I spontaneously cleaned my microwave yesterday and am still bragging about it to my husband. Total self-esteem booster.

Just me, a 40+ single dad who lost his dad, watching an interior design vid on a Friday, totally not crying 😢 Thanks for this, Caroline.

15:35 I was expecting her to say “what’s coming next is better” but I love how she said “what’s coming next is unknown and full of possibilities”… it was a nice reminder to myself that I don’t always have to keep outgoing myself…

I know this is an older video and you probably won't even see this comment, but I just wanna say I'm grateful you take the emotional component of desgning your space into consideration. A few months ago my dad passed away and I inherited my family home and I am preparing to move in next year. It is such a wild mix of feelings dealing with this. This place is so familiar to me, but it also feels strange. I am really sad about the reasons why I own this place now, but I am also very excited to have the opportunity to design a whole new home. Sometimes I feel like I want to get rid of everything and the next moment I wanna keep everything as is. It's such a roller coaster... and that's okay. I am watching a bunch of your videos and they help me a lot and I wanna say thank you for that 💕

“It doesn’t release the weight… it releases the anxiety about ‘this is forever,’ because it’s not.” I really, really needed to hear that. Thank you for this video, Caroline, really. I think this is very meaningful for a lot of us.

Hey again Caroline ❤ I am sitting here crying like a lil baby. You really went above and beyond in helping me find a way to help myself out and therefore help my Mom. Each tip was so thoughtful and dare I say genius. I didn’t even think to “shop” around her place to move the colours from one room to another. I can’t wait to go for a walk and come back feeling ready to organize at least 5 things. It’s much less scary when you break it down into bite sizes. This video genuinely made my heart happy for the first time in a while. Through the tears, I felt a burst of energy that I haven’t felt for the past month of loss. Your humour and compassion throughout the video were like a hug from an old friend, tbh. Thank you, sincerely, with all my heart. For your time, effort and empathy. Even though we’re all strangers, I feel so connected and supported ❤ Happy new year Caroline, thank you times a million & I hope you’re doing well! Edit: Your sweet video brought me up from a shitty 2/10 to a precious 8/10 and for that I am thankful 🤗

A quick tip to anyone out there who checked out when she said to take a walk because you're like me and spend about 50 hours on your feet at work in one week and the idea of going for a 15 minute walk sounds painful, try sitting outside for 15 minutes and staring at trees and little birds and squirrels.

When I felt depressed and overwhelmed in my small space, I realized it was visual clutter. But I have a lot of books and art supplies in a tiny place! I have them all on shelves against adjacent walls and it can be a bit much. So I hung two layers of curtains from the ceiling, a solid layer and a sheer detailed layer, and just pulled the curtains on what I didn’t want to see! It was a game changer.

This was the kindest thing you could have done for that subscriber. That sweet deed is now rippling through the rest of our lives. God bless you, Caroline.

As an Occupational Therapist, the advice you have provided is exactly what I educate my clients on. However, I love that your video is from lived experience AND that it’s not heavy and all about depression or low energy. Thank you for this. I have saved it in my therapist tool box and will be sharing with appropriate clients who would benefit and appreciate your honesty and compassion.

To the person who wrote the initial comment requesting a video like this and to you Caroline, thank you for bringing about this type of video. I love how it mixed achievable goals and suggestions with interior design. Brilliant. And compassionate. I pray you’re able to take some of Caroline’s suggestions and that the process and end result bring peace and healing to you and your mom. ❤️

My dad passed away at the beggining of the pandemic….it was such a traumatic event that I experienced panic attacks and felt dead inside. I moved with my mom cause she was alone and what saved me was the rearrangement and redecoration of spaces I did in her house. Beautiful video you made! ❤️

Ok this one is going viral. Accessible truth spoken here. You are not just decorating, You are now changing lives and thought patterns. You are a rock star!

I’ve never felt so seen and understood by someone on KZfaq talking about interior design/self-care before ❤ You were right; this one was a banger.

“You’re surviving and I’m proud of you,” instantly made me cry so…that’s how I’m doing right now!

