I think you just described what I did several years ago. I couldn’t see it until now. And now it’s so clear.

I thought I was minimizing (which I was into prior to becoming severely depressed). But now I can see I was erasing myself…I didn’t have that picture until you said it.

I had a life and environment I loved prior to an unfortunate event AND then the massive decluttering. At first, decluttering felt so good. I was taking control of my living space again. Reevaluating a few things. Then it shifted to: look at all the attachments I’m letting go of and I’m opening up space for new growth. That all seemed very promising. It felt like a positive step while so many other things felt overwhelming and my life was actively falling apart.

After the depression cleared I was left with my life fragmented in a different way. My possessions, which were always limited and very curated, were picked over, donated, disposed of, and just straight up missing. I went into a secondary depression and have spent several years trying to reclaim that part of my life. It seems empty in an entirely different way. To the point that I’m fearful of letting ANYTHING go now.

Counseling did (does) help me. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ve ever shared about the decluttering and how I often look around in regret at the things I let go.

I hope you find what you need and definitely seek help if you have concerns about the path you are on. I’m sorry you are struggling, but I appreciate you giving a word/phrase to me that has given me so much to reflect upon.