This weekend I attended the annual conference for the International OCD Foundation. It was absolutely fascinating. I learned a lot. Many of us have watched the show and I
often hear people say they are ‘hoarders.' If you think you or someone you know might suffer from chronic hoarding disorder, this might help.
In a nutshell, people who hoard struggle with excessive acquiring, saving, and disorganization. Most people who hoard tend to save paper items and clothing items, but they can
also save things that don't seem to be very useful to someone else, like popsicle sticks, butter tubs or old newspapers.
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The reasons hoarders save can be broken down into three basic criteria. They keep sentimental items because of the emotional attachment. This could include photos, mementos, or
souvenirs. They keep items that are instrumental, in that they are very useful. This includes the Popsicle sticks or even shred of paper. They also keep items for their intrinsic beauty.
One common trait in those who hoard is they have a deep desire to be responsible with their belongings. For many, sending something to the landfill is more than they can
bear. Recycling can be very important in stopping hoarding behaviors.
Now, I am by no means a clinician. If you or someone you love struggles with acquiring, saving, and disorganization, then therapy is where to start. Try to find one that specializes
in Hoarding Disorder or OCD.
Many times people tell me they are hoarders when they are really just disorganized. Want to know for sure? Look at the Clutter Image Rating to see where you rank.
If you believe you are living in a hoarded home and are not sure where to turn, reach out to me and I can point you in the right direction and connect you with some resources.
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