Now, if you have this trauma response, the first step you can take to resolve this is to recognize clutter as a sign of impaired executive functioning due to narcissistic abuse. It’s not about labeling yourself as disorganized or messy; it’s about understanding that your brain is responding to a traumatic experience in the best way it knows. This is your mind’s survival mechanism kicking in. When you are under attack, your brain does everything it can to protect you. If that means shutting down certain areas temporarily, then that is what it will do. The clutter you see around is simply a reflection of this internal process. When we are under attack or there is an ongoing crisis in our life, all the lesser important functions, such as digestion, sleep, and sexual desire (in this case, the need to sort things out or shut down), survival is what becomes the focus.
Now, the question you may have is, how can I begin to address this clutter? It is a great question and a sign that you’re ready to take the next step towards healing. Congratulations because healing begins with understanding, compassion, and gentle action. Understand that what you’re experiencing is a normal response to an abnormal situation. You survived narcissistic abuse, and your mind and body did what they had to do to get you through it. Show compassion towards yourself. Do not be hard on yourself for the state of your surroundings or your mind. Remember, you are healing from something deeply traumatic. Finally, take gentle action. Start small. It could be as simple as sorting through a pile of papers or organizing a drawer. The point is to reclaim your space and your life bit by bit at your own pace. You do not need to rush this process. Decluttering your emotions by making sense of what happened to you is also an essential part of the process. The more you declutter your internal chaos, the easier it will become to declutter your external environment.
Clutter following narcissistic abuse is more than just an untitled space. It is a silent outcry of a mind trying to regain control and order in the aftermath of a storm. It is a plea for understanding, for patience, and for health. By understanding this, you can approach it not with judgment but with empathy, patience, and a shared resolve for healing. As I wrap up today’s summary discussion, remember that you’re not alone in this journey. Reach out to support groups and seek professional help. Your strength got you this far, and I can promise you it will carry you through the rest of your healing journey. Thank you for listening and joining me in today’s episode. If you found this helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to help spread awareness and support. Remember, each step, no matter how small, is a step towards healing.
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