For some individuals, shopping has become a way of life. Unfortunately, there are some shoppers who never know when to stop and when to let go. The result? A house full of piles and piles of clutter.
Shows like Clean My Nest have raised the public’s awareness of the problem of hoarding and living in an overcrowded home. An estimated 5% of Americans fall into the category of hoarders, and this significant figure further lends credence to the fact that this has now become a wide spread mental health issue.
The fact that we live in a highly materialistic world gives more impetus for this condition, and contrary to popular belief, hoarding is a psychological illness that does not stop once you call in someone to clean house.
Understanding the Root Cause of Hoarding
It is often difficult to pinpoint a hoarder from a miser because their qualities can at times overlap. To spot someone suffering from a real problem, you need to look beyond the clutter and observe how they behave. A person who buys things that are of no use to them, fails to function daily because of their compulsive need to shop, and risks their safety at home are typical signs that a person has gone to extremes over stashing all kinds of stuff. Here are other indicators that can help loved ones easily identify this disease:
- Has a strong emotional attachment to even the littlest of things, which is why they cannot bear to throw anything away.
- Finds value in the most trivial of things.
- Believes that each and every item in the home has a purpose and will one day prove to be very useful.
- Constantly in fear of being robbed.
Treating a Hoarder
The problem with this specific disorder is that in our current society, hoarding is still not accepted as a disease. This leaves many sufferers without the help they need. Even family members can turn a cold shoulder, believing that the person is simply messy or disorganized. If you see a loved one displaying the most common symptoms of this disorder, seeking immediate professional guidance is the best step you can take to help them.
Available Therapies:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – this specific treatment aims to change how patients view the items they buy and collect at home. Through CBT, individuals with hoarding syndromes are taught to make reasonable decisions on what to keep and what to throw away. While this treatment plan takes a long time depending upon the patient’s level of mental and emotional stress, it is an effective way to curtail the growing need to hoard.
2. Harm Reduction – hoarders typically place their life at some level of risk, which is why ensuring their safety is a natural part of any rehabilitation plan. Since they rarely seek help, it is best to have an organizer help keep their home neat and in order, as well as take out items that may result in injury or trigger an accident. By working closely with someone who is their complete opposite, a hoarder slowly learns the value of living in a clean space.
Hoarding is a condition that deserves understanding and acceptance instead of ridicule and dismissal. By educating yourself on what triggers this disease you can become better equipped at helping loved ones going through this problem.
Full time mom and part time writer, Carla loves to learn about all things related to the home with the occasional dip into human psychology. Most of her writing focuses on practical tips to avoid bed bugs when traveling and your best bedbug steamer rental options if you do end up bringing the buggers home.
Photo by andidigress
