In my organizing business, I have worked with a small percentage of people over the years who are chronically disorganized. Most disorganized folks do not fall into this category. They are simply overwhelmed by accumulation, life events, a fast-paced existence and other transitory problems.

 

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The chronically disorganized, however, likely have a home or work space (or both) that is piled to the rafters with clutter. Often, they feel helpless to overcome their disorganization. Some television shows profile those with chronic disorganization, including hoarders and lifelong collectors. Indeed, chronically disorganized people require more specialized service than those who came by their disorganization by way of situation, habits, family history, or social influence. It is unlikely that a chronically disorganized person can independently pull themselves out of their circumstances.

Defining Chronic Disorganization

If you’ve tried a number of methods to dig out, only to find yourself in the same place you started, this may be your unique brand of disorganization. According to the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD), the definition of chronic disorganization is “having a past history of disorganization in which self-help efforts to change have failed, an undermining of current quality of life due to disorganization and the expectation of future disorganization” (www.nsgcd.org). In short, if you’ve been disorganized in the past, have tried to change on your own and forecast similar unsuccessful results in your future, you may suffer from chronic disorganization (CD).

Sometimes, there may be conditions that co-exist with CD, like depression, attention deficit disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder. These conditions may or may not be present in an individual with chronic disorganization but can exacerbate CD's effect on his or her living and working situation.

The important thing to know is that if you suffer from chronic disorganization, it does not mean you are stuck in this disorder forever. I encourage any who think they may suffer from chronic disorganization to visit the website of the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization. On this website, you can find more information and a referral directory in case you decide to enlist the help of an expert or investigate resources to conduct further research.


Adapted from: Restoring Order™ copyright © 2006 by Vicki Norris (available now at www.RestoringOrder.com and in July 2007as Reclaim Your Life™. Copyright © 2007). Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, OR. Used by permission.