My house makes me depressed: 6 changes you need to make

Imagine stepping through your front door only to feel a wave of gloom wash over you. Instead of lifting your spirits, your sanctuary feels like it’s dragging you down. If the phrase, “My house makes me depressed” resonates with you, you’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not without hope.

Your home should be a source of comfort, not anxiety or sadness. Yet, for many, the living environment contributes significantly to their mental health challenges. The good news? You have the power to transform your home into a nurturing, uplifting space with 6 simple changes.

If following these tips doesn’t help ease your depression, find a mental health provider on Klarity today.

The link between home and mental health

Your living space is the backdrop to your daily life and is deeply intertwined with your mental well-being. Studies indicate that certain aspects of your living space can influence mood, stress levels, and overall mental health. If you’re feeling down and suspect your house plays a role, it’s crucial to understand how and why this happens — and what you can do about it.

Below are 6 things you can do now if your house makes you feel depressed.

1. Declutter and organize for better clarity

Having a messy house where there’s a lot of clutter can make your mind feel the same way — scattered and unfocused. A home where every item has its place, replaces the overwhelm of clutter with a sense of orderly calm

By organizing your living space, you’re not just tidying up; you’re setting the stage for a clearer, more focused state of mind where you can easily accomplish everyday tasks. This process can significantly reduce the depressive thoughts and anxiety that a disorganized space often amplifies. It also fosters a sense of peace and accomplishment that bolsters your mental health.

2. Optimize color and lighting for more positive energy

Colors and lighting are powerful mood influencers. The right palette can soothe or energize, while the wrong one can contribute to feelings of depression. Soft, warm colors and natural light can invigorate your space, enhance your mood, and even improve your sleep patterns. 

Consider the psychology of color when choosing new paint or wallpaper for your walls, and arrange your living spaces to bring in as much natural light as possible. These changes can act as a daily mood enhancer, subtly lifting your spirits and promoting a more positive, energized outlook. 

Blue hues are often associated with calmness and clarity and promote a sense of tranquility, while warm tones like yellow can stimulate happiness and energy.

3. Rearrange your space to promote well-being

Rearranging your home can significantly influence whether your house makes you feel depressed. Clutter or disorganized spaces exacerbate feelings of depression by creating a sense of chaos and overwhelming the mind. Consider how the flow of your rooms can impact your daily routines, your interactions, and even your mood. 

By thoughtfully arranging your furniture and optimizing your space, you can encourage a positive, healthy lifestyle. This project doesn’t have to include the whole house. You might create a cozy reading nook in just one room. Other examples include creating an open space for yoga or simply organizing your environment in a way that feels intuitively right and uplifts your spirit.

4. Incorporate plants and natural elements for comfort

Integrating natural elements into your home can be a transformative experience, connecting you to the earth and its calming influence. Plants do more than beautify a space; they cleanse the air, reduce stress, and improve your overall sense of well-being. They’re a living reminder of growth and vitality, offering comfort and tranquility to any room. 

As you add these plants around the house, you can also create space for meditation or relaxation. This can provide a sanctuary if you feel overwhelmed, allowing you to reconnect with yourself and the natural world.

5. Meditation and relaxation spaces

Choose a spot in your home that feels naturally calm and inviting. It doesn’t have to be large; even a small corner or an unused nook can be transformed into a peaceful retreat. The key is consistency —using the same space for meditation and relaxation can help condition your mind to enter a state of tranquility more quickly. 

Add personal touches that make the space uniquely yours and that help you feel connected to your meditation practice. Meditation has been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression by fostering a state of mindfulness, which can reduce stress and enhance emotional regulation.

6. Establish tech-free zones for mental rest

In our digitally saturated era, creating areas that are free of technology in your home can be a revolutionary act of self-care. These are spaces where the mind can wander freely, unencumbered by the incessant buzz of notifications and depressing news. 

By establishing areas where electronics are consciously absent, you encourage activities that foster mindfulness and relaxation, such as reading, meditating, or engaging in hobbies that nourish your soul. 

7. DIY projects for a depression-free home

Embarking on do-it-yourself (DIY) projects not only personalizes your living space but also empowers you by letting you inject your home with positive energy and a sense of accomplishment. These projects can transform your environment into a nurturing sanctuary that promotes mental well-being. 

Here’s how you can integrate meaningful DIY projects into your home:

• Create personalized artwork: Art has a therapeutic effect, both in its creation and its appreciation. Consider painting, sketching, or crafting art that resonates with your emotions or aspirations. This personal touch can transform your space into a reflection of your inner world, promoting a sense of calm and satisfaction every time you view your work.
• Build custom shelves or furniture: Engaging in woodworking or furniture making can be incredibly gratifying. Constructing something functional and beautiful for your home not only provides a sense of pride but also offers a tangible reflection of your efforts and creativity. These pieces can serve as daily reminders of your capabilities and resilience.
• Start an indoor garden: Gardening is known for its stress-relieving benefits, and creating an indoor garden brings these benefits into your home. Whether it’s a herb garden in your kitchen, a terrarium in your living room, or a collection of air-purifying plants, the act of nurturing these plants can enhance your mood.
• Craft handmade decorations: From macramé wall hangings to handmade pottery, creating decorations for your home can be a deeply fulfilling project. These items add warmth and personality to your space, making it feel more inviting and comfortable.
• Design a mood-boosting photo wall: Compile and frame photographs that bring you joy, inspiration, or peace. Creating a photo wall of happy memories or cherished moments can serve as a daily reminder of the joyful aspects of life and the people who matter to you.

8. Get mental health treatment

While updating your home environment can play a significant role in boosting your mood and overall mental well-being, it may not be enough. If you find that your depression persists despite making positive changes to your living space, consider seeking professional treatment. 

Persistent depressive symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life, and in such cases, a comprehensive approach that includes therapy, counseling, or medication might be needed. Mental health professionals found on Klarity offer tailored treatment plans that address your specific needs. They also provide the support and strategies needed to manage your depression effectively. 

Find depression relief with help from a provider on Klarity

Klarity connects you with expert providers who can offer personalized mental health treatment plans and support. 

If you relate with the sentiment, “my house makes me depressed,” find a provider on Klarity today for personalized depression treatment.

Sources

Networx. “Is Your House Making You Depressed?” Carl, Cris. Jan. 29, 2018, https://www.networx.com/article/is-your-house-making-you-depressed

Homes & Gardens. “Can a Messy House Cause Depression?” Dickson, Chiana. Nov. 26, 2022, https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/can-a-messy-house-cause-depression

Apartment Therapy. “5 Simple Ways to Make Your House Less Depressing.” Smith, Sarah Rae. Dec. 1, 2010, https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/5-simple-ways-to-make-your-hou-133393

National Institutes of Health. “Meditation and Its Mental and Physical Health Benefits in 2023.” Muacevic, Alexander and Adler, John R. Jun. 19, 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10355843/

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.

How we reviewed this article: This article goes through rigorous fact-checking by a team of medical reviewers. Reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the author.