Am I A Hoarder - Your Official Guide

By Kathleen Wright


Every home will experience mild amounts of clutter indoors and outdoors, however, these areas are eventually cleared and do not overcrowd living spaces or pose a serious health risk. The accumulation of debris and goods in and around the property that impedes the ability to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle could prove indicative of hoarding. In answering, am I a hoarder, it requires an investigative approach into the symptoms, behaviors and thought patterns behind the condition.

Hoarding is identified as a severe anxiety disorder in which affected persons accumulate and hold onto items including clothing, food and general belongings but also pets. Once the items are acquired, there is much resistance to releasing these goods that have been used or no longer needed. The buildup of these goods causes a series of problems from unhealthy living conditions, to increased anxiety and compromised well-being.

If you are a hoarder or perhaps suspect a relative or friend of hoarding, obtaining a complete psychological evaluation and finding the right help can detect levels of anxiety and stress. The occurrence of OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder is the basis for symptoms leaving individuals under severe distress when attempting to release goods. A complete assessment is needed to ensure anxiety is managed and stress alleviated.

The accumulation of goods no longer needed is a healthy and natural part of letting go and maintaining a healthy, balanced home. Unfortunately hoarders are unable to release the items purchased or acquired and the goods simply continue to build-up, take over living and bedrooms and your life. Clutter that becomes difficult to manage also increases risk of exposure to dirt and health hazards.

While many people accumulate many things that could remain in large heaps in and around the home, the hoarder is unorganized. Keeping a significant number of goods that does not constitute hoarding includes useful items and knowledge of where these items are located. Hoarders simply pile and pile objects without knowledge of where specific items are located and cannot organize their clutter.

Hoarders can accumulate a wide range of goods from plastic and metal parts to clothing, papers and food or pets. Items can be stored inside the home or in outdoor areas where it becomes excessive and makes accessibility difficult. Individuals cannot maintain the proper hygiene and find it difficult to clear dirt and debris that becomes trapped in the piles of goods.

Such OCD conditions involve high levels of anxiety when attempting to remove much of the clutter and the experience of being unable to let go. Families may seek assistance for their loved ones who are living in untidy and unhygienic surrounds leaving them in severe distress. Attempting to implement such management and removal procedure without a professional can lead to much difficulty and dysfunction.

When hoarding is consuming your life, finding support from a therapist will help breakdown the compulsiveness and poor organization that most experience. In consultation with an experienced practitioner, it is important to determine how to live a healthier, balanced lifestyle. Clutter can be resolved and a better way of living achieved if the right help is sought.




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