When most people hear the word ‘hoarder’, they may automatically think of the popular television show. Filled with images of garbage spilling over the kitchen counters, filthy living areas and mountains of unused household items or clothes are common things associated with the word ‘hoarder’, you’ve probably wondered how someone could possibly allow their home to become so cluttered and continue to live in it. However, hoarders do not become hoarders overnight. The mental pictures you may have in your mind when you hear the word ‘hoarder’ are actually caused by one little decision followed by another and then another.
Chances are, these people are comfortable in their home due to possible oncoming anxiety that could come with parting with their beloved belongings. People who hoard things may not realize (in the beginning, at least) that they are actually hoarding. More likely than not, they are harboring many underlying mental conditions caused by traumatic events that led to the destruction of their home. So the question lies: Exactly why and how does someone become a hoarder? Here, we will discuss the definition of being a hoarder, how it slowly progresses, possible underlying causes and how it could easily happen to anybody.
1. Inability To Throw Things Away
It seems so easy to judge things we cannot understand. Mental disabilities or disorders are the most common misunderstood thing. Apart from disorders, an addictive personality is another difficult thing to process. Unfortunately, these are real problems for millions of people. A gift from a loved one would normally be used, as intended by the person gifting. However, there are many people who experience great discomfort in utilizing or even opening things that are given to them. This is an important sign to look for. In retrospect, discarding the boxes, gift wrap or bag could also trigger some sadness or irritation. The reasoning behind this could be many things.
The most common reason is that the person fears that the person who gifted them something may not be around for much longer. The item would be much more sentimental to have around when the person who bought it has moved away or even passed away. Although this seems a little drastic, that’s where mental illness could come into play. Said person may have experienced some sort of regret in their life from throwing away an item they wanted back but never could. An incident like this may have occurred in many other’s lives and did not lead to hoarding, however, people process traumatic events entirely different. What may be a stressful ordeal for me could be a walk in the park for someone else.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]2. Severe Anxiety When Discarding Items
Whatever their reasoning may be, the truth of the matter is that they are experiencing severe anxiety when discarding certain items. Holding unconventional items near and dear helps to soothe their anxiousness. Perhaps a loved one gave them a gift and sadly departed this life soon after. Finding comfort in that item would be understandable. Although, the separation anxiety would not stop there. Whenever things need to be thrown away, there will always be a second thought. One decision to keep something that should be discarded is followed by another and another. Unfortunately, it becomes a habit to omit throwing anything away at all. They adapt to the inability to throw things away.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]3. Great Difficulty Categorizing Or Organizing Items
Hoarding is known to be messy and unorganized. However, when assuming we could almost understand the thought process of a hoarder, it’s safe to assume their thoughts are not completely unorganized. Firstly, it may become difficult to keep up with so many items in such a small space. Secondly, attempting to have everything categorized may not be something that seems important to someone dealing with so much anxiety and internal turmoil. This will eventually lead to clutter, great difficulty categorizing or organizing items. This is where you would imagine the extremely filthy homes but you would be surprised to learn that it’s not always as drastic. It could easily be a small linen closet overfilled with unneeded hoarded items.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]4. Indecision On Where To Keep Things
Unassumingly, not all hoarders have a modest sized home. They can live in small apartments, trailers and any other housing unit. As expected, they will run out of room for their things slowly but surely. However, some items may mean more to them one day than it does the next. Moving and rearranging things would be a daily chore for hoarders. Or perhaps there is an item they need that lies on the bottom of a pile. The top of the pile would be either moved to another room or would fall over and become the beginning of multiple piles.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]5. Suspicious Of Other People Touching Items
Paranoia is another sign of separation anxiety. Accusing someone of touching, moving or taking their beloved items is very common. With a disorder such as this, it is not uncommon to see the suffering treat inanimate objects such as their loved ones. In many cases, their families have disowned them due to humility or disappointment and their hoarded belongings become all that they have left. They could, quite easily, be the only reason they have not hit rock bottom. Due to this, paranoia can set in and the hoarder may believe that people are out to take away their belongings.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]6. Obsessive Thoughts And Actions
Evidently, obsessive traits are a common sign of hoarders. It begins with their belongings and could very well lead to obsessive thoughts and actions. For example, preferring certain items in a certain place and regularly checking to make sure it is always there. These thoughts can be intrusive and interfere with living a normal and productive life. Sadly, seeking for help is not a rational solution to them. Their obsessive tendencies can overpower their mind and they are aware that asking for help will only lead to people recommending they simply discard their belongings. Unfortunately, it is not that easy for them so it’s easier to cope on their own.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]7. Functional Impairments
People who hoard their belongings can have many difficulties being a productive individual in society. Obstacles can prevent them from doing the simplest of tasks such as brushing their teeth, preparing and cooking a meal, cleaning their laundry, or getting adequate sleep. This can lead to mental destruction, thoughts of hopelessness or even severe clinical depression. Down spiraling can occur very quickly and painfully. More often than not, people who hoard do not have a decent support system. As mentioned earlier, it is very easy to judge something we do not or cannot understand. Trying to be compassionate and supportive is the best way you can help a hoarder.
