The Clutter Hold: Hoarding

What is hoarding?

hoard (hôrd, hrd)

n. A hidden fund or supply stored for future use; a cache. v. hoard·ed, hoard·ing, hoards v.intr. To gather or accumulate a hoard. v.tr. 1. To accumulate a hoard of. 2. To keep hidden or private.

We have all seen the shows on TV-

http://www.aetv.com/hoarders/

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/tv/hoarding-buried-alive

http://animal.discovery.com/tv/confessions-animal-hoarding/

-But what exactly does being a hoarder mean? A hoarder is someone who obsessively collects items-not all are valuable, some may even collect garbage (in the most literal sense)- with the hopes of finding a sense of security and nullifying an 'empty' piece of their lives. Each and every case of hoarding is different-not just the underlying cause, but the extent or progression of the clutter. Most hoarders see the disorder as normal, and believe that there is no harm in 'collecting' the magnitudes of 'stuff' that encompasses their homes, their families, and their lives. However, there are a few health and safety concerns that flow from hoarding:

• Lack of fresh, circulated air. If items were to be stacked from floor to ceiling and cover 2/3 of the room, there would be absolutely no room for the dust particles to circulate out of the house, let alone allow fresh air in. This could result in respiratory issues: asthma, allergies, etc.
• Decreased mobility, increased accidents. With little to no room to safely make your way through your home due to the clutter, tripping accidents, falling objects, and overall lack of comfort are potential hazards.
• Bacteria build-up. If your kitchen were to be stock-piled with clutter, leaving you with no room to prepare a meal or properly sanitize your kitchen, bacteria could build up and find its way into your food. An overrun kitchen full of bacteria can lead to many diseases-e.coli, salmonella-even your common cold.

How To Tell If You or A Loved One Suffer From Hoarding

Although cases of hoarding range from mild to severe, there are always tell tale signs in judging if a problem really exists. Here are a few things to look for:

1. You or your loved incessantly discuss belongings. If you or your loved one's conversations seem to revert back to a 'prized' collection of coins, then chances are hoarding is apparent.

2. You or your loved one seem to be engulfing yourselves into debt. Often times, an individual suffering from Compulsive Hoarding misplaces notices or billing statements, forgetting all about the priority at hand. Collection calls, and declining credit are good indicators of a hoarding condition. ( Obsessive shopping and obtaining of goods are also a good indicator of a hoarding condition when it comes to lack of funds and unpaid bills.)

3.You or your loved one procrastinate when it comes to repairing of your home. Usually, an individual suffering from Compulsive Hoarding fear allowing anyone into their homes-friend or foe-because they fear the reaction of the person entering. The thought of another individual's reaction to their home and 'collection' adds to the anxiety of the disorder.(Usually, family get togethers and events are often pleaded to be at another family member's home, or a public place, as well.)

4.You or your loved one will not permit to loaning out or borrowing any of you or your loved one's possessions. If an individual asks to borrow a blanket-or even something as simple as a bowl, and you or your loved one become very hostile about the idea, hoarding is a likely problem.

5.You or your loved one try to shield off parts of your home from outside visitors. Hoarders usually try to hide their condition so as to not be criticized or shunned. Any sort of negative feedback play on the anxieties and emotions of an individual suffering with Compulsive Hoarding, and can often times aid in the progression of the disorder.

6.You or your loved one have difficulty finding even the most used items around the house. Can't seem to find those eye glasses, even though you just had them a minute ago? If clutter seems to outweigh the open space you or a loved one have, and setting down even the most used item is a no-no, consider talking with a professional.

Not all cases of Compulsive Hoarding contain the above signs to a 'T', but still they prove to be useful in trying to determine if an issue may be at hand. If you fear a loved one may be showing signs of CH, another helpful idea would be to keep an on-hand journal of behaviors you have witnessed the individual do, or even things the individual may have said. This will help a professional get an idea on what a 'third-party observer' has been party to.

Contacting A Professional Therapist

At first, the idea may seem a little intimidating; or even not needed. Most who suffer from Compulsive Hoarding do not believe they have an issue, and therefore need absolutely no treatment. In a few rare cases, the individual knows that a problem is apparent but is afraid to speak with a professional for fear of harsh judgement and lack of understanding. Each professional therapist will sit down with the individual and try to uncover the underlying cause of their Compulsive Hoarding condition and try to come up with a personalized treatment plan. Some examples of treatment plans are:

• Pharmacotherapy- SRI medications (Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) which uses the exposure/response technique
• Psychotherapy-you will learn why it is you hoard, how to organize/declutter, attend regular group therapy/support groups, and learn relaxation techniques

Contact Information

If you or someone you know feels they may have the Compulsive Hoarding Disorder, do not be ashamed to contact a professional therapist that specializes in CHD. There are many other individuals that deal with CHD daily and many options are available to you:

The International OCD Foundation

http://www.ocfoundation.org/

1-617-973-5801

Hartford Hospital

CompulsiveHoarding.org

Clutterer's Anonymous

http://sites.google.com/site/clutterersanonymous/Home

1-310-281-6064