Compulsive hoarding poses safety and psychological risks

Most of us save things memorabilia, collectibles, items from our childhood or from our children. But for more than an estimated million Americans, the saving may get out of hand and cross over to a psychiatric condition known as compulsive hoarding.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• hoard
• hoarding
• University of Michigan
• health
• Abelson
• collecting
• clutter
• psychology
• safety
• risk
• compulsive hoarding
• save
• hoarder

[thetricon69]

This same thing is what I hate about our home.

[curlew0609]

I grew up in a house like that. Can't feel sorry for my mother, too much personal baggage. Sometimes, after I moved out, she used to ask me if I wanted some filthy, mildewy, rat-poop-covered thing. I'd say "yes" so I could take it and throw it away. She had a "kanipshun" when she found out.

[112Klaasje]

@WrawebyWynter

change (sorry)

[WrawebyWynter]

@Daghead It's usually the same kind of items: clothing, can foods, cereal boxes, tv sets, other electronic gadgets, garage tools, books, and magazines. It starts out with one or two piles then adds up to 50 or more piles for each room.

[WrawebyWynter]

@112Klaasje What's cahgne?

[disposophobic]

Wow, you threw her stuff out without her permission. Some hoarders commit suicide or feel so violated they will not trust anyone to ever help them in a positive way. I see the dilemma and thank you that you have the information from the University of Michigan. I am a hoarder seeking help and proper therapy is very difficult to find. Nearly impossible. Especially that is covered by insurance. I am in a support group, in therapy with a therapist who is not a specialist, and taking medication.

[silvermystic2001]

when I was growing up.. I never seen it .. or noticed it? but after I moved out.. just went back to say my his and whoa.. why is she keeping everything and she either doesn't need it or hate it? (need meaning she THINKS she needs it...) How the heck can i get my mom back ahah.. its bad D;

[Daghead]

What would the equivalent to female hoarding be for males?

[MsCroyale]

@chenarch , same here....my mother's home is like this...it's really sad. And don't dare touch any of her stuff, because (at least my mom), will think you're stealing from her.

[poosaypirate]

wrong thing to do intervening like that she said it herself its bailing water- fix the leak!