Housemove. Anxiety taking over everything...

[liz91]

So I've had anxiety for years on end, but at the minute it's hideous. Been renting a flat that has had terrible issues with condensation (almost all the windows have been painted shut so poor ventilation, landlords don't give a crap etc.) so ended up with mould in various places in the house. My anxiety has made me too scared to try to clean the mould away once it has set in, so I think it's really bad.

Now, I'm moving out soon, but need to sort through a ton of photos, books, clothing and sentimental items from a room that is the 'worst' culprit (it was growing on the wall behind a piece of cardboard, which I knew nothing about) and I'm feeling distraught over it... I feel like it's contaminated everything in there. I just don't know how I'm going to be able to do it, or if I am unecessarily worrying and it'll be fine?

Damn, I really hate this illness.

Your mind is seeing everything and deciding it's too much. Reduce this down, sort out one shelf of books. That's your target for today, ignore the rest.

Then the next day aim to clear one shelf again, and so on. That way you're breaking the task into manageable chunks.

Thank you. It's been a terrible week and I think you're right about my mind being overwhelmed. It's just that I'm also worried about not finishing in time, as ideally everything should be sorted this weekend. In reality there is enough time... if it wasn't for crippling anxiety.

I have been in a very similar situation as yourself. This is a positive move for you out of this horrible rental. You need to do small things which will help with the move.

1. Organise empty boxes, large rolls of tape, labels and marker pens.
2. Start with one shelf as already suggested or bundle of photos and put the things yunreally want into boxes.
3. Have a box ready to put stuff in you no longer need or want.

Only work for say half an hour take a break go back.

1. You will be pleased with the progress you can make.

I wish you all the best. Let us know how you are getting on.

thank you very much scunner. Will def take those suggestions on board. I always have issues not taking breaks and getting overwhelmed so I need make sure I'm taking care in that respect. I just can't wait for this all to be over, such a terrible decision to have stayed here for this long in the first place

Had a terrible evening fighting with my partner about it all last night too (want to stress that he IS very patient with me, he just lost it) ...it's drained me, but also actually made me feel more determined to try my best over the weekend.