I moved into a house that was essentially left hoarded out. I have made so much progress on it but six months have gone by and the space just burns me out. I work full time and this house is my side project. So much of what you said is ringing true for me. I am a man, I work as a building technician and maintenance mechanic. I have so many skills, but some days I literally can’t even vacuum and it feels like climbing a mountain. It was so refreshing to hear how you have gotten through these moments. I got the energy to mop and get rid of some art I don’t even like anymore at all. And funny enough as a man not often connected with my emotions what you said describes what I am going through so perfectly I can hardly believe it.

I can’t believe how much I needed this today. Just moved to a new area, started a new job, living in a temporary space. I’m sad and hopeful and lonely and proud and all the things. This video, your words, reminded me why I made the choices that led me here and that however I’m feeling at any given time is temporary. Thanks for doing what you do.

Ok I'm crying. I feel very alone and lazy when depressed, and hearing you say how hard it is to just pick up 5 pieces of clothing made me feel so seen and validated. Other people feel like picking up 5 pieces of clothing is too hard too. Thank you for this video, I needed it.

This is honestly one of the most helpful videos on self care for mental health / depression that I've ever seen. A few years ago I was in a really dark place with depression and also lived in a complete sh*t hole of an apartment. Slowly working on making my place look better - like as good as reasonably possible in light of the terrible bones of the place- was a big part of my self care during that time. It's hard to feel great about yourself when living in a bad space, but I also came to feel that regardless of how nice my space looks at any time in the future, the process of updating and renovating can be a boost.

She is definitely not lying with the lamps! TL;DR - I changed this space so that it no longer reminds me of him or us together or the bad OR good times we had. This space is now completely ME, the way I've imagined a cozy space while living alone. And because of that, I'm starting to have more good days and fewer bad ones. I'm recovering from a 9-year...thing (don't even know what to call it) with a man who has Narcissistic Personality Disorder and who could, at times, be very aggressive and occasionally violent. The bouts of depression and grief and shame and guilt (at myself) coming out of something like that is REAL... especially when that person lived in the same house and certain areas bring up messed up memories of things that happened. SO...I made the decision a few days ago to completely redecorate the living area and hallway. We just moved into this house not that long ago and so we hadn't really gotten into furnishing and decorating these areas yet. That's actually a GOOD thing because the living room is still mostly empty, which means it's easier to actually envision what I want. We had picked out a few paintings and lamps together that he paid for, but he knew how homey it was starting to feel to me, so of course he packed them to take with him, pretty much leaving the living room bare. So, after really thinking about how I want this room to feel when I walk in from a long, tiring day, I went out and picked a few paintings on my own, bought a couple more that coordinate with those from Amazon, and also bought 2 standing lamps. They're simple lamps, but they're kind of elegant. They're perfect for a situation when you want your own (and any visitors') eyes to focus on the paintings and overall vibe, but they're kind of becoming my favorite things about this room! My favorite thing about these lamps? They have 3 light "warmth" settings. So I can change the warmth of the light's color depending on the mood I'm in or the vibe I'm going for. Because I'm going for the vibe of a rustic cabin with a country girl's touch, when the lights are set on the warmer tone the room looks more old-fashioned and rustic. When I use the cooler tones it still looks rustic, but more modern (and a little brighter). So I use the cooler tones when I'm feeling those bouts of depression coming on (the brighter feeling is a big pick-me-up) and the warmer tone when I'm feeling mellow and just hanging out reading or cooking or watching something. Sorry that was so long! The main point is that I changed this space so that it no longer reminds me of him or us together or the bad OR good times we had. This space is now completely ME, the way I've imagined a cozy space while living alone. And because of that, I'm starting to have more good days and fewer bad ones because the space I've created feels like the comforting arms of a good, solid friend I can fall into and feel whatever I'm feeling in peace and safety before enjoying a little hot tea & sympathy. ♥️

What a lovely, thoughtful thing to do. I lost my Mum a few weeks ago and your video reminded me of the kindness that so often comes from strangers, someone we 'know' on KZfaq, a neighbour we haven't spoken to before, someone in the coffee shop or a proper smile from someone that reaches their eyes and makes you feel as if they sense your pain even when no words pass between you. Thank you for being kind. x

Sharing in case this helps others in the comments. I realized **SCENT** can make a big difference. Yesterday I realized that I associate the scent in my apartment with depression. I put the diffuser outside and felt a noticeable difference. It was a great scent but it has been with me in some low times recently, so getting rid of it helped me separate out of that feeling a teeny tiny bit.

