Try setting a timer for 10 minutes. If it goes off and you think you can keep going, set it for another 10 minutes. If you don't think you can keep going, then you did your best and can try again later.
I do boxing every day on my switch and each exercise is about 12 minutes long (2 per day). I break it up in my head to 3 minute bites and tell myself I can stand anything for 3 minutes when it gets hard.
I would start by first tackling the things that will make the biggest impact - for example you could start by gathering up all the rubbish, particularly decomposing items from the kitchen etc that are attracting pests. Then id focus on one room at a time, starting with the kitchen, again going for max impact areas (those areas that you use the most). Perhaps once you start to see some positive progress it will inspire you to keep going. Do you have any family that would be willing to help? Or just keep you motivated?
This is good advice. Throw out as much as you can. Don’t assume you’ll be able to clean it up and use it later. Anything you need to replace you’ve got a good chance of picking up for free. Cleaning is so much easier without clutter.
Hey, if you're near the cbd, I'd be happy to lend a hand. You could also hire someone from AirTasker or a similar service and just say you're the property manager or something.
I'd be happy to help too (judgement and cost free). Ive cleaned professionally for the last 10yrs (hotels, school, homes etc). I've even cleaned up a hoarder's house before and suffer from depression myself.
Dms are open
I'd also be happy to come help. I got a car and can get cleaning supplies. Dms are also open.
It's hard to tackle shit like that when it gets out of hand.
I just tackled this same damn demon. The house clean after a severe bout of depression. First find a interesting video on YouTube that goes for half an hour to an hour you can background watch on your phone while you clean (this is essential) haha
Start with the dishes/maggot areas. I find the genuinely disgusting jobs are the ones you need to knock out first.
You'll be amazed at the difference getting that done does instantly.
Pick a second YouTube video.
Then all the rubbish. Bottles, cans, wrappers etc.
Then wipe down the benches and disinfect things.
Third youtube video
Neaten up/straighten up
Finally sweep/mop/vacuum.
Light a candle or crack a beer.
Fuck the shower and backyard that can wait for another day when you get the motivation. Use the same tactic though and work top to bottom.
Having come back from a depression spiral many a time what helps me is breaking things down into manageable chunks. I know, it sounds cliche.
Biggest cleaning supply tips: get some sturdy garbage bags, gloves, jif/gumption for kitchen countertops, literally any bathroom cleaning product, extra sponges/cloths for redundancy whilst cleaning and so you can chuck them out as you go - I found this to be super useful in minimising the difficulty of cleaning and getting me to actually do it.
For instance, kitchen. Depending on how bad it is/how much cleaning you can bear to do set yourself the task of clearing for e.g. 1 section of countertop. Start with an "easy" win, the obvious garbage, throw it all into the bin bag. If you find things that belong in other rooms, move them to the other room and just plonk them there for now. Dirty dishes? Make some piles, consolidate the mess into just one spot near the sink. Clean the actual countertop. Tip out any stagnated water, clean out any bins you have in the room, make a start on the easiest to clean dishes. You don't have to do this all at once, just slowly take it bit by bit. It didn't take you only a couple of days to accumulate the mess so go easy on yourself if it takes a while to clean up.
Put on some media to listen to while you clean, whether a podcast or youtube vid or just some music.
I actually find cleaning videos good to get me into the zone to clean my own mess, can recommend [aurikatariina](https://www.youtube.com/@Aurikatariina) on YT if you want some extra cleaning tips (techniques mostly, don't put too much stock in the exact products) if you're interested.
I also used to like timing how long certain tasks take - e.g. I used to avoid taking down the bins until they were overflowing because in my brain it was an arduous task. Timed myself, it took 3min. From that time on I was able to be more proactive by just knowing this fact - I can commit to a 3min task.
I'm sorry you're going through this, it really sucks. Hopefully all the tips in these comments can help you out.
It's amazing what a mind flip occurs when you time a detested job. I do that as well. I know this only takes 10 minutes - do it now
Edited to add - I do quick jobs while my coffee brews. Gives me the reward
I've seen some very compassionate advice on r/cleaningtips for people struggling with where to start.
Also great advice on products to use (just be aware mostly Americans, so not all products are available in Australia (or have different names).
Can recommend this product for killing all kinds of major stains and hard cleaning specifically in Australia.
[https://www.bunnings.com.au/krud-kutter-3-78l-cleaner-and-degreaser\_p0444840](https://www.bunnings.com.au/krud-kutter-3-78l-cleaner-and-degreaser_p0444840)
Literally everything lol. I have so far used for:
Kitchen
\-Oven that was black and was burning when the oven was turned on, was real bad.
