging along I might get done before I die. Lol not kidding I'm old.

[@Sweetmama4J]

Leslie, your comment at the end -“I will keep plugging along I might get done before I die. LOL not kidding I’m old.” Made me smile and laugh. Thank you! And keep going. You got this! I also struggle with depression. Some days are hard and some are good. Praying you have a good day tomorrow! 😊

[@mistyjomay6272]

Oh my gosh this video is exactly what I needed. Thank you❤❤❤

[@lyndahayley7382]

And...I ended up watching other people talk about decluttering..& U still have the sweetest, easy to listen to voice...not to mention that beautiful face😎 🍁Yes, I'm a fan for life 🍁

[@catchison8671]

Thank you so much for sharing this video...🥰💙🙏🏻

[@Christinalovescats1958]

Glad I am not alone. Thank you Rachel. God Bless You.

[@loriolsen5785]

Hi Rachel, I recently found you and subscribed because I enjoy your realistic advice. Listening to this video, I know I am not depressed, but I am a perfectionist. That can also debilitate a person when trying to minimize. I also have a large unfinished basement with stuff which I've been trying to reduce for years now. I have reduced a lot. But there is so much more to go through. Your advice about setting small, doable goals is good. Even 5 minutes of work toward my ultimate goal is better than spending another 5 minutes thinking about my ideal vision for how the entire house should be! Thanks again!

[@bwhatever2010]

I am so glad I came across your channel. I have been on my minimalist journey for about 4 years now. Definitely still a long ways to go but I can now see the progress I have made. I struggled with the paper (note books note pad journals). I didn't use them just liked to have them. I am a crafter and that is still where my biggest struggle is but again I have made progress. I also had a problem with liking anything with a drawer in it. I didn't even have to have anything in the drawer. One time I bought 3 dressers at a yard sale. Did not need them...but they had drawers! Glad to say I don't have any of them anymore. I am 55 years old and I now try to consider the fact that there is very little of what I have that my children will want. Like my owl collection. This past summer I did get rid of about half of them and just kept the ones I really enjoy. I don't feel the need to get rid of stuff just because no one will want it when I am gone because I am the one that needs to enjoy it while I am here. So when I am tired of it I either sell or give to the thrift stores. I must say that I have not missed one thing that I have sold or gave away. I really have learned to really appreciate the empty space I now have in my house. My mind feels less cluttered and I can be more in the moment. My husband is 16 years older then I am and he is having health issues. So needing to be patient and in the moment with him is my priority now. Having less to think about in my house to clean and organize helps a bunch. Thank you for your honesty in your journey and letting us all be part of it.

[@TheGrandFanelli]

Thank you so much for sharing and giving me the courage to move through this process. I just cleaned my kitchen counter and threw out an empty smoked sea salt grinder that I have NO idea why I saved. Thank you again. I needed that!

[@cin4195]

I really felt moved to express my gratitude for your compassion, generosity and understanding. Unless there are physical disabilities, I really feel it comes down to a lot of mental blocks and obstacles that and keep us from attaining peaceful and clean environment for ourselves. You really have a knack for making it feel possible to finally address and even conquer issues even if you just take a tiny bite of the elephant, expressed with the utmost kindness. I'm very interested in simplifying, minimalizing and streamlining my home and life and I watch a lot of videos. Yours are unique and really address a large variety of thought processes. Thank you for everything you do and sharing with us. StayWell

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Thank you Cinthea ❤️

[@wendyburt6930]

Thank you for this story I think you look more beautiful in this light

[@sandym8787]

You are a wise woman , thanks for sharing

[@angelamelville67]

I suffer with depression and chronic fatigue syndrome, and I'm a hoarder. My husband cheated on me and left me 3 years ago. I don't want to live like this anymore, I'm just so sad and stressed out. Thank you for your video ❤ 🇬🇧

[@Nourishingminimalism]

I'm sorry. You can come out the other side of this. ❤️

[@angelamelville67]

@@Nourishingminimalism thank you I'm clinging onto in the hopes I do ❤

[@GenRN]

How are you doing? Your comment hit me.

[@erint933]

Oh my goodness thank you so very much for posting this! 🤗❤I have struggled with post partum depression and it was more severe when my kids were very byoung but I still struggle is some sort of level of depression because it comes out in tons of fatigue. So I completely relate with looking at my kitchen and being completely overwhelmed with the it or the paper piles. Thank you so much for bringing a new tip to me of how to tackle paperwork that one little bit at a time.👍👍 I've had this guilt ridden voice in my head saying things like "why can't I get it all done?", or "how come I can't be like my friends who have tons of kids and have it all together??" I realize that God does not want me to think that way... it's wrong because everyone's different. I cry thinking about how hard it has been but I also cry for joy to think that through God and this help through all you sweet (and real) KZbinrs that things can change. Thank you so so much.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Hugs Erin! I'm glad you found this helpful. It's so hard- I know those thoughts so well. I take comfort in knowing that one day God will make everything right, including our thoughts, abilities, and everything else, maybe not in this world, but confident in the next. ❤️

