Mental Health
Hoarding
Since starting Your Space Freed I have worked with a number of clients with different hoarding collections. Hoarders tend to live under the radar and as a general rule only get noticed when they have fallen ill and paramedics have to gain access to their property or when their hoarding has health implication to them, their neighbours and their property.
They usually live quite isolated lives and are often estranged from family members as family do not always understand the complex thinking and reasons behind the way their family member lives and then often causes more anxiety to their love one by saying lets just hire a skip, this solves nothing and just makes for a more stressful situation.
I have worked with clients that hoard food, food rubbish, paperwork, newspapers, electronics, clothing , crafting items, furniture and toys to name a few, some homes are chaotic others are ordered but still full to the brim. Many clients have a high IQ and are always interesting to get to know and talk to about the reasons for their hoarding. There are also lots of other mental health problems that are closely linked to why someone may start to hoard or why they have always had hoarding tendencies.
We are all different
Day to day
Day to day
Day to day
Our mental health is something we do not always have control over it creeps up on us and before you know where you are you feel lost and not knowing where or who to turn too.
This can happen to anyone of us at anytime in our lives and having someone to just talk to with out repercussions or judgement can make all the difference to our day or sometimes our life.
To be kind and to notice when someone is not themselves is something we could all do, also being more mindful in our daily lives not only helps us but also those around us.
When I work with someone the sessions are tailored to you as an individual, after all we are all unique with quirky traits that make us who we are, so no judgements on how you live or why you do things a certain way.
Anxiety
Day to day
Day to day
Who has not felt anxious at some point in their lives. It can be a natural reaction to some situations. However sometimes it can get out of control and you feel it affects everything you go to do, your relationships and thought patterns.
You may start feeling anxious
at the thought of letting someone into your home for a declutter, even making the first step of asking for help.
You may experience your heart racing, feeling short of breath, shaking or getting sweaty.
It will not be easy making that call or sending an email but once you've passed that big hurdle we will just have a chat about what you need help with. When a session is in progress and you start feeling anxious we will stop and have a cuppa or do some breathing exercises if this works for you. Then when you are ready we will start again but only when you are feeling calm again.
Depression
Day to day
Depression
Depression we all have those days when we feel low and fed up with everything and generally this passes but sometimes it doesn't we feel at a loss, feeling sad for weeks even months and not being able to pin point whats making us feel this way. Having no energy, letting our living space pile up around us and not seeing how things have become. Looking and thinking about it but not doing anything to address it.
There is help out there, if you haven't already, seeing your doctor first can get the right help for you. Once this has started you will want to slowly start to tackle your surroundings and that's where I can help get you back on track and in turn this will start to make you feel better in yourself. A slow journey with ups and downs but with understanding support .
OCD
Bereavement
Depression
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Whether you believe OCD happens to someone through life events or it is an inherited disorder life is difficult for someone with OCD and everyone has their own rituals and repetition to their thoughts and behaviours.
I do not try to understand why someone has to do something a particular way, I will just respect that's what they need to do and I will work with this and be patient as we try to sort through their home and belongings. This can take while and be a long journey but it is all progress in the right direct.
ADHD
Bereavement
Bereavement
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a medical condition that has many symptoms, here are just a few. From a lack of focus to not finishing tasks, fidgeting, interrupting, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Excessive talking, unable to concentrate on tasks or sitting still in a calm or quite surroundings.
Inattentiveness, difficulty in organised tasks, appearing forgetful, losing things, being easily distracted, taking risks.
All these symptoms can have an affect on how someones home life can become chaotic, so understanding that a session may not go to plan and helping set up small wins for the client are all part of working through an organising session.
Bereavement
Bereavement
Bereavement
We will all be bereaved at some point in our lives and this sometimes has massive consequences to how we get through the day, to our thought process and our ability to function at work or make everyday decisions.
Feeling guilty in letting go of our love ones clothing and possessions can cause us to become anxious and depressed. Sometimes family members feel they have your best interests at heart and want to guide you through this sad time. Having someone other than family to talk through the letting go can help you start to make those decisions. Talking and crying are all part of this painful time to help us move forward but not forget. I will be understanding and calm and respectful of your love ones belongings.