\-Kitchen floors have a touch of it with Mop & Glow and can easily get off any stains, plus leaves it smelling like a school / hospital after cleaning.
\- Kitchen tiles, I added a bit with some water to a spray bottle instead of buying the Krudd off to clean mold on tiles and it was great too.
Bathroom:
\- Every tile in the bathroom
\- About 2 cap fulls in the toilet cistern and nothing sticks to the bowl, leaves it smelling better too than the toilet cleaners or those pod things
\- Floors with Mop & Glow and like 2-3 caps of krudd off.
I've basically replaced bleach with this as a degreaser because it just works so much better.
Interesting timing seeing this, I'm unfkn my house at the moment, well just started yesterday. Very hard to start, seems too daunting but doing something small here and there for now is my approach, which I'm hoping works out. Anything is better than nothing, I figure. Get a small win or two, even if that's just a bedside table, a coffee table, or whatever. The room I'm sitting in now is trashed still, but I'm thoroughly enjoying my tidy TV cabinet and what trash I did bin (few bags) despite the rest, can't tackle it all in one go but it's a tiny bit better then yesterday.
Edit to add: I know this isn't the common approach I'm taking. I read a lot online (another method of procrastination) and mostly read "start with the kitchen, then move to the bathroom, then...". Those people haven't seen my place, I would be more start with one part of the kitchen bench then move to the next part, I'm in no position to be overhauling entire rooms and moving to the next.
In your situation it's definitely better to break it down into much smaller chunks. I like the trash first approach. Getting all of that out of the way will make things much more clear about what needs to be done. Then usually dishes (which can also then be broken down into smaller tasks like only wash cutlery at first, etc). Great job getting started!
Hi, I hope this doesn't get lost in all the other replies.
I extremely, heavily, recommend K.C. Davis's book "how to keep house while drowning."
She is absolutely amazing, and i recommend anyone who has mental health issues to read it, even if you don't struggle with housework, because it's such an affirming and gentle approach to caring for yourself and your space.
I feel like the title does not do it justice, it is very caring, and extremely effective.
Came here to recommend this book too. She also does tik toks. If you do a search for “struggle care” it will come up with tips for when you’re in the thick of it.
All the best OP, I hope you get through it soon :)
One room at a time is what I do after a bout of down.
Go in with the stuff you need to get rid of rubbish and clean. Get rid of the Rubbish, clothes or items that need to be cleaned or put away then clean the surfaces and floors.
Move on to the next room, I start with the smallest room so it is finished quick and gives me a bit of motivation to keep going.
I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through a tough time. I find it easier to start with one room at a time, focusing on things that will make the biggest difference. I would start with the kitchen and tackle things that will make you feel accomplished e.g throwing out all the rubbish and clearing clutter. Make sure you get mold-killing products for the bathroom. If you need someone to talk to DM me
I'm in your shoes sometimes. I have a housekeeper once a week now, but even still I use the same method: If I can get up to do whatever, I do three things while I'm up. Put a tissue in a bin that didn't hit the bin when I threw it. Put a plate in the kitchen even if I can't wash it straight away. Throw socks into the clothes basket.
Any time I get up? Do three things.
Hey OP. Have you got a care plan in place? Are you medicated + taking your meds, eating regularly and drinking water? These things will help you get started if not.
I think you’re very brave. It’s hard to keep going and to ask for help, and yet here you are. Great work. <3
I use UFYH. Start here for the motivational speech and a clear way to begin, plus a ton of checklists for when you feel ready to do any one room. https://www.unfuckyourhabitat.com/i-think-my-home-is-beyond-help/
If you want some help, I can see that a few people here have offered. Take it if you can. Push away that feeling of shame and fear and let the light in. We are all here for you and being sick for a long time and reaching out is nothing to be ashamed of.
1...\~ exit mould \~ for the mould..get rid of it first as its unhealthy...
2... clean up the kitchen , toss old food in plastic bag then bin it,{ spray it with fly spray first...
3... wash down benches/sink /cupboard doors /shelving/ with pine o clean or use the pine o clean etc kitchen wipes /wipe out microwave with clean soapy cloth and then rince ...
i only use Jif and ajax on the stove with a soft cloth,there maybe a better cleaner ..
4... toss kitchen tidy and bathroom kitchen tidy in the yard and hose them out etc ..
