On TV we’ve seen hoarders whose homes are stuffed with junk and items of little value. Real-life hoarding is harder to detect and more difficult to manage. It is better to help a hoarder recognise that they have an issue before it gets out of hand.
How can you identify compulsive collecting before it spirals?
Signs and symptoms to watch for:
- Clutter is always present
Although clutter will accumulate in everyone’s home from time to time, people who do not suffer from compulsive disorder will clean their homes on a regular basis. The clutter will eventually disappear.
This clutter, however, will never completely disappear from a hoarder’s home. Over time, you may see that the clutter just piles up on top of itself. You are unlikely to see a hoarder’s home ever truly clean because they have trouble getting rid of the clutter.
- Disposal of items evokes emotional distress
When you convince a hoarder that they need to get rid of their items, it is possible for them to show extreme distress. When they are forced to get rid of items, they will often have an emotional outburst.
Be aware of how your family members react when you declutter their home. Hoarder warning signs include a person’s inability to let go of items or an odd attachment to meaningless or junk items. When they do agree to declutter, Swansea Skip Hire can be helpful. Visit https://pendragonskiphire.co.uk/swansea-skip-hire/ for more information.
- They don’t invite people over
Do they use excuses to avoid meeting up at home? They may be hiding compulsive collecting disorder. If you come to their house, they’ll have to explain to you the mess and clutter that has taken over their home. They can hide their problems by inviting you somewhere else.
- Shopping addiction
Shopping addiction is also common in people with compulsive collecting disorder. They can add to their “collection”, as much as they like. It may also lead to them not being able to pay bills or buy necessities.
- You may not touch or borrow their possessions
Hoarders find it difficult to allow others to borrow or use their belongings, and even touch them, without becoming hostile. They are not allowed to give or dispose of their possessions.
- They always talk about their “Collection”
Hoarders will never stop talking about the things they own and their collection. Your conversations may always be centred around their possessions and what they are looking for to add to their collection.
