The Emotional Toll of Hoarding: How It Affects Mental Health
Author: Chloe Taylor
Hoarding is a condition that affects a large number of people worldwide. It is a behavioural disorder that causes a person to accumulate excessive amounts of items, such as newspapers, clothes, books, board games, and other objects, to the point that it affects their daily life.
Hoarding can cause numerous health, safety, and mental health concerns, and it is often considered a symptom of a mental illness.
One of the primary health concerns associated with hoarding is the risk of falls and injury. Cluttered homes can create tripping hazards, making it difficult for the person to move around. Additionally, the accumulation of excess items can make it challenging to access essential items, such as medication or medical equipment, increasing the risk of injury or illness.
Another health concern associated with hoarding is poor air quality. Excessive clutter and items can create a breeding ground for bacteria and mould, which can cause respiratory issues and exacerbate existing medical conditions. Hoarded items can also attract pests such as rodents and insects, which can also contribute to poor air quality and increase the risk of illness.
In terms of safety concerns, hoarding can create significant fire hazards. Excessive clutter can make it difficult to move around the home and can obstruct emergency exits. Hoarded items are often flammable, increasing the risk of a fire starting and spreading rapidly throughout the home- which could be dire if it is difficult for emergency responders to enter and navigate the home in case of an emergency.
Hoarding also has significant mental health concerns. Studies have found that hoarding is often associated with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, hoarding can cause significant distress, affecting a person's ability to function in their daily life.
The emotional attachment to items can cause anxiety and emotional distress when asked to discard them. This emotional attachment can also lead to social isolation, as the person may feel embarrassed or ashamed about the state of their home and avoid inviting others over.
Research has shown that hoarding disorder is a symptom of a mental illness, often associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health found that nearly 80% of individuals with hoarding disorder also had symptoms of OCD. Hoarding can also be associated with other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
In addition to the health, safety, and mental health concerns associated with hoarding, the condition can also lead to homelessness. Hoarding can cause financial strain, as the accumulation of items can lead to excessive spending on unnecessary purchases and storage costs. This can lead to financial instability and difficulty paying bills and rent, ultimately resulting in eviction and homelessness.
Hoarding can also make it challenging for the person to find and maintain housing. Individuals with hoarding disorder may struggle to find affordable housing that meets their needs, and landlords/property managers may be hesitant to rent to individuals with hoarding disorder due to concerns about property damage and safety hazards.
Hoarding can cause social isolation, leading to a lack of support from family and friends. This lack of support can make it difficult for the person to find alternative housing arrangements or receive assistance in finding resources and support services.
The link between hoarding and homelessness underscores the importance of early intervention and treatment, as well as providing resources and support services to those struggling with hoarding disorder.
In some cases, hoarding may be a contributing factor to chronic homelessness. The accumulation of items can make it challenging for homeless individuals to access resources and services, such as healthcare and employment assistance. The emotional distress associated with hoarding can make it difficult for individuals to seek out and receive help, leading to a cycle of chronic homelessness and hoarding behaviours.
Treatment for hoarding typically involves a combination of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication. CBT can help the individual learn to identify and challenge the thoughts and beliefs that lead to hoarding behaviours. Medication can also be used to treat co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, but this is something that should be discussed with the appropriate health care provider.
If you have a loved one struggling with hoarding disorder, it can be difficult to know how to help. Below we look at some helpful tips for supporting someone with hoarding disorder.
Educate yourself: Learn as much as you can about hoarding disorder, including the symptoms, causes, and treatment options. This will help you understand what your loved one is going through and how you can best support them.
Approach with empathy: It's essential to approach your loved one with empathy and compassion. Hoarding disorder is a complex condition, and people suffering with this disorder often feel ashamed and embarrassed about their behaviour. Show your loved one that you care and are there to support them, rather than judging or criticizing them.
Encourage professional help: Hoarding disorder is a mental health condition that often requires professional intervention. Encourage your loved one to seek help from a mental health professional who has experience working with hoarding disorder. Offer to help them find a qualified therapist and accompany them to their appointments if they're comfortable with that.
Respect their boundaries: Individuals with hoarding disorder may be reluctant to part with their possessions, even if they're causing significant problems. Respect your loved one's boundaries and avoid pressuring them to get rid of items before they're ready. Instead, encourage them to work with their therapist to develop strategies for managing their hoarding behaviours.
Offer practical support: Hoarding disorder can be overwhelming, and your loved one may need help with practical tasks, such as cleaning and organising their home. Offer to help them with these tasks, but be respectful of their boundaries and work at their pace.
Be patient: Recovery from hoarding disorder is a long process, and setbacks are common. Be patient and supportive of your loved one, even if progress is slow. Celebrate small successes and offer encouragement to keep going.
Supporting a loved one with hoarding disorder requires patience, empathy, and understanding. Encouraging them to seek professional help, respecting their boundaries, and offering practical support can help them manage their hoarding behaviours and improve their overall well-being. With your support and encouragement, your loved one can find a path to recovery and lead a fulfilling life.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The author and publisher make no guarantees or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided in this article, and any reliance on the information is strictly at your own risk. You can find our full Disclaimer here.