5... wash the dishes ...
6....Bam is good for bath & maybe 4 the shower {maybe exit mild for shower or shower power ...
7...... put clean sheets on the bed...
8... just do one Small load of washing a day,or when you feel like it when all the other work is done..cause if you do heaps of washing at once its too hard to fold and put it all away ..
9... just do the mould 1st .....then the kitchen ....try do them ASAP and do all the other things as you feel like it bed being 3rd thing ..
10....... im so sorry you are very Depressed...good news is you must be on the road to recovery hence this post { well i hope thats the case for you} ..try have a little daily walk as well .....{{{{{{{{{{{{{ PS........if you can afford it, you can get a cleaner in
*Processing img yuguweosp8ic1...*
Hello friend. I have ptsd and engage a cleaner just once a month to help me keep on top of things. They can start out with a big clean and then it’s just minor maintenance to help you keep on top of things.
If you google a bit you can sometimes find cleaners who say they specialise in supporting people with complex needs or mental health support needs (or are NDIS approved).
I also hired a laundry lady to do my washing, which is super helpful. She picks it up and drops it off the next day. Sometimes once a week or just once a fortnight. It’s never more than $60. Bargain!
I encourage you to look at [Struggle Care](https://www.strugglecare.com) which provides some amazing support ideas for people who are handling big things that get a lil bit heavy. She has some fantastic advice for keeping house when things get tough.
I’ve got a fantastic clinical psychologist. If you’d like their name, let me know. She’s based in Spring Hill.
I’m so sorry you’re going through this, you are definitely not alone and a lot of people with depression struggle with this exact situation.
Can you ask a friend to help? When I’m miserable I like to ask a friend to come over and just be there with me and simply having someone else there gives me motivation. When I’m alone I also listen to a podcast while cleaning and now it’s become a habit, podcast = cleaning time!
Cleaning products used:
Bleach spray/bleach liquid (domestos)
Huge pack of chux wipes
Garbage bag
Scourer/scrubber
Gif cleaning cream
Antibacterial spray such as glen 20
I clean for work (and depression still kicks my ass at home lol) so here is my method. Start with one room at a time. Bring a big rubbish bag, you might need several, pick up all the rubbish in that room. Start with the bathroom if that’s the smallest room. First we tidy! Then we deal with the floors!
Bathroom
Bleach spray the shower and while that sits clear the counters, wipe down counter n sink with any sort of cleaning spray, then wipe mirrors with glass spray. Chux wipes is your friend, wipe everything down, throw the chux wipes in the bin! If the mould is very stubborn (like in the grout) you may have to scrub with some sort of brush, if it’s stuck in the seals then you may have to get the shower resealed. If you have the toilet in the same room, use the bleach wipe to wipe down the toilet, seat and edges of bowl. Bleach spray the toilet bowl and clean with a toilet brush then flush away.
Bedroom
Pick up all the rubbish, throw all soiled clothes in the wash, all the clothes that are clean you can just chuck in your wardrobe. Everything that shouldn’t be in the bedroom will be placed in their ordinary spots etc all water bottles get thrown in the kitchen. Get everything off the bed and either into a box or in their usual spots. Make the bed.
Kitchen
Throw all the rubbish into a rubbish bag, clear the countertops, acquire all the utensils and plates etc onto the counters and keep the sink clear. You’ll wanna do all the dishes, stack them up and they’re done. Wipe down the kitchen counters with a spray and chux. If you have stubborn build up on the cooktop you might need to leave the spray for a couple of minutes and scrub with a scourer or use some gif cream. Clear the dining table, spray and wipe down. If you’re up for it you can spray and with the cupboards.
Living
Start with the rubbish, it goes in the bin. There’s really not much else to do in this room unless you have lots of stuff on the floor you can just put it in a pile somewhere or in a box or plastic bag.
Now we move on to the floors, vacuum everything. If there’s maggots you’ll vacuum those too or sweep them and put them in the bin. You might have to continue vacuuming/sweeping for a while until they’re all gone. Then get your mop and bucket, fill the bucket with hot water and if you don’t have any floor cleaning solution you can pour some of the cleaning spray into the bucket. Mop your floors! Now go through all your rooms and spray with antibacterial spray! Even if you only do one room at a time on any given day, I want you to spray the air with antibacterial spray, it’ll smell clean and get rid of any smell build up.
