by John Huetteman

Created on: July 16, 2007   Last Updated: June 24, 2009

Depression is a treatable psychiatric disorder that involves feelings of hopelessness, lack of concentration and energy, as well as suicidal tendencies among a multitude of other symptoms. The disorder can also affect anyone. People with serious illnesses may be at greater risk for depression. A research study has found that those that live in squalor, a phenomenon not well studied, typically are given a secondary-diagnosis of depression. According to the National Institues of Mental Health, the study of said phenomenon of living in squalor coupled with depression reveals important diagnostic information. The most interesting outcome from the study indicates poor treatment response to medication and therapy coupled with unhook rate of mortality. So when wondering how the simple task of keeping a house clean could possibly help those living in squalor that have been diagnosed with depression, if not only for the obvious health benefit of cleanliness and improved hygiene, not only would it drastically change the living conditions, it could potentially increase the chance of a positive outcome to medication and therapy as well as lower the risk of mortality.

As most who suffer from depression will concur, both physical activity and motivation, directly linked to one another, tends to be minimal, at best, if not entirely lacking. Housekeeping, whether living in squalor or not, is normally not given high priority as motivation to complete any task can be monumentally difficult. The lack of physical activity in those that suffer from depression is common and in contrast, is also one of the most important factors that prevent a speedier recovery. Researchers have found that as little as 20 minutes of daily physical activity has a positive therapeutic effect on both the mind and the body. Keeping a clean house, therefore, can be an ideal physical activity when performed daily for sufferers of depression (as well as for those who live in squalor find it difficult to leave home and perform any significant amount of physical or even employment activity.

Keeping a clean house can provide additional therapeutic benefits to those that suffer from depression in several other ways aside from the benefits gained through physical activity. For example, depression is often identified through feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. The act of keeping a house clean can provide some organization in life which can provide an empowering effect during those helpless times. Additionally, cleaning house can be tantamount to a ritual cleansing during times of low self worth and such cleansing effect may leave someone suffering from depression ready to begin again.

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