My grandma was a sentimental collector of things that were precious to her. She lived in a ramshackle and very cozy cottage, but tidy it was not. Piles of magazines muddled up with nail varnish, Pond's Cold Cream, address books, half a burnt candle in the shape of Margaret Thatcher, with remnants of wax evident, a broken watch, and then the saved biscuits, chocolate wrappers, sticky surfaces and mismatched plates.
She lived through WWII, and, alongside everyone else, had experienced great hardship, food and clothing shortages – so in post-war Britain, she learned to save everything “just in case” she needed it.
We often label ourselves or others as hoarders, but is that always the case?
How do you know if someone has Hoarding Disorder?
The following questions may help to clarify this:
1. Do you (or someone you know) find it hard to part with possessions despite them having little or no value? (ie old magazines, empty containers)
2. Do you feel you “need” to save everything and feel upset if you are pressured to discard things?
3. Have you so many possessions that living areas are cluttered?
4. Are you embarrassed about inviting people into your home?
5. Are the living areas a safe environment (ie free from trips or fire hazards and hygienic)?
6. Is the hoarding related to another medical condition (ie brain injury) or mental health disorder (ie OCD)
If the answer is yes to any or all of the above then it might be that Hoarding Disorder is at play…
Consider the clutter below…how much of a problem is the clutter and which image 1-9 best represents it?
Clutter image rating:
What are the reasons for Hoarding Disorder?
Little is known about the exact causes for hoarding , but underlying depression, anxiety or a psychotic disorder can be an indicator. Research suggests that other pre-disposing factors could include self-neglect, living alone, a family history of hoarding, growing up in a cluttered home and not learning to prioritise, traumatic experiences, loss or deprivation.
What can be done about it?
This disorder needs very gentle handling as simply disposing of items can cause great distress and some might go as far as to say it can be traumatizing.
People can feel very anxious or embarrassed about it, or perhaps be in total denial about it being a problem.
· If possible, the best first step is (with permission, if you are reporting for someone else) to inform the GP in order to see what support it available and or any underlying causes to be treated.
· Therapy can help – CBT can help someone to recognize and understand where the problem originated and help, practically, with taking steps to make changes.
· Sometimes medication is recommended
The following podcast is a very interesting and informative discussion between two therapists - Sarah Rees (@sarahdrees) interviews a therapist who both specializes in Hoarding Disorder Therapy as well as having lived experience of it, herself…do take a look as it may dispel some myths around hoarding…
If this has raised any issues that you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Further info and help:
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