Hoarding is often a misunderstood and overlooked issue that affects people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. Hoarding disorder is defined as a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions due to a perceived need to save them. It often results in the accumulation of clutter that takes up an inordinate amount of living space.
If you or someone you know might be struggling, you must educate yourself about the dangers of hoarding as it can have far-reaching impacts on a person's health, career, and relationships. In this blog, we will delve into the effects of hoarding and discuss the available support and resources.
Physical health impacts
Hoarding can negatively impact physical health in many ways. Piles of clutter can harbor germs, bacteria, and mold that can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies. In fact, cluttered living spaces can pose a fall risk that could result in severe injuries. The excess clutter can also make it challenging to maintain proper hygiene and living conditions, leading to an infestation of pests such as rodents or fleas.
Mental health impacts
Hoarding disorder is often associated with other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and OCD. The clutter can cause feelings of shame and embarrassment, leading to social isolation and avoiding inviting anyone into their homes. Hoarders often struggle to make decisions on what to keep or throw away, which can cause significant distress and emotional turmoil.
Career impacts
Hoarding disorder can hinder a person's ability to perform basic tasks necessary to keep their job. A hoarder's home filled with clutter affects their work schedule as they find it challenging to get up and get ready on time. The dangers of hoarding in career and professional routes may include absenteeism from work, missed deadlines, and increased stress that could lead to impaired job performance.
Relationship impacts
Hoarding can negatively impact a person's relationships with family, friends, and coworkers. Cluttered homes can lead to social isolation, making it difficult to invite anyone over or to have a healthy social life. It can also cause family tension as hoarders may feel that their loved ones do not understand them or their struggles. Marriage or romantic relationships may also be impacted by hoarding, as it is challenging to maintain a healthy household when cluttered with excess possessions.
Is there a treatment for Hoarding Disorder? What are some ways to help?
Yes, there is treatment available for Hoarding Disorder. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on changing the way someone thinks and behaves in certain situations. It can help people with hoarding disorder identify their triggers and modify their behavior to better manage them.
In addition, professional organizers can provide assistance in helping hoarders declutter and organize their homes. Support from family and friends can also be helpful in providing encouragement and motivation for the person with Hoarding Disorder to seek treatment.
Finally, there are self-help resources available online that provide tips and strategies for decluttering and organizing. A few ways to help a hoarder include:
- Respect their decisions and preferences about their belongings.
- Be patient, and offer consistent encouragement in a non-judgmental way.
- Help them create an action plan to start decluttering their home in manageable steps.
- Facilitate conversations with healthcare professionals who can provide appropriate treatment or referrals for hoarding disorder.
- Encourage them to join support groups or seek counseling from a therapist who specializes in Hoarding Disorder.
Our team at Bio-One can address the dangers of hoarding!
Hoarding disorder can adversely affect a person's health, career, and relationships. While living with hoarding can seem impossible, it is essential to know that there is plenty of support and resources available to help.
At Bio-One of Modesto, we understand the sensitive nature of hoarding and offer discreet and compassionate hoarding cleanup services. We work with hoarders to create safe and habitable living conditions. If you or a loved one are struggling with hoarding, please know that help is available!