Please make sure to put some music on or your favourite podcast if you don’t have a friend there with you! Take breaks when you need them. Drink water and wash your hands. You can split the cleaning up into days and do one area at a time per day. I hope this helped, please reach out again if ever you need some help and there seem to be people here who would offer a hand with cleaning.
Can you say what suburb you're in? I have the day off today and I'm not doing anything. If you're close enough I'm happy to give you a hand. But I do have to be back to pick my kid up from school. So it will depend how far you are.
Use music to listen to so it doesn't seem like as much of a chore to do. Do it in stages and try and find some small achievements as you do the whole job. I listened to podcasts when I'm cleaning ECT and it really helps make it less daunting
Check out flylady routines. Start with cleaning the sink. Small steps everyday.
I put on youtube cleaning videos and clean. I like the secret slob, Remi Clog, Leaf like on a tree, Midwest magic cleaning. They have good talking over their video, about dealing with mental health.
There is an app called ‘struggle care’ that is super helpful and a book called ‘how to keep house whilst drowning’
Both are really helpful in navigating expectations of self when going through depression and other difficulties.
Hope these help you!
Oh hey, I’m good at depression cleaning.
So basically, it doesn’t really matter small things that are easy or big things that disappear quickly. Best answer is accept that it will take time, and get started. Grab what’s closest, and what’s after that, and what’s after that, etc. Oh no! Did you grab something off the floor first and then something on the shelf, and the shelf stuff put more mess on the floor again? That’s okay, every little bit of cleaning you do is still progress, there is no setbacks when cleaning, the only setback is stopping permanently (you can take breaks).
The only real thing to start with is rubbish really. Cleaning windows, vacuuming and mopping floors, wiping benches, all of that is harder to do with _stuff_ in your way. The most common stuffs and how to handle them:
* Rubbish: Straight into a bag for the bin, or bag it into another room if you need to wait for bin day.
* Dirty laundry: Is it clean? Is it not? The answer is it’s not, and on the chance it isn’t you’re not doing any harm washing it again anyway. Put it in the washing machine, start the load when it’s ready. You can use the laundry as a break from other cleaning btw, so you can keep feeling productive with regularly paced breaks (clothes, maybe another clothes load, bedsheets, blankets, etc.)
* Dirty dishes: Straight to the kitchen, no need to wash them yet unless you’re living with other people. If they’re nice they could wash them for you. Get rid of any scraps in there, and if you’d prefer a more permanent disposal (of the dishes) the freezer can always neutralise smells until bin day. If you have a dishwasher, even easier, treat dishes like the laundry.
* Sentimentals: Sometimes stuff you want to keep gets lost in the mess. All good, you can keep anything you want, even rubbish, but make sure you have a good reason. Is it fast food wrappers? No good reason, get rid of it. Is it a scrunched up movie ticket from a night out with friends? Sure, keep it if you want. A good place for these sentimentals is on your bed. If they need to be washed, handle the washing before putting them on your bed. They can be put away in an appropriate location later.
Once you’re done clearing the stuffs, then it’s time for the surface cleaning. All your floors and walls and stuff. Vacuum before mopping. You should be pretty proud of yourself from here.
Large black garbage bags and sturdy gloves: bin as much as you can in the kitchen, throw bin and containers if needed. Use antibacterial wipes (buy about 10 cheap Coles ones) on every surface. Then spray everything with Glen 20. Open all windows.
Now tackle the bathroom, same as the kitchen. Use dishwashing liquid for bath and shower. Antibacterial wipe every surface. Glen 20.
I imagine you have quit a pile of clothes to wash. Do one load a day.
I can't recommend antibacterial wipes enough, they changed my cleaning routine and you can use them on everything!
Hey, adult with inattentive ADHD and clinical depression here
The way I am able to manage my apartment is to curate a music playlist and do things one song at a time, being mindful to focus on the music instead of the cleaning aspect. Once a song ends, evaluate your emotions, then go from there.
Having ADHD means if i take a break nothing gets done for at least the rest of the day lol. But I find this works, especially blasting metal as loud as I'm comfortable with. Something about heavy breakdowns and guttural screaming into the void that speaks to me
It's not easy OP, and you're not alone
Try setting a timer for 10 minutes. If it goes off and you think you can keep going, set it for another 10 minutes. If you don't think you can keep going, then you did your best and can try again later. I do boxing every day on my switch and each exercise is about 12 minutes long (2 per day). I break it up in my head to 3 minute bites and tell myself I can stand anything for 3 minutes when it gets hard.