[@erint933]

@@Nourishingminimalism yes, thank you! Amen😁👍

[@Monkey_PNut]

Thankyou, I really appreciate your honesty and expression. This feels very human and also your practical ways of trying to help others do one tiny thing at a time. Listening to you here makes me feel comforted. Thankyou x

[@DixieJoJarchow]

I just weaned off antidepressants and this was just what I needed today! thanks

[@jilof1]

Congratulations on your titration off antidepressants💛. I did five years ago after being on them more than half my life. Major depressive disorder, dysthymia, anxiety....but I'm med free! It's not easy, but it wasn't easy while on meds either. I have come to a place of acceptance that it's okay to feel all the feelings and to sit with them. Somehow the thought process that I should be happy was etched into my mind. I am sometimes, but not much of the time. I am not as productive as I think I should be, and sometimes I'm simply overwhelmed and don't want to be here anymore, but I allow myself to feel these emotions instead of trying to fight them. It sounds dreary, and oftentimes it is, but while I was on meds the same feelings were present but somewhat stifled, and rarely processed. Of course there were all the negative side effects of meds too. Don't miss those at all!!! The world is much clearer. I also take accountability for my emotions, and practice self care, which is how I came to this video. I've fallen into a slump with the housecleaning and need some help. For all the people dealing with depression, you are already so much stronger than you are given credit for in our society. The pain inside is HUGE, the wall we push through every moment is IMMENSE, but within that, an inner strength is formed that one can draw from. I believe there is a place and use for us just as we are. Helpful books to read if one wants to understand more about the meds being taken and the effects are Anatomy of an Epidemic and the Emporer's New Drugs.

[@deliawright8626]

@@jilof1 Wise, well-spoken, empath.

[@thatswhatisaid8908]

I used not to like my home, but now i love it. I love being home. I just had too much stuff, and now that i have decluttered it's much much better.

[@missumom42]

I love your videos. I started watching yesterday. Took your advice and I was able to clean up a years worth of stuff in about two hours. Just taking your advice. If only I found you a year ago. I'd save a lot of hardship and arguing. Thank you so much love love love you

[@janechambers4518]

Thank you for such an honest account.

[@susanpeterson9947]

I just found you a few days ago and have enjoyed watching several of your videos. This one caught my eye because I also suffer from depression, previously quite often and badly enough to require medication. Now in my retirement years and with grandchildren to keep me busy and happy, I am seldom bothered by it. I also previously was a poor housekeeper (as was my mother…I was raised in a messy house and never taught to clean or put things away). It’s only since I retired from work and had a lot of time to examine my situation that I made the decision to get and (mostly) keep my house clean. And in the last two years I have begun minimizing my possessions and I’m much happier because of it. I admire you for talking so frankly about your struggle with depression and I wish you well. I’m looking forward to watching more of your excellent videos.

[@skhend6310]

Wow. Thank u. Especially for the push a button depression info at approximately minute 7:52

[@spirituallysafe]

Thank you for your information. God bless you.

[@jeremyleis]

That video was really good ☺️ Thankyou 😘

[@charlenenagel7962]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Common sense, real approach to finding a way forward!

[@kristywhited8857]

Not sure how I missed this video. Can't believe it was out 4 weeks ago! But glad it popped up on KZbin and I found notification in my FB feed. Thanks for sharing! And for never giving up on us!

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Thanks for coming along on this journey with me Kristy!! :-)

[@rajeshwarihemmadi3229]

So rightly put... really resonates with many of us

[@sibongilethwala7080]

Thanks for sharing about your depression. It's so hard to take action but it really helps.

[@carlaincrestwoodky]

Thank you

[@VickyRBenson]

Thanks, Rachel! As I was listening, I got up and started doing! It’s so helpful to think of doing even little things to get the momentum going. Thanks for sharing from your own experience! I will be sharing this with a small decluttering group I’m a part of (they were all alumni of your first class!) and an ADD group that I’m a part of. Have a wonderful Resurrection weekend!!

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Thank you Vicky! ❤️❤️

[@cindyhagen8352]

Thank you for this! I needed the reminder to just do one thing. You also put to words the thoughts I’ve had about my home sucking the life from me because it feels cluttered and a mess. Your words reminded me to go back to one step at a time. I cleared through my bedroom today and that felt so good. Thank you.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

That's wonderful Cindy! A cleared room is such a relief. ❤️

[@ottomers]

Forget about the basement. People care about what you're saying not what your surroundings are. And actually the basement is rock bottom and that's where depression gets you. Everything you're saying is pretty much spot on and could be expanded upon. I have major depressive disorder and it seems the more I try the more mess I make. It's hard.

[@thatswhatisaid8908]

Being surrounded by mess adds to the depression. The first thing i did that actually helped, was completely declutter my bedroom. That way, no matter what i did or didn't achieve that day, i could go to bed in a peaceful, clutterfree environment. And i prioritised keeping it that way. I have been simplifying all the other rooms too, but that's where i started.

