When Hoarding Becomes a Concern for Mental Health

What is Hoarding? 

Hoarding is typically characterized by the difficulty of parting with or discarding possessions. In  most cases, there has been an accumulation of items that clutter the home and interfere with the  individual’s daily routine. Hoarding also has an emotional component. The individual usually  has intense emotions with the mere thought of separating from their possessions.  

Signs of Hoarding Disorder 

1. Excessive Clutter: the home is no longer functional because of clutter. 
2. Difficulty Discarding Possessions: the thought of discarding personal items triggers  significant emotional distress. 
3. Emotional Attachment to Items: a sense of strong emotional ties to items that appear to  be non-functional to others.  
4. Social Isolation: people with hoarding disorder often feel shame of their living conditions and will isolate fromisolate themselves from society.  
5. Indecision: struggle to decide if an item is of value or can be thrown away. 

Factors that can Contribute to Hoarding 

1. Emotional Comfort: possession brings a sense of comfort.  
2. Fear of Future Need: people that hoard fear that if the item is thrown away, they may  need it in the future. 
3. Perfectionism: individuals believe that if they hold on to an item long enough, they will  find the perfect use for it.  

The Impact of Hoarding 

1. Physical Health: when your living environment is unsanitary and/or has fall risks it  becomes a detriment to your physical health.  
2. Emotional and Mental Health: hoarding is often associated with depression, shame, and  anxiety. The longer the hoarder is in this setting the worse their mental health symptoms  become.  
3. Relationship Strain: family and friends become frustrated with the hoarder’s behavior.  Often family and friends distantce themselves and tension-filled relationships ensue.  
4. Financial Burden: many hoarders spend excessive money to gain more possessions.

How to Get Help 

1. Acknowledge the Problem: recognizing that you have a problem is the initial stage of  seeking help. 
2. Therapy and Professional Support: seeking professional support from counselors,  professional organizers, moving companies and support groups can provide the  comprehensive guidance that is often needed for a hoarder to better manage this disorder.  
3. Take Manageable Steps: tackling small and tangible tasks is a lot more manageable for  the hoarder; remember to celebrate the small wins! 
4. Be Patient: seeking help and improving the hoarding behaviors is a gradual process and  will require a great deal of patience.