CLUTTER-INDUCED ANXIETY
Q: My wife is a mildly anxious person, but when we visit my daughter’s home, which is sometimes cluttered with her children’s toys and other items, my wife tends to become very anxious. What might be going on?
A:For some people, a cluttered or messy home environment can trigger anxiety, the same way that being in a crowd or giving a speech might heighten stress and anxiety in other people. Your wife may have anxiety that is managed by keeping your home orderly and free of clutter. She may take steps to control other anxiety triggers in her life without you realizing it. Seeing things out of place and not feeling she can help restore order may be a major anxiety trigger. Sometimes a cluttered environment sends the brain a signal that there is still work to be done in a given situation, which can be anxiety-inducing for many people. If it is appropriate, you and your wife may offer to help straighten things up. This could be a win-win solution as it would help your daughter but also reduce the clutter that seems to be bothering your wife. For many people who are especially bothered by clutter or disorganization, the simple act of addressing the situation can be enough to bring down the stress and anxiety. If getting directly involved is not an option, your wife may benefit from talking with a mental health professional about finding other coping strategies.
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