Decluttering as a Coping Mechanism

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Decluttering as a Coping Mechanism

The beige, simplistic home aesthetic seems to have a chokehold on millennials — whether we're trying to "spark joy" or pinning Kim Kardashian's empty house to our inspo boards. Some experts say the resurgence of minimalism is a rebellion against overconsumerism. Others say it’s because clutter is bad for our health.

But there could be another reason: It’s a mental health response to our cluttered childhood homes and other stressors we’re facing today.

Can we heal our trauma through minimalism?

Millennials have grown up during tough times: Traumatic events like 9/11, multiple economic crises, and the threat of climate change — to name a few. And they started that rocky journey living in semiclaustrophobic ’90s homes lined with decorative plates, knickknacks, and overflowing junk drawers. 

Millennials are also one of the most stressed-out generations. And clutter can contribute to poor mental health. “We do best when we're in a space with moderate levels of visual information coming at us,” says Sally Augustin, PhD, an environmental and design psychologist. So it’s no surprise they’ve checked all that chaos at the door in adulthood. Plus simply consuming content about cleaning and decluttering — things once considered dreaded chores — has become a popular way to self-soothe. 

Rejecting your parents’ maximalist sensibilities is justified — but minimalism isn’t enough to treat serious mental health issues, says Desiree Taranto, a licensed mental health counselor. “If lots of different areas of your life are being affected [by poor mental health], then it's not just clutter. It's something bigger,” Taranto says. 

Your move

Reflect on where your stress is coming from. If it’s caused by simply having too much, taking some boxes to your local thrift store can help. If you feel stressed or anxious most of the time, even after you declutter, “that's the time to reach out for help,” says Taranto. A therapist, psychiatrist, or your doctor can help you find long-term solutions.

Last week, we asked you to vote on a question to answer. The winner was:

How can I tell if my brain fog is a symptom of something worse…or just how my brain works?

FEATURED EXPERT:

James C. Jackson, PsyD

A licensed psychologist specializing in neuropsychology and rehabilitation.

Jackson says there are three criteria for when to be worried about brain fog:

• "If it's new"

• "When it doesn't go away [in several weeks]"

• "When it's significant enough to interfere with your day-to-day-functioning"

In those cases, the recommendation is "to see a neuropsychologist and get a cognitive evaluation."

"We'd like to eliminate brain fog, but the goal for patients is, 'How can we help improve your functioning?'" says Jackson. To do that, your doctor may suggest meds, treating underlying causes (like anxiety or depression), and/or cognitive rehab.

PS: We’ve got more info on feeling less foggy here.

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