Hoarding into Squeezing
Hoarding is something that most of us do to some extent. Whether it’s a collection of antiques or boxes of old clothing, nearly everyone saves items for one reason or another. But for some people, hoarding can turn into a serious problem. It can become excessive to the point where it takes up too much of a person’s time, money, and energy. At this point, it’s referred to as compulsive hoarding, and it can lead to serious physical and mental health problems.
Compulsive hoarding is defined as the excessive acquiring and saving of items that have no real value. Hoarders collect a wide variety of things, ranging from old newspapers to food packaging to clothing. These items are often kept long after they’ve lost any usefulness they once had.
Hoarded items tend to take over the logistic of the hoarder’s life, filling up bedrooms and living spaces to an excessive extent. This can lead to health risks due to unsanitary living conditions, as well as physical issues such as falls due to stored items blocking walkways. Hoarders are also at a higher risk of becoming overwhelmed and depressed, and can become socially isolated due to their unwillingness to let anyone else in to see the mess.
The causes of compulsive hoarding are not well understood by psychologists. It may be caused by anxiety or depression, and it has often been linked to those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder. Unfortunately, those affected by compulsive hoarding rarely seek the help they need, so they may continuously add to their collections without any thought of the consequences.
Despite the serious problems associated with hoarding, there are several ways to work on reducing it. The best first step is to seek treatment from a qualified psychologist. They can provide invaluable help in identifying and adjusting the beliefs and thinking patterns that contribute to hoarding behavior.
A second option is to create an organized workspace that is free of unnecessary items. For example, a person might remove all of their books from their living room and store them in a closet or storage unit instead. This simple step can help create an organized living space, making it easier to purge unnecessary items when they are identified.
Finally, organizations and charities exist to help hoarders. They typically have professionals that can help clean up a hoarder’s home and teach them skills to minimize their hoarding behavior. If a hoarder is able to find the right support and resources, they can begin to reduce their hoarding and reclaim their life.
Compulsive hoarding is a serious issue, but with the right help and support, hoarders can take back control of their life and living spaces. With patience and treatment, even the most cluttered of spaces can be turned into an orderly, sanitary area. And by taking steps to address their hoarding disorder, hoarders can take the first steps in reclaiming their life.
