Help kick your hoarding habit
IN times of crisis, stocking up on essentials is normal human behaviour.
But for around 1.2 million Brits, hoarding items is a serious issue, linked to anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
And for many sufferers, the lockdown has exacerbated the problem because staying at home means there is nowhere to hide from the clutter.
Jo Cooke, founder of Hoarding Disorders UK, says that since March, the organisation’s helpline has seen a spike in calls.
But what exactly is hoarding and what can be done to stop it?
WHAT IS HOARDING?
Hoarding – once dismissed as an extension of other mental health conditions – was officially recognised as a disorder in its own right by the World Health Organization in 2018.
The NHS describes it as someone acquiring an excessive number of items and storing them in a chaotic manner, resulting in huge amounts of clutter.
These hoards often interfere with daily life and the use of the home, such as making the shower or kitchen inaccessible.
They also cause distress to the sufferer and their family.
Hoarded homes also pose a number of safety issues, particularly if there is a fire.
The severity is measured by a visual guide known as the Clutter Image Rating.
WHO IS AFFECTED?
Around two to five per cent of Brits are thought to be hoarders to some degree, but the true number could be higher because sufferers are often too ashamed to talk about it. Jo says: “This is an anxiety disorder, not people who are lazy or dirty.
“They have emotional attachments to things, often triggered by bereavement or trauma, such as redundancy or empty nest syndrome.” SEEKING SUPPORT
Reaching out for help is a vital first step when it comes to treating the condition.
There are currently around 15 support groups in the UK – and self-diagnosed hoarder Lynn Howells runs one in Berkshire, with the support of Jo.
It was set up by Silva Homes, the housing association 60-yearold Lynn works for.
And the group’s monthly meetings, which are now taking place online, provide emotional support as well as practical tips to curb hoarding behaviours and cope with family tensions.
Lynn says: “I’ve bought or kept things ‘just in case’ my whole adult life, and I’ve traced it back to the upset of being sent to boarding school.
“Volunteering to run the support group has helped me a lot. Everyone’s story is unique but it is a relief to realise you are not alone.”
HOW TO TACKLE A HOARD
If you feel able to declutter, Jo recommends starting small.
She says: “Begin in the least emotional area, such as the hallway. Build five minutes into your daily routine to start and focus on the benefits of creating a more functional home.”
Lynn says that setting rules helped her feel comfortable enough to let possessions go.
She explains: “For a hoarder, items have a perceived value, whether monetary or emotional. You also worry about where they will end up.
“I used to keep every scrap of paper but now I have a strict rule to recycle or shred it.
“I also now send paperbacks to the charity shop after reading them. But I still have a way to go. I want there to be more understanding about this.”
Jo agrees. She says: “We need to treat hoarding with kindness rather than shame.
“Don’t judge loved ones who are suffering. Offer positive support so they can find ways to move forward.”
To get in touch with Hoarding Disorders UK, call the helpline on 0330 133 2310 or visit hoardingdisordersuk.org.