I have always been aware of people who accumulate and pile up items including trash that are of no importance to them anymore to the point that it invades their living space but I never imagined it to be a disorder until I came across a post on Instagram by Official_Doctor_zo which gave me more insight on this issue.
Before making this discovery, I felt these “hoarders” only found it difficult to let (old) possessions they have go even if these items are not serving any momentary purpose because they have this sense to always acquire numerous properties and unnecessary belongings.
Having come in contact with such people, my curiosity was raised and I decided to do some research on hoarding disorder. I was surprised to find out this is a mental health condition. Well, welcome to Africa (Nigeria) where mental health issues are not taken seriously.
What exactly is the “hoarding disorder“ and why don't people recognize that they have this problem?
Hoarding disorder otherwise called compulsive hoarding is a mental health condition where people feel a strong need to save a large number of belongings or items and experience difficulty in parting ways with personal effects.
Some individuals have a room where these items are stored, they keep topping their collection of unneeded possessions than clear them out.
Hoarded items vary and range from clothes to household appliances, books, and food items. I think anything can be hoarded.
Psychologists are called to intervene when this situation gets very difficult to manage.
People do not recognize they have this problem because they have probably hoarded all their lives and think they're merely saving items for future purposes that may never arise rather than decluttering. Some hoarded items may be spoiled beyond repair and still be kept.
It is important to state that this disorder is common among people from 40 or 45 years. Younger individuals experience this as well and I strongly believe it starts to build from youth.
Causes of hoarding disorder:
The exact cause of hoarding isn't exactly known but it is believed that hoarding disorder stems from trauma or certain events in one’s life may trigger this condition. Lack of organization and planning also contribute to issues of hoarding.
Symptoms of hoarding disorder:
- Inability to get rid of possessions.
- Experiencing extreme stress when attempting to throw out items.
- Anxiety about needing items in the future.
- Uncertainty about where to put things.
- Distrust of other people touching possessions.
- Living in unusable spaces due to clutter.
Reasons for hoarding:
The reason for hoarding varies from one individual to another but there are common reasons for doing this and they include:
- Hoarders believe that an item will be useful or valuable in the future so they save it.
- They feel an item has sentimental value, is unique, and/or irreplaceable.
- They think an item is too important to throw away.
- Hoarders believe an item will help them remember an important person or event.
- They can’t decide where an item belongs, so they keep it instead of throwing it away.
Good News
This condition is treatable so get the necessary help you need if you or someone you know experiences this issue.
Takeaway
If you don't need it, give it away
If it is not important, don't get it
If it is spoilt, throw it away
Do not make your house and environment a dumping ground, always declutter.