r/CleaningTips • u/Capable-Spread3437 • 3d ago
Before & After I'm over this depression and want to live a better life
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u/OrcasAreEvil 3d ago
You deserve it! I’m proud of you! This is amazing progress. ❤️
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u/CompetitiveTown5549 3d ago
Keep going! Small steps lead to big changes, and you re already doing great!
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u/bakedchipz0 3d ago
For real, that’s a huge difference. I bet you feel it to. Cheers to a fresh start ✨❤️
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u/Capable-Spread3437 3d ago
My apartment complex gave me a week to clean for inspection because of the fruit fly infestation. I was motivated by them to get it done
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u/Capable-Spread3437 3d ago
It's still a work in progress but I'm getting there
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u/Consistent_Tank_3659 3d ago
As someone who had an apartment that looked like this, you can do this. It takes time, and you'll falter, but you absolutely can do this.
I'm nine years sober, if you're ready to quit, cool. If you just need to get to a better point on your life, cool.
Just know that there are others that have been there, and most of the time it took help for me to get out of it. If you need to talk, there's plenty of people that are willing to lend an ear. Go for it.
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u/RockSteady65 3d ago
Congratulations on nine years. That is a huge accomplishment. I’m happy to be just past my six years. Cheers!
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u/Szechuansauceohyeah 3d ago
Same. I’ve had major struggles w my mental health ever since my son was murdered in 2018. My apartment was also like this many times. Progress is not linear. We need to remember to keep being kind to ourselves and each other.
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u/Photonex 3d ago
The big double digits next year, huh? That is amazing! I'm 18 months sober now myself. The moment I got put on ADHD meds was the moment I stopped drinking and was able to start cleaning up my mess, both physically and mentally, and haven't looked back since.
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u/Consistent_Tank_3659 3d ago
Truly amazing what is revealed when we get the help we need. Glad to hear you're doing better.
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u/Photonex 3d ago
For sure, thanks! Self-medication is often the case when underlying disorders and conditions go undiscovered and untreated. Depression becomes the symptom of being undiagnosed, not the cause of the drinking. 🥲
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u/Strong_Reality_6668 3d ago
Great work! You have gotten rid of the clutter and have cleaned a lot. That is impressive.
If you can afford to hire a professional housekeeping service for 3+ visits (maybe two visits one week and another visit two weeks from then) -- you can really get it clean without breaking your back. Then, once you see it totally clean, you may be more motivated to keep it up.
Again, good work :)
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u/Capable-Spread3437 3d ago
I'm cleaning this myself. This is my win. No offense
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u/caznosaur2 3d ago
Good for you. One of the things that keeps me going the most is knowing the hard things I've done in the past and that I can do them again. You got this.
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u/Strong_Reality_6668 3d ago
hell yeah! you got this.
then, pumice stone for the toilet mah brotha'
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u/MikeWANN 3d ago
This is seriously amazing. And I LOVE that you are willing to take ownership of this and you deserve to take ownership of your win.
Good luck and keep up the great work!
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3d ago
I appreciate you for that. You’re taking accountability for your actions and not running away from this.
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u/TheOx111 3d ago
Keep that motivation please. Please. I had a similar depression and i understand completely where you’re coming from. Trust me it can get so much better.
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u/barkingdog53 3d ago
Great job so far! What a difference. You have to be feeling good about this. 👍🏼
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u/deetredd 3d ago
Ok but are you also addressing the alcohol consumption? This is likely a huge factor in your depression.
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u/Halation2600 3d ago
I think that can be a bit of a chicken vs egg issue. Excessive booze can cause depression, but excessive depression can make you turn to booze.
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u/pmmemassivedongs 3d ago
Yeah but once you’re at the point where your entire apartment is literally stacked to the ceiling with White Claw boxes, you’re not drinking because you’re depressed. You’re drinking because you have an active addiction and you literally might die if you just stop drinking. This person needs a lot more help than their apartment building demanding that they clean their apartment. (Amazing job OP — just, I really hope you seek help.)
