Diogenes syndrome is when a person does not take care of themselves or their surroundings, leading to poor hygiene and possibly some health and social problems. It often occurs with other conditions, such as dementia. People with the condition often show signs of severe self-neglect, social isolation, and hoarding.
If you don't clean your house, it might mean you are busy and have little time to clean and organize. It might be a sign that you have too much stuff. Or it might be the result of having young kids in the house who are usually not motivated to clean up after themselves.
Psychology says that messiness can indeed be a sign that a person is having trouble. Just like someone who is suffering from OCD and has to control everything, being a messy person might show that they are dealing with depression or some other mental illness.
If someone or something is not clean or is covered in dirt, they are dirty. Dirty is the most common word with this meaning.
Ataxophobia (Fear of Untidiness or Disorder) Ataxophobia is an extreme, irrational fear of disorder or untidiness. People may feel intense distress in messy environments or even while thinking about disorder.
Certain Personality Traits
Some people are predisposed to be messier than others as a result of their genetic traits and personality. We all have different perceptions of how messy is too messy. Some people won't feel comfortable until every part of their home and office is pristine.
Polluted air vents and untidy filters can contaminate the air. Soiled sheets and bedding can cause skin rashes and irritations. Dust mites can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. Bugs, pests, vermin, and critters are carriers of germs and many diseases.
If you don't dust or vacuum, your home will turn into an allergy festival. Pollen will gather in all the nooks in your home, pet hair will lie in wait, and dust mites will come out in force. All the things that make your eyes water and your nose run will be sitting around your home making your allergies worse.
“A clutter-free environment might suggest someone who is not able to tolerate the untidiness or uncertainty inherent in life and relationships.”
Sometimes, a messy house can be a sign of hoarding disorder. Hoarding disorder is a mental health condition that causes people to accumulate an excessive amount of things with no real value. Some experts think it's related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), while others say it's related to dementia.
People with depression can often find themselves living in messy spaces. This is because feelings of hopelessness, low energy, and lack of motivation can make it hard to keep on top of everyday tasks, such as tidying.
Poor sanitation is linked to transmission of diarrhoeal diseases such as cholera and dysentery, as well as typhoid, intestinal worm infections and polio. It exacerbates stunting and contributes to the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Depression, anxiety, stress, executive functioning issues and even defiance may contribute to problems taking more responsibility for their space and their actions. Ultimately, what's important for children is structure, wellbeing, and living according to their values, not necessarily how clean their room is.
Clutter bombards our minds with excessive stimuli (visual, olfactory, tactile), causing our senses to work overtime on stimuli that aren't necessary or important. Clutter distracts us by drawing our attention away from what our focus should be on. Clutter makes it more difficult to relax, both physically and mentally.
Spills and trash get taken care of on an as-needed basis every day or two. Vacuuming and mopping should happen at least once a week. Clean carpets every three to six months. Living rooms and bedrooms should be attacked at least once a week.
Often touched areas and bathrooms need to be cleaned weekly, and your plants, showers, floors, and fridge need to be cleaned every few weeks. Your oven, windows, ceiling fans, baseboards, pantries, and closets need to be cleaned a few times a year. Light fixtures and curtains only need to cleaned once a year.
Allow yourself 2 1/2 hours a week to clean a two-bedroom home. You should also add an extra 1 hour a week when you decide to deep clean. 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Home: If you have a typical three-bedroom home or apartment, you can expect to spend about three hours a week on basic cleaning.
It's completely normal to have a messy house. If it isn't impacting your sleep, stress, or focus, and isn't unsanitary, then there is no need to panic. You don't need to pressure yourself into cleaning for hours on end, trying to make your home seem completely organized all the time.
It can cause skin irritations, allergies, and breathing problems. A messy house can also cause fatigue, headaches, and general irritability. It can even cause infections. It is a common misconception that the only way to feel sick from living in a dirty house is to have an asthma attack.
Clutter and mess can create more stress and anxiety, but by cleaning, organizing, and reducing the clutter, people are able to take control of their environment and create a more relaxing environment that helps them focus better on the more pressing issues in their lives.
Wachtel says that because this is a part of your personality, and who you are, people are not likely to change. "I've been messy my entire life," the doctor says. "It takes a lot of effort." Changing is not impossible, but because it would go against your personality, the transition could be a constant struggle.
Being messy is not necessarily a symptom of depression. However, it can result from symptoms of depression such as hopelessness, lack of motivation, or social isolation.