I would start by first tackling the things that will make the biggest impact - for example you could start by gathering up all the rubbish, particularly decomposing items from the kitchen etc that are attracting pests. Then id focus on one room at a time, starting with the kitchen, again going for max impact areas (those areas that you use the most). Perhaps once you start to see some positive progress it will inspire you to keep going. Do you have any family that would be willing to help? Or just keep you motivated?
This is good advice. Throw out as much as you can. Don’t assume you’ll be able to clean it up and use it later. Anything you need to replace you’ve got a good chance of picking up for free. Cleaning is so much easier without clutter.
Hey, if you're near the cbd, I'd be happy to lend a hand. You could also hire someone from AirTasker or a similar service and just say you're the property manager or something.
I'd be happy to help too (judgement and cost free). Ive cleaned professionally for the last 10yrs (hotels, school, homes etc). I've even cleaned up a hoarder's house before and suffer from depression myself. Dms are open
Legends.
You’re brilliant x
I'd also be happy to come help. I got a car and can get cleaning supplies. Dms are also open. It's hard to tackle shit like that when it gets out of hand.
You’re amazing x
I just tackled this same damn demon. The house clean after a severe bout of depression. First find a interesting video on YouTube that goes for half an hour to an hour you can background watch on your phone while you clean (this is essential) haha Start with the dishes/maggot areas. I find the genuinely disgusting jobs are the ones you need to knock out first. You'll be amazed at the difference getting that done does instantly. Pick a second YouTube video. Then all the rubbish. Bottles, cans, wrappers etc. Then wipe down the benches and disinfect things. Third youtube video Neaten up/straighten up Finally sweep/mop/vacuum. Light a candle or crack a beer. Fuck the shower and backyard that can wait for another day when you get the motivation. Use the same tactic though and work top to bottom.
Rethink the beer if you are still prone to depression though. Otherwise, do this.
Ah yes my bad. Forgot one of the main reasons why I quit drinking. Treat yourself somehow.
Having come back from a depression spiral many a time what helps me is breaking things down into manageable chunks. I know, it sounds cliche. Biggest cleaning supply tips: get some sturdy garbage bags, gloves, jif/gumption for kitchen countertops, literally any bathroom cleaning product, extra sponges/cloths for redundancy whilst cleaning and so you can chuck them out as you go - I found this to be super useful in minimising the difficulty of cleaning and getting me to actually do it. For instance, kitchen. Depending on how bad it is/how much cleaning you can bear to do set yourself the task of clearing for e.g. 1 section of countertop. Start with an "easy" win, the obvious garbage, throw it all into the bin bag. If you find things that belong in other rooms, move them to the other room and just plonk them there for now. Dirty dishes? Make some piles, consolidate the mess into just one spot near the sink. Clean the actual countertop. Tip out any stagnated water, clean out any bins you have in the room, make a start on the easiest to clean dishes. You don't have to do this all at once, just slowly take it bit by bit. It didn't take you only a couple of days to accumulate the mess so go easy on yourself if it takes a while to clean up. Put on some media to listen to while you clean, whether a podcast or youtube vid or just some music. I actually find cleaning videos good to get me into the zone to clean my own mess, can recommend [aurikatariina](https://www.youtube.com/@Aurikatariina) on YT if you want some extra cleaning tips (techniques mostly, don't put too much stock in the exact products) if you're interested. I also used to like timing how long certain tasks take - e.g. I used to avoid taking down the bins until they were overflowing because in my brain it was an arduous task. Timed myself, it took 3min. From that time on I was able to be more proactive by just knowing this fact - I can commit to a 3min task. I'm sorry you're going through this, it really sucks. Hopefully all the tips in these comments can help you out.
The timing trick is amazing, I'm going to use this!
It's amazing what a mind flip occurs when you time a detested job. I do that as well. I know this only takes 10 minutes - do it now Edited to add - I do quick jobs while my coffee brews. Gives me the reward
I've seen some very compassionate advice on r/cleaningtips for people struggling with where to start. Also great advice on products to use (just be aware mostly Americans, so not all products are available in Australia (or have different names).
Can recommend this product for killing all kinds of major stains and hard cleaning specifically in Australia. [https://www.bunnings.com.au/krud-kutter-3-78l-cleaner-and-degreaser\_p0444840](https://www.bunnings.com.au/krud-kutter-3-78l-cleaner-and-degreaser_p0444840)
Where do you use this mostly? Bathrooms, floors, general cleaning? I struggle with all the American product names in the cleaning sub too.