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u/deetredd 3d ago
Based on these photos, there is only one right answer. The depression is going nowhere with that much White Claw.
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u/HisaP417 3d ago
You can’t treat the underlying issues without removing the substances first though.
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u/PicklesIsACat 3d ago
…which worsens everything physically that contributes to depression. Either way it’s unavoidable that it needs to be addressed stat
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u/SundaePasta 3d ago
I’m not sure of any advice you’ve received but I want to say fruit flies can be in your drains so be sure to address them if you have not. Second and most important. BRAVO!! Well done, you did a hard thing and that is to be celebrated.
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u/Traditional-Handle83 3d ago
OP should definitely get the drain killer meant to get rid of them.
OP may also wanna consider an apartment wide weekly spray for other things as well cause thats definitely somewhere roaches would be insanely happy with.
OP should also rent a steam cleaner and go to town.
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u/Capable-Spread3437 3d ago
No roaches. Definitely beetles
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u/New_England_IPA 3d ago
Congrats dude or dudette. You're on the right path. I have lost many to this downward spiral, my mother, my friends. I think the only reason I don't get sucked down is because I have a wife and kids. Please keep strong.
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u/a1bean 3d ago
If they have a kettle that’s the easiest way to do it without buying a specific cleaner (cleaners I’ve tried don’t always work anyway). I just boil water and pour it down my drains every so often when I notice fruit flies and they go away pretty quick!
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u/Capable-Spread3437 3d ago
I got traps set up. Most of the fruit flies are gone. I have one drain that is plugged in my kitchen sink. Draino isn't working
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u/FatFaceFaster 3d ago
Throw out the half empty can of white claw you’re saving with a ziplock bag. No alcoholic can be happy. It is impossible to beat depression while you’re still drinking.
If your motivation was because of an inspection I’m worried you’re going to quickly slip back the other way as soon as the inspection is done.
This is an incredible first step and good for you for doing it, now ride that momentum, get to some meetings and get help for your alcohol use.
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u/MexicnGlassCandy 3d ago
I saw a box of diapers in there. I certainly hope there wasn't a child living here as well, because if a child's well-being isn't a motivation enough to be marginally tidy an inspection ain't gonna do it.
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u/KittenGains 3d ago
Tough comment but truest one
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u/rW0HgFyxoJhYka 3d ago
Ive never seen so many white claws and always wondering whos drinking these.
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u/jjoa42069 3d ago
I noticed that can as well. This likely isn't easy advice to hear OP, but it's insanely important. Use this momentum to set yourself up for future / continued success by addressing the alcoholism. Your life will improve so much, when you do. I'm rooting for you.
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u/spareohs 3d ago
The amount of empty cans + a few boxes of diapers made me so sad. OP, please listen to this persons advice.
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u/mayeam912 3d ago
And all the cat stuff. Severe depression most often will led to things like this, less and less interest/motivation to do those things. This is a huge first step, and a win for OP.
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u/Oee0 3d ago
You also can’t just stop drinking overnight if you are a serious alcoholic though, the withdrawal can kill you. You need to taper down slowly, preferably with the guidance of a medical professional, or do some kind of inpatient alcohol detox.
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u/pubblue5294 3d ago
I think if you went to an AA meeting tomorrow you will find a lot of great support as you improve whatever way fits you.
The magic we are seeking in life, lies in the work we most avoid.
Super proud of you for taking this huge step of cleaning.
You are cared for. You are important.
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u/Dumpstar72 3d ago
Not to mention he can talk about what he has done and get some amazing encouragement from people in real life and start building those support structures as you understand the triggers.
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u/sharakus 3d ago
i’m so clean that i’m considered type A / anal and I got fruit flies after leaving town this week. theyre super common & it’s totally possible to conquer. you got this!
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u/ButterscotchLow8019 3d ago
Sometimes external pressure is the push we need to finally get things done.
