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Hoarding
Most people can find it difficult to part with sentimental items at times. The things that remind us of others and significant events in our lives. For some however the thought of parting with anything can be too difficult, regardless of the actual value, emotional or financial. When this difficulty is persistent and begins to effect other areas of someone’s life they may be a hoarder.
Hoarding can be a compulsive behaviour, for example feeling unable to miss a bargain or passing up on something free. Some examples of hoarded items include second hand goods from car boot sales or charity shops in the belief they are collectable antiques. Other hoarded items may include newspapers, posters advertising events long since in the past, leaflets, clothing and even packaging.
What separates hoarding from collecting is usually the lack of value or uniqueness of the items. For example plastic bags, contents from a Christmas cracker or just something someone else was throwing away. A person who collects will display with pride the objects of their joy and take great delight in talking about the latest addition to their collection. Whereas a hoarder is usually embarrassed about what they have lying around in a disorganised mess. They often live in clutter and mess.
People who hoard often feel the items to be of some value. Even if not now then at some point in the future. Or they may feel the items may be useful to have around, again if not now then maybe at some time in the future. Hoarding can lead to diminished, unhealthy or even dangerous living space. Other consequences can be financial, social, emotional, and more. For example people who hoard often live with broken equipment and appliances rather than repair or replace it. It can also lead to financial difficulties, resentment, depression and shame among family members and ultimately relationship breakdown.
Feelings around hoarding can include anxiety when thinking about throwing something away. This leads to an inability to discard anything. Eventually it leads to living in disorganised clutter and mess, obsessive thinking over not having enough, or fear of others stealing or throwing out something important. Experiencing shame, social isolation, relationship difficulties and living in an environment full of health hazards are also associated with hoarding.
Like most obsessive compulsive behaviours, hoarding is often a symptom of some other underlying difficulty. Counselling can help explore thinking habits and feelings around acquiring possessions and learn to make more rational and informed decisions. People who struggle with hoarding often find help and support talking through their difficulties with a counsellor or psychotherapist.
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This article was written by sentientcounselling