Is an epidemic of cluttered properties emerging?

Every year on October 10, the World Health Organization recognises World Mental Health Day. World Mental Health Day is a chance to talk about mental health in general and how important it is to share about it and get help if you are struggling.

Covid impacted our lives in many negative ways. Death, isolation, post-covid health problems, economic recession, all this triggered anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
A UK study states that in the beginning of 2021 (27 Jan to 7 March) 1 in 5 people are reporting feeling some form of depression, which is nearly two times more than before the pandemic had started – 1 in 10.

Depression causes basic household chores to feel daunting and hard to handle. People often find themselves in a situation where they avoid doing them, because this adds up to their stress, realising, sometimes too late that the clutter actually contributes negatively to their mental health. More and more people are seeking the help of professional cleaners due to the state of their property.

“Many of our clients are asking for a deep cleaning service after they’ve had a depressive episode. The cases of this happening have increased significantly in the last two years. Before the pandemic started we rarely got requests like that, while now they reach up to one per month, which is a lot, based only in London.
We always make a short survey to assess the condition of the property and the clients who suffer from mental health issues are often hesitant to send pictures, feeling ashamed. But this is our job and asking for help and talking about it is the best thing you can do.
The properties are often very cluttered, which is understandably overwhelming and demotivating for a person to handle on their own. Hiring someone one-off helps them – with a clean slate its easier to keep on top of the household chores further on. And seeking professional mental help prevents this from happening again. Covid had its toll on all of us and I am happy that sometimes I get a chance to help. I think the biggest issue is feeling alone, it results in lack of motivation to keep a clean home. “ Desislava Anderson – Professional cleaning supervisor at CleanersLondon

When it comes to cleaning and house maintenance, despite the existence of higher mental clutter, people feel better psychologically when they are in well organised and clean spaces.
Experts concur that clean, well-organised surroundings might improve mental wellness. According to Desislava, a well-organised house may produce “a whole cascade of mental health advantages,” such as a sense of clarity and control, a higher quality of life, a boost in confidence, increased productivity, and a calmer environment.

The number of people searching for professional mental help in the UK has increased significantly and reached a peak in May 2022. Unfortunately Covid is not the sole contributing factor to this trend. The current state of our economy is a strong factor as well.

Research suggests that economic crises lead to an increase in mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. In fact, it has been shown that populations of people who have suffered from economic crises are much more likely to develop anxiety disorders later on than those who did not experience such events during their lifetime. These findings indicate that stressors induced by economic crises may be a significant risk factor for anxiety disorders.

Everyone is affected by the existence and prevalence of mental health issues in our lives, families, workplaces, and communities. In order to avoid mental disease, both as a culture and as individuals, we must take every preventative measure. Make time for resting and relaxation, engage in a hobby you love, and talk to someone close to you. It’s totally okay to ask for help.

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