[@mahaswetamukherjee06]

Your video was reaĺly insightful. Thank you for sharing your feelings! Hope u have a great life ahead of you

[@mariacastillo3090]

Thank you.

[@2ksbill724]

Well said! God bless!

[@eileencarroll6418]

Thank you for sharing; really resonated with me.

[@jeanbray558]

Vitamin D for depression Have your level checked by your doctor

[@evelynserrano9609]

Very helpful video, thank you for sharing!

[@DanceswithDustBunnies]

Recently I found this quote by Regina Brett "No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up" and it really struck a chord with me. My got-to for dealing with surfaces that had gotten out of control was, like you say, to box it up. The problem with that is out of sight, out of mind. I still have crap I boxed up 7 years ago...and possibly longer, I dunno. **hides face**

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Well, if you haven’t missed it at this point maybe you could just pitch it without sorting?! 😊

[@DanceswithDustBunnies]

@@Nourishingminimalism I've thought about that, but I know for a fact there are important things in there lol

[@thatswhatisaid8908]

How can they be important if you haven't needed them or even looked at them in 7 years? Unless it's paperwork...

[@DanceswithDustBunnies]

@@thatswhatisaid8908 Well, that's for me to decide and I won't know until I look.

[@Serena.Hope.Eternal]

@@DanceswithDustBunnies I completely understand. I found my birth certificate and letters from my late grandmother that I was very close with. Something I did that I heard from Dana K. White on A Slob Comes Clean ~ is to just give yourself permission to just go through and look and see what's there. My main goal was simply to sort out the important papers ~ like my birth certificate ~ versus multiple old resumes that I may need only one copy of or old newspapers and junk mail that I can just throw out. Or money I can put in my purse! I was able to get rid of bags and bags of papers this way and emptied many boxes. 🤩 Just go through one box at a time looking to see what is important and what can easily be thrown out. You can do fine-tuning later. I really got a lot done doing it this way. Hope this helps. 🤗

[@alizaras]

Great video! I'm rewatching a bunch of your videos today

[@lauriepowell3959]

@Alizara. I like your suggestions. But they reminded me of a memory from my childhood. In the summer I would get to visit my grandmother for a few weeks. By that time she was a widow, living alone in a big two story farm house. But she loved people, and out in the country people would drop in. We would have fun socializing at the dining table and someone would start clearing their dishes and she would say “put them in this (dish) tub” and take the tub of dirty dishes onto the back screen porch. “She’d say, we can do dishes any time, but I want to spend this time with you.” She was absolutely right, those were the times to ignore that chore and enjoy the present. Later, after people left, we’d scrape the dishes and bring them back into the kitchen and wash and chat and laugh. She had a neat, uncluttered house, but she knew what was most important.

[@alizaras]

@@lauriepowell3959 oh I love that! What a wonderful memory 💛

[@tango-bravo]

What are your thoughts on pieces of furniture that tend to gather clutter such as extra tables, or similar items?

[@Star-dj1kw]

✅ good video

[@kristinaschlegel2680]

Shopper to escape my home - right here!

[@jefflamoreaux682]

I think your basement is fine!

[@barbaraburdett9594]

Hi I want to declutter more. I am 68 and still working. I love to knit ,crochet, color, sew. I have many crafts and I live in a small space where I keep my crafts. Not sure how to declutter them because I go back and forth on each craft. Any suggestions? Thank you Barb

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Hi Barbara! I have a free decluttering group on Facebook- I know you would get a lot of encouragement and direction there: facebook.com/groups/nourishingminimalismyearlydeclutteringchallenge/

[@malissakirby3608]

Sounds like ADD.

[@weekendnomad5038]

It’s so sad I do good when I have a partner but we’ve been split up for a year and 4 months / mom passed last nov it’s just so much/ I have chronic migraine and excessive sleepiness.. also IBS and don’t eat for days , guessing severe depression too Bc the house is dirty

[@Nourishingminimalism]

I'm sorry- that's hard.

[@weekendnomad5038]

@@Nourishingminimalism thank you . Keep up the great work :)

[@thatswhatisaid8908]

Have you tried the Flylady system? It's really easy to follow the 31 baby steps and get your house in order. Diane in Denmark and the Secret Slob have helpful videos on this.

[@estherloske8180]

💝

[@cherylwest5444]

I found you looking for help changing me.

[@weekendnomad5038]

Just put wood planks and a large mirror over that pipe spot 🤣 other than that it’s a neat rustic looking space

[@Nourishingminimalism]

😂 Good idea!

[@cherylwest5444]

Hello

[@ritaedwards1154]

Is that a pink dachshund picture behind you?

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Yes, it is. :-)

[@evilcookie8657]

You talk like is all your stuff... Like you live alone.. How about your husband and kids.they don't have any saying in what is left in the house? . What if they don't want to let go of there stuff..

[@lumijasminasmr3583]

♥️