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I been trying really hard to simplify my life lately. I am the one who got rid of the birds and fish, gave away all my crafting supplies and plants, and have turned down all invitations to go shopping/eat out....you know? I was asked if I was having a problem with depression! Actually, I had to stop and think.....I am feeling SO overwhelmed with my life lately and decluttering/paring down is how I am choosing to cope. Could they be right?
Answer:
Those who are extremely depressed and contemplating suicide sometimes give away all their possessions - are your friends thinking you're doing it for that reason?!!
I think there are many reasons for people choose to simplify; to place less importance on material things, to make their lives easier, to feel more in control of their surroundings, etc. I personally don't think simplifying is a sign of depression.
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It could definitely be the way you are coping with everything that is stressing you out. I know if I am feeling overwhelmed then the clutter in my house starts to bother me even more and I just start getting rid of things. My advice is try not to get rid of a lot while you are feeling this way. You might end up getting rid of something you really should have kept.
Do you have a good friend that you can have over/go to her house/ go out with? I know if I'm feeling down about something I don't want to see anyone or go anywhere but I've found that if I actually do get out it helps me feel better.
Depression is normal and a lot of people suffer from it at some point in their lives, even for a short period of time. It might help you to vent to someone.
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Simplifying isn't a symptom of depression in and of itself. In many ways leading a simple life can alleviate some of the external causes of depression, i.e. a too busy schedule, a cluttered house, an unorganized life. Living the simple life means slowing down, taking the pressure off yourself, allowing yourself to make mistakes, making time for the things you really love, living in a peaceful environment.
I wonder if you are pushing yourself too hard or making the goal of simplifying too challenging, therefore unattainable, therefore something else not to succeed at. I have really struggled with two things in my life, 1)What other people think of me and 2) Never really feeling very successful at most things I attempted. It took me a loooong time, and it's still a process, but part of taking on the simple life is not living my life so that other people will think better of me and not living this way to feel 'successful' but to feel more at peace.
If you are in fact feeling depressed, please don't be afraid to tell your family doctor. It is not your fault. When I had postpartum depression I waited way too long to get help and nearly didn't survive it. When I finally did get help, I was met with compassion and understand and not the judgment I feared.
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Originally Posted by 3boysmommy
I been trying really hard to simplify my life lately. I am the one who got rid of the birds and fish, gave away all my crafting supplies and plants, and have turned down all invitations to go shopping/eat out....you know? I was asked if I was having a problem with depression! Actually, I had to stop and think.....I am feeling SO overwhelmed with my life lately and decluttering/paring down is how I am choosing to cope. Could they be right?
I was supportive of getting rid of the animals, but I don't remember reading about the crafting supplies and plants. However, if you found the plants to be time-consuming and you had not crafted in a while, I can understand. I'm having trouble with turning down the invitations - isn't one reason to live simply so you can appreciate and enjoy your friends and family instead of things? You need other people in your life than just a husband and kids. If you are just not wanting to spend money - that's fine, but just think of something free or cheap to do with the friend instead of eating out. Don't just decline everything - the majority of us need to be around other people from time to time. Take Care!!!
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I'm thinking about you.
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I know in the past I have fallen into a habit of decluttering incorrectly. I would cruise the house and get rid of things that were left out. Well, those are the things I'm probably using most often so getting rid of that stuff was silly. I'd also get rid of things that I perceived had value because those were the items that seemed worthy to give away.
Instead I should have been spending my time getting rid of that un-used, dust collecting junk that was hidden in the back of the closet. If I have had it in storage for over a year, I doubt I'll miss it when it is gone. And I should have spent most of my time throwing away the pure junk that was in my house (a broken chair, the hair dryer that went 'poof', etc).
So in a way, decluttering the 'good stuff' is a way of trying to simplify but also a way of avoiding the core problem to the clutter.
Answer:
Maybe it's the time of year. Both my Mom and I tend to declutter, throw out, move on etc. etc. the same time each year.
If it's a case of you really didn't need or use the items that you passed on then maybe it's just that you finally realized that you don't need a ton of material items in your life. I'm getting rid of a lot of things that I have carried around for years, and haven't been happier with my life than I am right now.
Maybe ease up for a month and just make sure you are feeling ok. Only you can really know if something isn't quite right and if so, please go see your family Doc.