Having had more than one bout of severe depression over the years, I know how hard it can be to function at all. Once you are trapped in that black hole, treading treacle as it feels, it is not going to be an easy battle to get out and about, or do anything at all. Part of a good recovery plan is to try to resume your normal life as much as possible, and as quickly as possible. Starting with quite small tasks, can be all that it needs, plus all that you are capable of for quite a while.

I understand the reasoning behind the statement that ' keeping a clean house can help to fight depression' but, it is not an easy thing to do. Most people when they are depressed have a severe lack of energy and feel thoroughly de-motivated. The last thing they want to do is to be up and about cleaning and doing household chores. Yet, if they can , even on just a small scale, then they will probably feel so much better. When you are depressed I also think that it is important to have order around you.

When you are sat around in mess and clutter, that fact alone can be depressing. Having let things slide it can seem a monumental task to ever get things sorted and back on track. However, doing a little housework at a time, can be very therapeutic. Having a thorough dust and polish of furniture, for example, is quite good physical exercise and so will help the endorphins flow. Good old Endorphins can help lift your mood. The fresh smell which will pervade your home will lift your spirits, as will the sight of that lovely, gleaming furniture. Even just having that small sense of achievement, for a job well done, may help.

Often when you are depressed it is difficult to even get out of bed in a morning, get washed and get dressed. Starting to care about your appearance and your surroundings can be a sign that you are on the mend.

When you are depressed keeping your surroundings in order is a must as the alternative will probably make you feel even more depressed. Doing the cleaning may also have many benefits which may aid your recovery. It may give you some purpose rather than just sitting around brooding.

Learn more about this author, Ethel Smith.
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