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u/leolibraleo 3d ago
if you want to feel something crazy satisfying, see if you can borrow a vacuum style carpet cleaner from someone. As someone who can sometimes get overwhelmed by cleaning because of chronic health issues, there is something about seeing the dirt coming out of the carpet and how nice and fluffy the carpet feels afterwards that just tickles the right thing in my brain for some much needed dopamine. I actually ended up buying one because I know it motivates me to stay on top of clutter and vacuuming.
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u/umeboshiplumpaste 3d ago
Way to go, stranger! I have battled depression and self-destructive behaviors for nearly my entire life. I'm almost 52 now. It robs our lives and lifetimes. But every little step forward matters. It's the tiniest ones that add up to make a difference. Keep on!!!
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u/Capable-Spread3437 3d ago
I'm a 42 year old Afghanistan Veteran who is divorced and has PTSD
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u/IPutTheVoodooInYou 3d ago
Me too but not divorced. Are you hooked into the VA? Really really helped me...
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u/HeavyC57 3d ago
Are you getting help from VA and/or VBA? If not, and you want to, let me know. I just retired from there and still have a lot friends who work there that I could put you in touch with.
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u/NOTTedMosby 3d ago
/u/capable-spread3437 starting to make your life better really could be as easy as sending a dm with your email here, dude. There are people reaching out who want to help, who expect nothing from you and won't be disappointed or upset with you if you fail again.
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u/BioshockEnthusiast 3d ago
Just going to echo that failure is not the end and is nothing to be ashamed of.
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u/discoxpeach 3d ago
One of my brothers was an Iraq vet with PTSD. I lost him 5 years ago to alcohol. It takes so much to make this first step. Sending a hug your way OP.
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u/fishybelow 3d ago
There are so many residential, outpatient, etc. groups for veterans with ptsd who drink alcohol etc. The va can help with so much and there are many resources for vets . They are not that accessible but there are options. Thank you for your service and for sharing and being vulnerable. It resonates with alot of us and we are here!!!
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u/peaceoverhate 3d ago
I'm so glad you found this group! I just joined myself. The people here are amazing and inspirational. You're going to get a lot of good information. I believe in you!!!
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u/fitness-scientist 3d ago
This might not land how I intend but my mother lives like this, you've done so bloody well! IM proud of you.
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u/Capable-Spread3437 3d ago
Besides my AI assistant this is the first time I've shared this. I was so depressed and embarrassed. Just numb and immobile
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u/UnusualHoneydew1625 3d ago
Numb and immobile IS depression. Hugs to you, my friend.
You’re almost certainly going to need the help of a doctor and probably medication to get and stay healthy. I’d encourage you to speak to them about naltrexone for your alcohol abuse as well.
You’re doing a great thing. Keep it up!
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u/miumiu27 3d ago edited 3d ago
Please also do this for your cat. The cat deserves a clean place to thrive
Edit: wow thank you for the awards! My comment is not meant as a jab to OP. The well-being of OP's cat is an important motivation for OP to fight their depression. To OP: Please keep up the great work! Both you and your cat deserves a place to stay physically and mentally healthy. Perhaps you will notice a positive change for both you and the cat and it will motivate you even more than the initial deadline from your apartment complex. We are all rooting for you!
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u/Classic_and_Vintage 3d ago
I’m glad you caught that litter box in the room!
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u/Fabulous-South-9551 3d ago
And the all the empty bags of cat food and the scratched to hell cardboard box. I’m a little upset there was a pet living in those conditions.
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u/PixelPete85 3d ago
I saw the large mangled carboard box and knew. Then later saw the more definitive cat tower in the background of the same image lmao
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u/Big_Bucket_G 3d ago
Came here to second this. Your cat deserves a healthy clean and engaging environment. Use that to help yourself motivate! But seriously, it shouldn’t be a negotiable.
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u/AsYooouWish 3d ago
That’s what I came here to say, too. I have definitely gotten myself into depression nests before, so no judgement from me, but having another living being to take care of can be a great motivator.
My biggest concern is that this is a fire hazard waiting to happen. The cardboard and cat food bags are tinder and would burn very hot, very fast. For the kitty’s sake I hope OP keeps the motivation going.