I spend my work days with the suffering and grieving (palliative care; deeply love my work) AND I believe in the power of aesthetics as a kind of surprising ministry to the soul . . . .HOLY SH*T! Caroline! This is amazing! This video is a thoughtful and loving gift to anyone going through some dark sh*t. I already loved your whole thing but this is NEXT LEVEL. KZfaq, prepare a throne cos this b*tch is a true queen!

I tell my children all the time, “love yourself exactly where you are”. Self love is so important!

So timely. My youngest girl is going through a dark space right now. Yesterday we went in cleaned out her dust bunnies, and did laundry. She took down her little Christmas tree, and then we got out of the house. Really helped her focus out for a while. Baby steps.

Caroline, you have a purpose here on earth girl, as does everyone. This episode right here is one moment where no one but you could have done what you did. You reached out beyond our devices and let us see and hear and feel how we can realign and take another step. Comes from your pain and your gains and only through YOUR personality in how to execute the words and attitude that drive it home into our hearts. I’ve read allllll the comments and am happy to report that you made an impact. And I hope our energy of love and appreciation can lift you and help you see and find what you are needing in life right now. Love you friend, thank you for being alive and living your purpose. Showing us how to be brave and stand where we are and start living.

I watch decorating channels all the time. I also watch several therapists on KZfaq, and yet somehow this video broke through my wall of numb and made me cry, when nothing else did. I finally felt totally appropriate emotions, but inspired by a channel I've never watched before (don't know why) and in a way I totally did not expect. Thank you from a new subscriber.

Hi. I just wanted to say thank you for making this video! People don't think about how depression can really make you feel overwhelmed in your space, unmotivated, and lonely. I'm sure this video will help someone out there; including myself! So a big thank you!

The niche of interior decorating combined with mental health is definitely your wheelhouse. Thank you for this

My dad was full of wisdom and one of his sayings was “every human relationship is an eternal responsibility” you demo that respect for others beautifully.

I'm a YT addict and this is hands down the best channel out I've came across... Thank you Caroline, you are awesome!

Okaayyyyy I was not ready for that ending (THERE’S NO CRYING AT WORK!! 😩😩😆). This was so unbelievably loving and I know what that commenter was feeling. My father passed a few years ago and I literally felt like I could barely function. This was very heartwarming and relatable and NOT dismissive of people acknowledging where they ARE and not where other people think they SHOULD be. Love you so much for this. Blessings and happiness to you. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️❤️❤️❤️

Like, as someone who deals with depression this video brought tears to my eyes, cannot tell you why. You're a genuinely heart warming person.

I'm not the person you made this video for but still seeing you talking to them made me tear up. Due to some events from 2022, I know already that this year is going to have a lot of difficult tasks for me which made me very unmotivated and kind of depressed during the last weeks. Just seeing you care so much for a random person on the internet made me somehow feel less alone and seen. Thank you for that. Love from Germany 💜

Even though this video was not for me, somehow it was. I schlepped myself around the block for 15 minutes (hardest part) and finally decided to get rid of my old sofa (the one I bought with my ex) and ordered a new one. So thank you for being so kind to Jessie and helping me on the way, too.

Thank you. Thank you SO much. To some, these tips may seem intuitive but it’s amazing how depression can distort EVERYTHING. Everything is heavier, harder to do, more important and subsequently more frustrating when you simply just CAN’T. I saved this to my “Favorites”, “Home Decor”, and “Mental Health” folders on KZfaq. 2022… left me so empty, I’m determined to fill my cup in 2023. Thank you for the ideas for the hard days ♥️

OMG, you have no idea (or maybe you do) how much I needed this today! I have struggled with depression for almost 20yrs and only recently began to get professional help. Today I was looking around my house at all the unfinished things and immediately felt overwhelmed like I wanted to hide under my blanket and pretend everything else doesn't exist. So happy I decided to watch this video because now I feel like I have a plan that will allow me to function today. So thank you for this!

That ending made me emotional.

