I cannot thank you enough for the post. I think it must be the depression. I have it too.

When I did not have depression it didn't matter what I was doing I always had a neat and tidy home. When I was working and in graduate school full time with two pets and a kid I kept a 3 bedroom house with basement, garage and yard spotless. Only thing I remember is I left the used Christmas tree in the corner of the backyard until the summer. Cuz we had to take them to the city dump and I couldn't find the time.

Now I live alone in a studio, am not working or doing anything, and at the moment every single kitchen utensil/pot/dish is dirty. And I have a dishwasher! Clothes piled on every chair.

I hate it but this is not a normal time for me. I am trying to figure out how to survive. If I don't figure that out I will be homeless and then I will never have to worry about dishes.

I think the stress goes up when things get messy and you have a pet.

My heart goes out to you. You are really struggling to just stay above water.

Yes, I met a friend for lunch and may have asked them back to my place but it was messy. Can't remember that happening in...forever. But then I hate my place so I don't really care whether or not I am house proud. I need a job and a new place.

However --- having read your post I really want to clean up my place and keep it clean. It's not that hard once you get it clean. I also think it can seriously help the depression to fight back.

Because of your pet you have more work.

Go easy on yourself. At the same time if you got a system in place maybe it would help.

When I worked for that paltry one month this winter my place stayed neat because I was never home and never cooked. Gained weight on fast food. Jeez. It's a war.