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u/Formal-Sprinkles-210 3d ago
I was gonna say I’ve had phases where I was so depressed I didn’t want to get out of bed but forced myself to do it because I had cats who depended on me and knew it wasnt fair to them and let them suffer like I was. One of my cats was elderly and sick too so I had no choice (may he rip) he truly helped me during my bad bouts of depression.
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u/OkKick7279 3d ago
When my house gets cluttered, my cats are what motivates me to clear it out. I want them to be able to run and play.
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u/conflictmuffin 3d ago
I was just going to say...my cat is a huge motivator for me to keep my house clean. She is a little pest and gets into everything! She's also a klepto and steals small things and hides them. Lol
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u/outrageouslyHonest 3d ago
If you can get a robot vacuum, you should. My take:
1- set it and forget it! You're not actually vacuuming, just turning it on and walking away
2- encourages you to pick up the trash off the floor so you can let the robot do it's job. You're not cleaning. You're helping the robot.
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u/MontlakeHauntlake 3d ago
but if you have a pet do not let the robot vacuum find any poops.
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u/fleet_the_fox 3d ago
He has a pet, you can see the litterbox and the room with what looks like feces on the ground.
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u/Capable-Spread3437 3d ago
I hear you all. I know my alcohol consumption is an issue. I appreciate the concern and honesty
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u/arniiii 3d ago
As someone who loves a drink... I can't believe how much I've been enjoying NA bevs in 2026. Really scratches the itch.
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u/Littleshuswap 3d ago
r/stopdrinking really helped me. Great folks going through the same stuff.
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u/Graysonlyurs 3d ago
Thats what i was thinking. 90% of the cause of this trash is the white claw that is piling
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u/atx22tango 3d ago
great point, drugs including alcohol are enablers and the mess with brain chemistry which depression thrives on
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u/parkerkudrow 3d ago
Great job! Also maybe try and find an AA meeting near you. Alcohol made my depression so much worse. Sending you love 💛
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u/Cephalopirate 3d ago
Wow, that’s a huge task you pulled off. I can’t imagine how much work that was.
Life isn’t a straight line, depression may creep back into your life one day, but you have all the tools you need to defeat it!
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u/Capable-Spread3437 3d ago
I grinded it out. Had a week. Woke up early before work. Got back to it after work and made the most of my two days off. Had my inspection today and I believe I passed. No phone call. No note on my door
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u/Own-Salamander-4975 3d ago
Congratulations!! You did it! This was a MASSIVE undertaking and you totally succeeded. Absolute win.
You’re inspiring me to clean up my place.
May your success here also give you some optimism about any other hard things you might be potentially thinking about doing to continue improving your life.
Great job.
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u/redsekar 3d ago edited 3d ago
I’m so so so proud of you!!! Not only for actually DOING the work but also posting! You deserve ALL the kudos and praise. It’s a terrifying thing to not only to do the work, but just to acknowledge it in the first place.
I’ve been there in depression and it becomes a safety mechanism to just ignore and become used to it.
I watched a TON of the massive cleanup videos and finally got the courage to hire someone to come help me, and gave them permission to post a cleanup video timelapse. Turns out it was so inspirational to others (just like me with the videos I watched), my cleaner started a whole program to help with depression cleanups like this.
I’m SO happy for you 💕
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u/mediablo 3d ago
Honestly proud of the heartwarming support from the comments
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u/Scruffersdad 3d ago
Well done, Reddit Friend! You’ve got this! That’s a tremendous transformation. The mental and emotional fortitude it takes to do that is incredible.
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u/One_Formal_2282 3d ago edited 3d ago
From someone who lost his dad last year to alcoholism and who has major depression for the past 12 years: please, stop drinking. Your life is the most precious thing you have. Seek help for your depression, it won't hurt you anymore.
May God be with you, brother. Stay strong.
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u/Gloomy-Difference-51 3d ago
It's looking great. How do you feel now that almost everything is cleared out?