Caroline, I started watching your videos looking for design inspiration for my space, then I stayed because your energy reminds me so much of my sister (she gives zero craps about anything or anyone getting in her way). I've come to realize that I love time spent with your videos because you let me experience an adult, female discourse that I crave. I know parasocial relationships are a hot topic, but I don't have anyone in my life who I can honestly talk with about therapy, growth, and putting in the work for yourself. You are so open and genuine, and I truly value your perspectives. Much love to you in 2023.

I started doing the voice memos with myself when I was at one of the lowest points in my life and it’s amazing how helpful it is, especially when you feel like you have no one to talk to or feel like you can’t talk to anyone!

Caroline, I just gotta say: you’ve made this-the internet, the world-a better place to be. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and time with those of us you don’t even know. Appreciate you!

HOLE TIP! I was afraid to hang art after painting every wall in my new house. It was an overwhelming chore and I burned myself out forever for painting. So I got over that fear by hanging almost every piece of art I have with command Velcro strips. I read the weight requirements for them and I have art everywhere now. When I don’t like it or I want to move things around, I just move the art and take the command strips off. No holes, no marks. Just make sure you follow the instructions. It was truly life changing for me.

I lost my dad very suddenly back in May. Became pregnant in July. Me and my mum have been struggling with his loss. She lives 5 hours away and I don't have any siblings. You made me cry, but also I loved all the tips because you can achieve a lot by just doing little things ❣️ you are probably the best KZfaqr out there. I appreciate your realness. That's what social media is lacking. Keep up the good work.

This is the kindest video in all KZfaq. For all of us suffering from depression and loss, this felt like a dear friend telling us "I got you", like real support, like a long hug. Thank you, just for being you. Thank you.

I am a therapist and you best believe I will be sharing this with some of my clients. This will serve so many people. Love it!❤

What a sweet gift to a subscriber (that we can all enjoy). As a fellow member of the ‘dead dad’s club’ I’m wishing her peace. That she hold tight to the (bitter)sweet moments where memories of him take hold. Since this is him still with you. ❤

This was an amazing gift of kindness to all of your followers. Thank you Caroline.

Just discovered this channel recently and I'm tearing up over how kind and understanding she always is in her videos

Commenting half for the algorithm, half because I, like a lot of people, really needed this today. January is a really difficult month for me. A lot of grief comes up and I tend to hermit myself in my space only to feel trapped and angry at myself for not taking better care of it. Thank you, Caroline. You are always the realest 💕

Caroline, you specifically responded to one subscriber, and yet with that response, you have clearly touched hundreds more (and counting). Like others, I found this video to be perfectly timed. Of all the videos of yours I've watched so far, this one might just be your best yet. Practical tips combined with compassion and understanding. Bravo! You just got a new subscriber in me.

Literally here out of desperation. I'm not sure if I'm depressed or on the verge of an anxiety attack, but I know I need to get up and clean, and just thinking about it is overwhelming. Hoping this video gives me the boost I need.

Not Caroline making me cry at the end of the video. Thank you for your sincerity, kindness and genuineness!

A new year can trigger negative emotions for those of us who are prone to depressive episodes - which is the case for me this year. So this came just at the right time. Thank you, Caroline.❤

I keep thinking, "Girl, you're so... wise." Some things you mentioned are things I figured out after long, long struggles. Others are things I've heard of but never thought were "for me," like keeping a simple journal of daily ratings. The way you explained the rationale was an aha moment for me. I love how you intertwined decorating and dealing with depression. Decorating my home makes me happy, depression makes me unable to take care of my home. You have a lot and you share it, generously. Thank you!

I'm watching this coz I rebounded from my depression. Looking back, I remember that I did have micro journaling and voice memos on my phone. I'm also in a new environment now, new place, new home. I'm currently healing. I wish to be well again.

Amen on the paint thing! My husband have covid the beginning of 2021 and spent almost four weeks in the hospital. We weren't able to go visit him because he was in the ICU, and about three weeks in, what started out as taking down a whiteboard and patching a big ol' hole ended up being painting the whole house with lots of family and friends. We had always hated the color from the time we moved in and when my husband finally came home after almost dying alone twice, it was so nice to have it looking like a fresh start ❤

It's crazy that this video dropped when it did because I haven't felt so grey and down in literally years. Thank you for helping me start the process of getting out of that

The look on your face after you said go for a walk it’s going to be ok, brought tears to my eyes. Your look conveyed such empathy.

