ADHD and Doom Piles

September 23, 2024 3 min read

By Allie Sadowski

Allie is a member of the GLPG Marketing team and a contributor to the Current and the Notepad.

Have you ever looked around your space and noticed piles of clutter here and there, like small mountains of forgotten intentions? These are often referred to as “doom piles,” a term that has gained popularity in the ADHD community. The name might sound dramatic, but it aptly captures the overwhelming feeling these piles can generate.

Studies show that individuals with ADHD are three times more likely to struggle with organization and clutter, AKA doom piles, compared to those without ADHD. According to a survey conducted by ADDitude Magazine, 62% of adults with ADHD reported severe difficulties in maintaining organized spaces.

What are Doom Piles?

So, what exactly are doom piles? Essentially, they’re accumulations of miscellaneous items that seem too daunting to tackle. They can appear anywhere in your home or workplace—on a desk, in a corner, or even inside a closet. Each pile represents a collection of delayed decisions and unfinished tasks, which can be particularly challenging for individuals with ADHD.

For someone with ADHD, the struggle with doom piles is not just about physical clutter; it’s also about cognitive overload. The presence of these piles can serve as visual reminders of uncompleted tasks, increasing anxiety and reducing productivity. Understanding why these piles form is the first step towards managing them effectively.

Decision fatigue: Making numerous small decisions about where to place items can be exhausting.
Procrastination: It’s easy to put off dealing with these piles because the task seems overwhelming.
Out of sight, out of mind: ADHD often comes with issues of forgetfulness, making it easy for these piles to grow unnoticed.

If you’re grappling with doom piles, you’re not alone. Many people with ADHD find that clutter accumulates due to decision fatigue, procrastination, and/or the out of sight, out of mind phenomenon. Tackling these doom piles can seem like a daunting task, but there are strategies that can make the process more manageable.

7 Ways to Help You Tackle Doom Piles

Let’s dive into how you can manage and even eliminate doom piles to bring more order to your space and mind.

Ditch perfectionism: The quest for a perfectly organized space can be paralyzing. It’s crucial to remember that any progress is better than none. Start small and set attainable goals. For example, you could tackle one pile at a time or dedicate just 15 minutes a day to organization. Gradually, you should notice a significant improvement.
Gather support: Whether it’s family, friends, or a professional organizer, having support can provide both motivation and accountability. Sometimes, an outside perspective can offer innovative solutions that you might not have considered.
Develop an organizational structure: Invest in storage solutions that work for your specific needs—whether it’s labeled bins, drawer organizers, or open shelving. These tools can help ensure everything has a designated place, reducing the decision fatigue that comes with finding spots for items.
Employ external reminders: Simple tools like phone alerts, sticky notes, and calendar apps can serve as helpful prompts throughout the day. These reminders can become lifelines, guiding you back to your tasks when distractions arise.
Incorporate things you enjoy: For instance, play your favorite music while you sort through a desk pile or reward yourself with a short break after completing a set task. These positive associations can make the process more enjoyable and less daunting.
Document your progress: Taking before and after photos of your space can be beneficial. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing visual proof of your efforts. These photos can serve as a motivational tool, reminding you of how far you’ve come and encouraging you to keep going.
Consider finding a therapist: If you’re finding it particularly challenging to stay organized, reaching out to a healthcare or mental health professional may provide additional support and resources tailored to your needs.