Hoarding Community Group
A group for hoarders and/or family members of hoarders to discuss this illness and learn ways to help overcome.
I am an adult whose parents are hoarders. My siblings and I are looking for ways to help address the issue (at our mother's request). We believe that the hoarding illness actually began with our father years ago but once all of the children moved out, the problem intensified and my mother was not able to deal with it on her own. We believe that she doesn't so much have the issue herself, but has succumbed and given up fighting it. Our mother sees the problem and owns up to it; our father is in denial. It is affecting her health and she would like to take steps to try to end it. I know that this is a mental illness and we are starting by locating therapists. However I am also looking to hear from people who have experienced this to find out what the process is like, obstacles we might face, what's involved and any other helpful information. This is not how we want our parents to live out their retirement. Many thanks.
Here are some things that are helping me: I am learning not to be a compulsive shopper...not very successfully yet, but I am beginning to think twice about bringing something else into the house. Also, the TLC show Hoarding: Buried Alive is very good. I really listen to the therapists and even feel like cleaning up a little after watching it. I don't like the A&E show Hoarders because the point of view doesn't seem to be as empathetic.
Once you've accumulated a houseful of stuff, it's very overwhelming and each decision is difficult! I don't know where to begin and so I avoid starting. But, I know it will get easier with practice. I want to fill up my car every week for Goodwill - that would be such a great feeling!