You really explained what it feels like to have depression. I appreciate your authentic comments and simple tips. Going to work on my work space this week.

I love everything about this video. We’ve all been in a depressed state at one point or another and the advice to go for a walk is so helpful. The sun and outdoors for 15 mins can be such a game changer. Describing cabinet hardware as the jewelry of your room so the perfect description. What a lovely gift for a subscriber. 10/10

Fellow DC resident! I always watch you on saturdays with my morning coffee. Always makes me feel a little less alone!

Ok wow, how did this make me cry? You're a treasure, Caroline.

I actually cried at the end of this video 😢 what a meaningful thing to do for a subscriber ❤. Also I felt like you were talking to me when you were talking about last year being a hard year. Thank you for your videos ♥️

Another good thing about adding lamps; they don't all have to be electric. You can have one or two battery or chargeable types mixed in for those unexpected power outages.

Caroline, I don’t know if you realize how much this particular vlog means to many of us. Thank you.

Kindness is easy but not always shared. Today's video took me by surprise at the end. Your kindness toward a hurting viewer who randomly left you a comment of her pain shot through me. Thank you Caroline for reminding me that even a small thing can be a big thing to someone. Wishing you a happy and adventurous New Year!!

Ugh Caroline. You don't even know what you do for people. The absolute gift and blessing that you are. The sage, relatable, humble nurturer that you continue to be. You are beyond amazing. I think I speak for all of us when I say I love and am grateful for all that you are.

I was living alone for the first time in years and nursing my wounds after a sad breakup, and I was working a lot… I went through a bad phase of depression and what pulled me out was this one week I was feeling so sick, throat sore, achey, tired.. and I went to the store, got a few simple over the counter medications, OJ for that Vitamin C, and some soup. And I went home and put on my favorite show and bundled up and slept for 2 days. I ended up nipping the sickness in the bud and it made me realize that I wasn’t nurturing myself at all. I really stopped everything and coddled myself for the first time and put myself and my needs first, whereas I normally would never have gone any extra inch to do all of that just for me.. that was 4 years ago and I still think about it all the time. Got to take care of ourselves.

I have to watch all KZfaq on 1.5x speed, except Caroline. You're such a whirlwind of words i have to sometimes slow the video down 😂

Well the end of 2022 was not good Lots of depression days Family passed Lost job Personal relationship not doing well So 2023 kinda scares me But I’m gonna try my hardest to get out of this rut THANKS FOR SHARING

For depression which I’ve struggled with for years, I have low sugar dark chocolate in morning, not a cure but helps. I found a reproduction canvas painting of 2 zebras running, I got for 15 bucks at thrift shop. Makes me happy every time. I call them the 2 Henry’s dad and son running.

It was an emotional video for me too and I didn’t see that coming. It was a really beautiful and gentle video and you’re probably helping more people on all different levels than you’ll ever know. ❤

i havent left my apartment in a week and have spent all day everyday on youtube or my phone- this was a much needed video right now

What????? How the heck did you know the EXACT video I need right now? Caroline for President! 🇱🇷💙😄

i really needed this video. my grandma who raised me like a mother passed away in june and i just havent gotten over it, and i know i never will. ive started doing the type of things youve described already, but it feels SO good to be affirmed and have confirmation that im on the right path. thank you for this. thank you.

I just discovered this wonderful channel and I am in awe. we don’t usually see such compassion on the internet.

This video made me cry. Thats how I know I needed it- thank you!

Caroline, you speaking to that one subscriber at the end made me instantly tear up. The kindness to do that is so special. Despite watching and thinking oh, these are great tips for me, once you told us what prompted you to make the video, I want to honour them and tell this person that this act of kindness from you is just for them and that I am so sorry for their loss as well. You are a wonderful person Caroline

I don’t normally post comments but this video was so moving. I think it was your genuine desire to help, and offering everything you could with your time, effort, talent and empathy. Your tips were so practical on so many dimensions. Thank you 🙏

I love how you combined the two subjects & showed how you can do small things to help w/depression. I think it will help a lot of people.

