The term “DOOM pile” went viral on TikTok last summer, representing clutter that hasn’t been organized and has been simply moved from one place to another. Many individuals with ADHD find themselves overwhelmed by these DOOM piles, leading to the impulse to just toss everything away. Cate Osborn, an ADHD advocate and educator, has also experienced this urge to throw away clutter when feeling overwhelmed. Organizing tasks can often be procrastinated, leading to bins or boxes of items piling up, which eventually leads to them being thrown away.
This impulse to toss clutter can be related to executive dysfunction, which interferes with an individual’s ability to start tasks and understand what is needed to complete them. For individuals with ADHD, tossing can be an attempt to avoid feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and overwhelm that arises from a cluttered environment. Tossing can provide immediate relief, but it does not address the deeper emotional overload or uncertainty that individuals with ADHD may be experiencing. In the long run, tossing does not help develop healthier ADHD management skills.
It’s important for individuals who tend to toss clutter to become aware of the emotions driving this action. By recognizing the emotional state, individuals can address and soothe these feelings, allowing for more mindful decision-making when decluttering. While it’s okay to throw away items that need to be tossed, individuals should try to avoid being wasteful and contributing to landfill waste. Establishing strategies like the “10 Things Game” or the “Two-Minute Rule” can help individuals break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
It’s crucial for individuals with ADHD to be kind to themselves and understand that ADHD is a disability of executive function. It’s not about laziness or lack of effort, but rather about differences in how the brain processes information. Resources are available to help individuals with ADHD learn organization strategies that work with their brains, not against them. By teaching children with ADHD these skills early on, it can help them manage their space and avoid the urge to toss clutter when overwhelmed. Ultimately, it’s important to show compassion towards oneself and recognize that decluttering is a process that requires patience and understanding.