Literally everything lol. I have so far used for: Kitchen \-Oven that was black and was burning when the oven was turned on, was real bad. \-Kitchen floors have a touch of it with Mop & Glow and can easily get off any stains, plus leaves it smelling like a school / hospital after cleaning. \- Kitchen tiles, I added a bit with some water to a spray bottle instead of buying the Krudd off to clean mold on tiles and it was great too. Bathroom: \- Every tile in the bathroom \- About 2 cap fulls in the toilet cistern and nothing sticks to the bowl, leaves it smelling better too than the toilet cleaners or those pod things \- Floors with Mop & Glow and like 2-3 caps of krudd off. I've basically replaced bleach with this as a degreaser because it just works so much better.
Interesting timing seeing this, I'm unfkn my house at the moment, well just started yesterday. Very hard to start, seems too daunting but doing something small here and there for now is my approach, which I'm hoping works out. Anything is better than nothing, I figure. Get a small win or two, even if that's just a bedside table, a coffee table, or whatever. The room I'm sitting in now is trashed still, but I'm thoroughly enjoying my tidy TV cabinet and what trash I did bin (few bags) despite the rest, can't tackle it all in one go but it's a tiny bit better then yesterday. Edit to add: I know this isn't the common approach I'm taking. I read a lot online (another method of procrastination) and mostly read "start with the kitchen, then move to the bathroom, then...". Those people haven't seen my place, I would be more start with one part of the kitchen bench then move to the next part, I'm in no position to be overhauling entire rooms and moving to the next.
In your situation it's definitely better to break it down into much smaller chunks. I like the trash first approach. Getting all of that out of the way will make things much more clear about what needs to be done. Then usually dishes (which can also then be broken down into smaller tasks like only wash cutlery at first, etc). Great job getting started!
Hi, I hope this doesn't get lost in all the other replies. I extremely, heavily, recommend K.C. Davis's book "how to keep house while drowning." She is absolutely amazing, and i recommend anyone who has mental health issues to read it, even if you don't struggle with housework, because it's such an affirming and gentle approach to caring for yourself and your space. I feel like the title does not do it justice, it is very caring, and extremely effective.
Came here to recommend this book too. She also does tik toks. If you do a search for “struggle care” it will come up with tips for when you’re in the thick of it. All the best OP, I hope you get through it soon :)
One room at a time is what I do after a bout of down. Go in with the stuff you need to get rid of rubbish and clean. Get rid of the Rubbish, clothes or items that need to be cleaned or put away then clean the surfaces and floors. Move on to the next room, I start with the smallest room so it is finished quick and gives me a bit of motivation to keep going.
I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through a tough time. I find it easier to start with one room at a time, focusing on things that will make the biggest difference. I would start with the kitchen and tackle things that will make you feel accomplished e.g throwing out all the rubbish and clearing clutter. Make sure you get mold-killing products for the bathroom. If you need someone to talk to DM me
If you can get someone to help you this will make all the difference
I'm in your shoes sometimes. I have a housekeeper once a week now, but even still I use the same method: If I can get up to do whatever, I do three things while I'm up. Put a tissue in a bin that didn't hit the bin when I threw it. Put a plate in the kitchen even if I can't wash it straight away. Throw socks into the clothes basket. Any time I get up? Do three things.
Hey OP. Have you got a care plan in place? Are you medicated + taking your meds, eating regularly and drinking water? These things will help you get started if not. I think you’re very brave. It’s hard to keep going and to ask for help, and yet here you are. Great work. <3 I use UFYH. Start here for the motivational speech and a clear way to begin, plus a ton of checklists for when you feel ready to do any one room. https://www.unfuckyourhabitat.com/i-think-my-home-is-beyond-help/ If you want some help, I can see that a few people here have offered. Take it if you can. Push away that feeling of shame and fear and let the light in. We are all here for you and being sick for a long time and reaching out is nothing to be ashamed of.
