If you or a loved one is a hoarder, know that you are not alone.by American Psychiatric Association, approximately 2.6% of all Americans, or more than 8 million people, suffer from this disorder.This behavior is common, but simply recognized as a mental illness In 2013.
One thing we’ve discovered about this condition is that using the right words can help. For example, it’s best not to call someone a “hoarder,” but instead a “hoarder.” teeth our illnesses and disabilities; It can also be helpful to learn how to support someone who engages in such behavior and to know that hoarders often feel helpless.
What is hoarding?
Hoarding is a mental health disorder in which there is an ongoing obsession with holding on to one’s possessions, resulting in a significant accumulation of possessions and clutter. Brad Schmidt, a distinguished research professor of psychology at Florida State University, says that in addition to the difficulty an individual has in letting go of their possessions, “the person may have a strong desire to acquire the possession in the first place.” “There are often many,” he explains.
It’s also worth noting that while many of us can relate to the desire to hold on to certain possessions, hoarders generally feel this way most of the time. all Gregory Chasson, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the University of Chicago, says the thought of losing their possessions and parting with any of them is extremely painful.
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Why do people stock up?
The exact cause has not been determined, but it is thought to be a combination of factors. “Hoarding disorder is thought to involve both genetic and environmental factors,” says Marla Deibler, a clinical psychologist in Princeton, New Jersey, who specializes in treating hoarding disorders. .
On the genetic side, she says it is known that people with family members who are hoarders often have similar problems and are at higher risk of developing the condition. Environmentally, you may have grown up in a so-called scarcity mindset, where you are taught that everything has value or will be useful someday. “A person who hoards believes that the item may be needed later, that someone else may use the item, or that the item may serve a purpose that has not yet been discovered. ” says Chasson.
People may also not want to contribute to environmental waste, or may attach emotional value to items so disposing of them can be emotionally painful, he says.
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How to help someone who is hoarding
Whatever the reason someone hoards, it’s essential to help them slowly and respectfully.
But it helps teeth important. Being surrounded by too much clutter can take a toll on your quality of life, especially if your bedroom or kitchen is so overcrowded that tables, appliances, and beds can’t be used for their intended purpose. There is also an increased risk of fire and the possibility of pest and rodent infestation.
An important first step is to help someone realize why it is important to make a change. “Rather than complaining or getting angry, discuss non-judgmentally how the behavior is negatively impacting your relationship, express your concerns about your loved one’s health and safety, and take control of the situation.” It would be more productive to offer to help make things more messy,” says Schmidt.
When it comes to cleaning and organizing your space, Chasson cautions that it’s important to “avoid forced cleaning” and work on projects in collaboration with hoarders. It’s helpful to have organized piles for storage, trash, donations, etc.
Leaving some items in a self-storage unit is another strategy that can help you part with many items at once without feeling like you have to part with them forever. This will also help you get used to the idea of not having things anymore, and it will also give you a chance to discover how nice a clean space in your home feels.
“Storage units can also help alleviate the feeling of being overwhelmed and stuck with too many things to do,” says Schmidt. At the same time, it is important to keep such a transition temporary so that hoarders do not replenish empty spaces in the house with more items. “I always tell people to sign a month-to-month lease and make sure the storage company doesn’t raise the rent after a few months. Otherwise, using a storage unit this way can be quite expensive. ” advises Towne Storage COO Burke Bradshaw.
get to the root of why It is also important for someone to hoard. “It’s not enough just to eliminate or organize existing clutter, because clutter is usually a symptom of a broader problem,” he says. Seeking professional help and practicing cognitive behavioral therapy may be the best way to accomplish this.
“Find a specialist with experience in hoarding disorders,” advises Diebler. “During the process, be supportive, patient, empathetic, and positive, and celebrate progress, even if it’s slow.”