I clicked one of your videos about interior design tips and it started off with “we’re all gonna die, don’t put so much pressure on design”, something like that. I laughed and so did my mom bc the past month I can’t stop thinking about death and the purpose of life. I’m having a hard time enjoying my life but honestly appreciate how real you are, totally connected with you, you’re amazing, thank you:)

With the latest words you let me speachless... sincerely Thank You, bises.

I wasn’t feeling depressed (maybe just a tad low) when I decided to watch. But, it cheered me up to just sprinkle a little cleanliness and order around my home after watching! ❤

I did a MAJOR purge at the beginning of COVID after my best friend died of cancer just 12 weeks after her diagnosis. She was also my job share partner, we sang in a choir together--I saw her almost every day of the week. I don't know if the purge helped my grief, but it gave me somewhere to direct my emotions. I hope your advice helps your subscriber who is grieving. 💖

I've been decluttering 1 drawer or small space at a time, which has a huge impact. Today was spice rack time. That led to a drawer and small space up in my closet. Then I rest, read, take my dogs out for fun, eat some deviled eggs (Yum!) and dance a bit. My last thing of the day, which calms me, is to vacuum.

wow I was so touched when you said "I know those words dont mean much, so I made you a video instead". It shows so much dedication to helping someone else feel better in their time of grief, but it also shows the level of empathy.

Beautiful. I sent this to my best friend who suffers from depression and also is stuck with fixing up her home. Thank you! ❤

I can across you accidentally and ended up binge watching most of you content... then this came up. It hit. It hit hard. In the best way. You Are Amazing for being funny, cookey, real, raw approachable. Thank you for listening to your viewers and thank you for posting this. It resonated on so many levels for me and let me do some refreshing of me and my space. Thank you for making me snort laugh and think and learn. Thank You

Love how relatable you are ❤ Also, you showing us the holes in your wall took me out 😂😂😂. My favorite “depression kicker” activity is vacuuming/swiffering 😂 That’s like the official marker that I’m back to being a productive adult.

I never post comments on youtube but this was such a kind, compassionate and straightforward video. Like your best friend sitting you down and talking you through a difficult period. Have watched twice through immediately but will come back to thia video many times in the future.

I highly recommend this when overwhelmed with mess while dealing with depression. I keep a few empty bins in a spare closet and ask someone (or do it myself) to just throw all the clutter in the and put them back in the closet. When I feel well again I just put them away. With rapid cycling bipolar disorder I get so highly creative (and extremely messy)for about 2 weeks then crash into depression.

You ain't lyin' about people/family/friends not knowing what to do or say when you are experiencing grief. A lot of clichés suddenly are regurgitated your way, which are well intentioned, but sound absolutely horrific in the context of your grief. Thank you for this video, this is so relatable.

I was so moved by your empathy and care here, Caroline. Even if we haven’t had a specific loss like your subscriber, all of us live with a series of losses and gifts. We are in the process of moving from a home that means so much to me and renovating an old home for our retirement. I’m a designer and so throwing myself into this reno has been a godsend, but I also sit in this current home and allow the stunning architecture to move me to tears as I soak it in. Losses and gifts along our way. Thank you for your compassion and humor.

I'm 35 seconds into this video, dear sweet and wonderful Caroline - I just had to immediately send you a hug and a kiss xo

My uncle died in July and it didn’t occur to me how depressed I was about it until I starting digging through everything and cleaning and organizing every itch of my home. It has definitely helped as my mind was just racing.

The idea of taking all the stuff off a peice of furniture or out of a room before deciding what to put back is also a great time to dust and vacuum the empty space. Really helps me when my space needs both deep cleaning and reorganizing.

I buy grocery store flowers for myself every week, as having fresh flowers my space instantly brightens my mood -I'm going to save this video for a day when flowers aren't enough

Sending love to the person you made this for, and to you for making it. Your channel is such a lovely place ❤

When you said “very good boys,” my dogs trotted in looking for a treat. ❤️🐾❤️

1. I love that you did this video bc of one subscriber’s comment. ❤ 2. I’m amazed and encouraged by your insight on how an emotion can make us feel so trapped or lost but weeks later it seems so foreign. Such a powerful reminder to not make rash decisions when we are having a “zero” kind of day. And we won’t feel that way forever. It’s so true. 💛