Hoarding is a complex issue that affects many people and their loved ones. It’s important to approach this topic with sensitivity and understanding. This article aims to shed light on what hoarding is, its dangers, and how to support someone dealing with it.
Hoarding is a behaviour characterised by the excessive acquisition of items, even those that may seem of little value to others. These items often include newspapers, takeaway containers, clothing, ornaments, broken items for spare parts or repair, kitchenware, car parts, old bills, newspapers, magazines, books, and brochures. Items inherited from a deceased estate can be especially problematic due to their sentimental value and the associated feelings of grief and loss.
Unlike collectors, who take pride in and organise their collections, individuals who hoard often keep their possessions in disarray and do not display them.
Signs of hoarding include difficulty discarding items, a large amount of clutter, losing important items in the clutter, feeling overwhelmed by the volume of possessions, and avoiding inviting others into the home due to embarrassment.
Animals, especially small domestic ones such as cats, rabbits, dogs, and birds, can also be hoarded. Animal hoarding can lead to squalor, with both animal food and waste easily accumulating. This can put people in the house at risk of parasites and zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can be caught from the animals. The person may believe they are caring for the animals, but in reality, they may not be doing this very well.
Hoarding can lead to severe clutter that threatens health and safety. It can cause structural damage to the home, fire hazards, and even eviction. It can also lead to conflicts with family members and friends who are concerned about the individual’s well-being.
People who hoard often have difficulty organising their possessions and may experience strong emotions related to their items. They may feel joy when acquiring new items and guilt or fear when considering discarding items. It’s important to remember that hoarding behaviours can begin as early as the teenage years and often persist throughout life.
While hoarding can be challenging to overcome, it is treatable. Treatment often involves challenging the individual’s thoughts and beliefs about their items, practising going out without acquiring new items, and gradually removing clutter. Support groups and professional help can also be beneficial.
If you’re looking to support a loved one who hoards, remember that change must come from within. Your loved one must be internally motivated to change. You can help by respecting their decisions, showing sympathy, encouraging safer living conditions, and helping them recognise how hoarding interferes with their life.
Hoarding is now widely recognised as a mental health condition. While medication alone may not reduce hoarding behaviour, it can help reduce symptoms and treat conditions that may exacerbate hoarding, such as depression and anxiety. Psychological counselling can also provide strategies to manage hoarding behaviours.
Remember, it’s important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Your support can make a big difference in your loved one’s journey towards overcoming hoarding.
Health Direct – A great place to start for information and resources on how to go about dealing with hoarding.
Beyond Blue – If you need to talk to someone about your or someone else’s mental health call 1300 22 4636.
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