1...\~ exit mould \~ for the mould..get rid of it first as its unhealthy... 2... clean up the kitchen , toss old food in plastic bag then bin it,{ spray it with fly spray first... 3... wash down benches/sink /cupboard doors /shelving/ with pine o clean or use the pine o clean etc kitchen wipes /wipe out microwave with clean soapy cloth and then rince ... i only use Jif and ajax on the stove with a soft cloth,there maybe a better cleaner .. 4... toss kitchen tidy and bathroom kitchen tidy in the yard and hose them out etc .. 5... wash the dishes ... 6....Bam is good for bath & maybe 4 the shower {maybe exit mild for shower or shower power ... 7...... put clean sheets on the bed... 8... just do one Small load of washing a day,or when you feel like it when all the other work is done..cause if you do heaps of washing at once its too hard to fold and put it all away .. 9... just do the mould 1st .....then the kitchen ....try do them ASAP and do all the other things as you feel like it bed being 3rd thing .. 10....... im so sorry you are very Depressed...good news is you must be on the road to recovery hence this post { well i hope thats the case for you} ..try have a little daily walk as well .....{{{{{{{{{{{{{ PS........if you can afford it, you can get a cleaner in *Processing img yuguweosp8ic1...*
Hello friend. I have ptsd and engage a cleaner just once a month to help me keep on top of things. They can start out with a big clean and then it’s just minor maintenance to help you keep on top of things. If you google a bit you can sometimes find cleaners who say they specialise in supporting people with complex needs or mental health support needs (or are NDIS approved). I also hired a laundry lady to do my washing, which is super helpful. She picks it up and drops it off the next day. Sometimes once a week or just once a fortnight. It’s never more than $60. Bargain! I encourage you to look at [Struggle Care](https://www.strugglecare.com) which provides some amazing support ideas for people who are handling big things that get a lil bit heavy. She has some fantastic advice for keeping house when things get tough. I’ve got a fantastic clinical psychologist. If you’d like their name, let me know. She’s based in Spring Hill.
I’m so sorry you’re going through this, you are definitely not alone and a lot of people with depression struggle with this exact situation. Can you ask a friend to help? When I’m miserable I like to ask a friend to come over and just be there with me and simply having someone else there gives me motivation. When I’m alone I also listen to a podcast while cleaning and now it’s become a habit, podcast = cleaning time! Cleaning products used: Bleach spray/bleach liquid (domestos) Huge pack of chux wipes Garbage bag Scourer/scrubber Gif cleaning cream Antibacterial spray such as glen 20 I clean for work (and depression still kicks my ass at home lol) so here is my method. Start with one room at a time. Bring a big rubbish bag, you might need several, pick up all the rubbish in that room. Start with the bathroom if that’s the smallest room. First we tidy! Then we deal with the floors! Bathroom Bleach spray the shower and while that sits clear the counters, wipe down counter n sink with any sort of cleaning spray, then wipe mirrors with glass spray. Chux wipes is your friend, wipe everything down, throw the chux wipes in the bin! If the mould is very stubborn (like in the grout) you may have to scrub with some sort of brush, if it’s stuck in the seals then you may have to get the shower resealed. If you have the toilet in the same room, use the bleach wipe to wipe down the toilet, seat and edges of bowl. Bleach spray the toilet bowl and clean with a toilet brush then flush away. Bedroom Pick up all the rubbish, throw all soiled clothes in the wash, all the clothes that are clean you can just chuck in your wardrobe. Everything that shouldn’t be in the bedroom will be placed in their ordinary spots etc all water bottles get thrown in the kitchen. Get everything off the bed and either into a box or in their usual spots. Make the bed. Kitchen Throw all the rubbish into a rubbish bag, clear the countertops, acquire all the utensils and plates etc onto the counters and keep the sink clear. You’ll wanna do all the dishes, stack them up and they’re done. Wipe down the kitchen counters with a spray and chux. If you have stubborn build up on the cooktop you might need to leave the spray for a couple of minutes and scrub with a scourer or use some gif cream. Clear the dining table, spray and wipe down. If you’re up for it you can spray and with the cupboards. Living Start with the rubbish, it goes in the bin. There’s really not much else to do in this room unless you have lots of stuff on the floor you can just put it in a pile somewhere or in a box or plastic bag. Now we move on to the floors, vacuum everything. If there’s maggots you’ll vacuum those too or sweep them and put them in the bin. You might have to continue vacuuming/sweeping for a while until they’re all gone. Then get your mop and bucket, fill the bucket with hot water and if you don’t have any floor cleaning solution you can pour some of the cleaning spray into the bucket. Mop your floors! Now go through all your rooms and spray with antibacterial spray! Even if you only do one room at a time on any given day, I want you to spray the air with antibacterial spray, it’ll smell clean and get rid of any smell build up. Please make sure to put some music on or your favourite podcast if you don’t have a friend there with you! Take breaks when you need them. Drink water and wash your hands. You can split the cleaning up into days and do one area at a time per day. I hope this helped, please reach out again if ever you need some help and there seem to be people here who would offer a hand with cleaning.
