A psychologist explains how to improve your emotional health
If you or a loved one engages in the practice of hoarding, know you are not alone. About 2.6% of all Americans, more than 8 million people, struggle with the disorder, according to the American Psychiatric Association. While this behavior is common, it was only accepted as a psychiatric disorder in 2013.
Using appropriate language can be helpful when discussing hoarding. It’s best not to call someone a “hoarder,” but instead refer to them as “someone who hoards,” as none of us are our diseases or disorders. It’s also important to learn how to assist someone engaged in hoarding behavior and understand that people who hoard often feel like they can’t help themselves.
Hoarding is a mental health disorder in which someone has an ongoing compulsion to hold onto their belongings, leading to the accumulation of a significant number of possessions and clutter. Brad Schmidt, a distinguished research professor of psychology at Florida State University, explains that individuals who hoard often have a strong desire to acquire items in the first place.
While many of us can relate to the desire to hold onto certain belongings, someone who hoards feels that way regarding nearly all their possessions and feels significantly distressed at the thought of parting with any of them, notes Gregory Chasson, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the University of Chicago.
The exact causes of hoarding have not been defined but are thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Individuals with family members who hoard often have similar difficulties and are at increased risk for developing the condition. On the environmental side, individuals may have been raised in a “scarcity mindset” where everything was taught to have value or be useful at some point.
The consequences of hoarding can impede one’s quality of life and pose increased fire hazards and risks of pest or rodent infestation. Helping someone who hoards requires a non-judgmental discussion regarding the negative effects of their behavior and concern for their health and safety. It is important to work with the person who hoards and avoid forced cleanouts. Organizational strategies, such as creating piles for items to keep, donate, or discard, can be helpful.
Temporarily offloading some items to a self-storage unit can help someone part with items without feeling like they have to let go of them forever. However, it’s important to keep this transition temporary and encourage the individual to gradually let go of their belongings.
Addressing the root causes of hoarding is crucial, as clutter is typically a symptom of a broader issue. Seeking professional help and practicing cognitive-behavioral therapy may be the best ways of accomplishing this. Collaboration, patience, empathy, and positive reinforcement are key in supporting someone who hoards.
In conclusion, hoarding is a prevalent mental health disorder affecting millions of Americans. Understanding the underlying causes and providing non-judgmental support can help individuals gradually overcome hoarding behaviors and improve their emotional well-being.