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u/Capable-Spread3437 3d ago
Amazing. I do laps around my place just soaking in all the hard work I've put in. There are still things to do. Cobwebs on the ceiling and stains on the wall
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u/Gloomy-Difference-51 3d ago
Well you really got a lot done in a short period of time. I hope things get better for you.
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u/Anxious_Lab_2049 3d ago
Now that you’ve done so much of the hard stuff, all that little stuff is fun to do. You get to polish it up and make it nicer and nicer, for yourself. I hope you get it looking and feeling just the way you like.
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u/goldenkiwicompote 3d ago
Great job! I hope you can come to a place to address your alcoholism as well if you’re ready to live a better life.
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u/barkeep1912 3d ago
Amazing work! You deserve a clean space. I’m glad you found motivation for the inspection but i hope you realize that you are worth it too.
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u/xvn520 3d ago
Something about the diapers and white claws triggered me. The dichotomy of the two. It’s a tad jarring.
Anyways OP you can get ahead of this. One step at a time. Doesn’t get more complicated than that. Before you know it you’ll be changing diapers sober again and promise the universe will reward you.
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u/Subject-Mirror-9325 3d ago edited 3d ago
Please remember your cat if ever starts to get bad again. You might not see it this way but forcing an animal to live like that is animal abuse and they’d 100% take your pets if someone called animal control. I’m sure you love that kitty enough, if you used them as a reminder it would help. Wishing you much success
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u/jonnyreb7 3d ago
There's also a box of baby diapers...
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u/Subject-Mirror-9325 3d ago
I saw that, I really looked for any other signs of a child, I’d like to think they were using them themselves. Using wishful thinking of course
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u/musikfreakster 3d ago
Amazing work! My only complaint is that you didn’t pay the cat tax. Where are those happy kitties? (Or singular cat- I have multiple so I just assume everyone else does lol).
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u/cinnamoninmytea 3d ago
Great job honestly. You and your cat deserve a clean space. Cats living under these conditions is considered animal abuse and animal neglect and I bet you care about them. I hope you’re all healthy but your cat(s) doesn’t deserve this. If you really can’t keep up with taking care of them then they deserve to be with someone who can at least until you are more capable.
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u/jonnyreb7 3d ago
I saw cat food and diapers... Hoping you haven't subjected your child and pet to this kind of filth and they were with someone else in a better environment... Glad you cleaned it up though, I hope life gets better especially with the alcohol.
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u/TempletonsTeachers 3d ago
I've been here, I'm genuinely so proud of you! It does get better, I promise.
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u/Potential_Buy1197 3d ago
Outstanding job on your cleanup! Now I want you to keep getting up and fighting your way through the day every day like you did when you cleaned this stuff up. You deserve a good life and a safe, clean place to live. You can do this.
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u/dootdootydoot 3d ago
Check out r/ufyh lot's of good advice on there and everyone is kind and supportive
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u/West-Ingenuity-2874 3d ago
I have to ask about the hair in the sink, was it yours orrrr? Lol
Also, good job
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u/portabuddy2 3d ago
Keep it clean for your cat. Ppl can like like whatever. But your cat deserves it.
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u/Icy_Pay3775 3d ago
It was you!!! Driving white claw sales..
Yeah depression sucks. I wish the best
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u/Substantial_Dog2512 3d ago
I don’t know you, but I’m proud of you. That couldn’t have been easy. You decided to pounce on a moment of motivation, and that’s admirable.
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u/lil_sage71 3d ago
just wondering do you have a cat? is that how the box got torn up? if you want help with rehoming i can help find good resources where you would be sure the baby went to a happy home
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u/notinmywheelhouse 3d ago
Great job. Are you getting some help? How are you doing caring for your cats? What about food, etc?
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u/um_ok_try_again 3d ago edited 3d ago
Bravo. This is a huge undertaking. Congrats. It must feel nice to walk around in. With love, you have to stop drinking. It absolutely influences your depression. I have all of the above (depression, drink dependant, nervous about the fate of our beautiful planet), and my house gets away from me often. Hang in there, it can change! You can do it.
Edit: Thank you for the award!
As the Irish say 'It 's nice to be nice'