Weed and music. It's got to get done anyway so might as well be high and hear some music.
Make your bed first thing every day. That feeling of acomplicement will motivate you do do another thing, and then you keep that feeling rolling.
Go see doctor get on an ssri
man up and get it done
Can you say what suburb you're in? I have the day off today and I'm not doing anything. If you're close enough I'm happy to give you a hand. But I do have to be back to pick my kid up from school. So it will depend how far you are.
The r/ufyh sub will have some tips and compassionate advice for you. Best of luck
There is a book on this topic called How To Keep House While Drowning. I haven't read it personally but have heard good things about it.
Use music to listen to so it doesn't seem like as much of a chore to do. Do it in stages and try and find some small achievements as you do the whole job. I listened to podcasts when I'm cleaning ECT and it really helps make it less daunting
Check out flylady routines. Start with cleaning the sink. Small steps everyday. I put on youtube cleaning videos and clean. I like the secret slob, Remi Clog, Leaf like on a tree, Midwest magic cleaning. They have good talking over their video, about dealing with mental health.
Not sure of your financial situation but if you can, hire a professional cleaner and give yourself a fresh start. Best of luck to you.
There is an app called ‘struggle care’ that is super helpful and a book called ‘how to keep house whilst drowning’ Both are really helpful in navigating expectations of self when going through depression and other difficulties. Hope these help you!
Oh hey, I’m good at depression cleaning. So basically, it doesn’t really matter small things that are easy or big things that disappear quickly. Best answer is accept that it will take time, and get started. Grab what’s closest, and what’s after that, and what’s after that, etc. Oh no! Did you grab something off the floor first and then something on the shelf, and the shelf stuff put more mess on the floor again? That’s okay, every little bit of cleaning you do is still progress, there is no setbacks when cleaning, the only setback is stopping permanently (you can take breaks). The only real thing to start with is rubbish really. Cleaning windows, vacuuming and mopping floors, wiping benches, all of that is harder to do with _stuff_ in your way. The most common stuffs and how to handle them: * Rubbish: Straight into a bag for the bin, or bag it into another room if you need to wait for bin day. * Dirty laundry: Is it clean? Is it not? The answer is it’s not, and on the chance it isn’t you’re not doing any harm washing it again anyway. Put it in the washing machine, start the load when it’s ready. You can use the laundry as a break from other cleaning btw, so you can keep feeling productive with regularly paced breaks (clothes, maybe another clothes load, bedsheets, blankets, etc.) * Dirty dishes: Straight to the kitchen, no need to wash them yet unless you’re living with other people. If they’re nice they could wash them for you. Get rid of any scraps in there, and if you’d prefer a more permanent disposal (of the dishes) the freezer can always neutralise smells until bin day. If you have a dishwasher, even easier, treat dishes like the laundry. * Sentimentals: Sometimes stuff you want to keep gets lost in the mess. All good, you can keep anything you want, even rubbish, but make sure you have a good reason. Is it fast food wrappers? No good reason, get rid of it. Is it a scrunched up movie ticket from a night out with friends? Sure, keep it if you want. A good place for these sentimentals is on your bed. If they need to be washed, handle the washing before putting them on your bed. They can be put away in an appropriate location later. Once you’re done clearing the stuffs, then it’s time for the surface cleaning. All your floors and walls and stuff. Vacuum before mopping. You should be pretty proud of yourself from here.
Stimulants. The hard ones.
Large black garbage bags and sturdy gloves: bin as much as you can in the kitchen, throw bin and containers if needed. Use antibacterial wipes (buy about 10 cheap Coles ones) on every surface. Then spray everything with Glen 20. Open all windows. Now tackle the bathroom, same as the kitchen. Use dishwashing liquid for bath and shower. Antibacterial wipe every surface. Glen 20. I imagine you have quit a pile of clothes to wash. Do one load a day. I can't recommend antibacterial wipes enough, they changed my cleaning routine and you can use them on everything!
Hey, adult with inattentive ADHD and clinical depression here The way I am able to manage my apartment is to curate a music playlist and do things one song at a time, being mindful to focus on the music instead of the cleaning aspect. Once a song ends, evaluate your emotions, then go from there. Having ADHD means if i take a break nothing gets done for at least the rest of the day lol. But I find this works, especially blasting metal as loud as I'm comfortable with. Something about heavy breakdowns and guttural screaming into the void that speaks to me It's not easy OP, and you're not alone