Hoarding is not as easy and straightforward as you may think. It’s much deeper than what is shown on television shows (though they share an important part, the visual aspect of hoarding) because in these situations, getting help and actually turning the life of the victim around is usually a longer process.
When a person is struggling with hoarding disorder, their belongings have a different meaning. Something triggered the individual to develop this condition, and it is with the help of professionals that not only victims but families and other parties involved will have a new perspective on life.
Hoarding scenarios may be overwhelming and dangerous, that is when Bio-One of St Paul comes in to help. Our specialists are trained to be mindful, caring, and compassionate during these difficult situations. At the end of the day, hoarding poses multiple health and safety threats that should be approached by professionals in the quickest, most efficient way possible.
When it comes to hoarding, there are a few things that everyone facing it should know. If you ever need help with hoarded properties, do not hesitate to call our specialists. Here are five things you should about hoarding:
Hoarding disorder is different than collecting
A person struggling with hoarding disorder has difficulty with throwing or giving away possessions, no matter how useless they may seem for others. The thought of parting with their belongings causes stress and anxiety and, in some cases, people turn to hoarding as a way of filling voids.
The key to differentiating hoarding from collecting is the fact that hoarders buy and search for things in a compulsive way, but there is no interest in showing off or allowing others to see how they’re living and having these items. A collector often shows their possessions with pride; a hoarder usually feels embarrassed and ashamed of their situation, which is why they choose to isolate themselves from family and friends.
There is not a specific reason as to why people develop hoarding disorder, but there are risk factors
There are multiple risk factors for someone struggling with hoarding disorder. One of the most common reasons people turn to hoard is having experienced a traumatic life event: losing a loved one, a romantic separation, divorce, losing a pet, moving to a new city… if these situations are shocking and abrupt, people may not know how to face them. Another reason is that the victim experiences stress and strong emotions at an early age.
Hoarding disorder is associated with other mental health conditions
A person struggling with hoarding disorder may be facing other mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Understanding hoarding and the reasons behind it is the best way to prepare in case you are looking to help someone struggling with it.
Hoarding is recognized as a mental health disorder on its own
Hoarding was designated a mental health disorder by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition, in 2013. This designation led to a better understanding of the condition, and it allowed mental health professionals to develop treatment and multiple forms of therapy to overcome it. During these situations, intervention from mental health professionals plays an important role in helping the victim recover from hoarding.
Bio-One of St Paul specialists work closely with victims and families involved, guiding them in the necessary steps that must be followed to successfully tackle the situation and restore the property to a safe, hazard-free environment.
Hoarding situations must be approached with deep care, compassion, and understanding
Facing a hoarding situation is not easy. Sometimes, people may forget that victims are actually dealing with a mental health condition, and they need as much help and support as possible. It’s understandable that seeing someone you care about in such conditions may be confusing, unpleasant, and even infuriating but, if you ever decide to stage a hoarding intervention, you need to put your own personal feelings, perspectives, and bias aside, and focus on helping the individual get the help they need to overcome hoarding.
Bio-One of St Paul is available 24/7 - 365 days a year
If you ever need help with approaching a hoarding scenario, let Bio-One of St Paul help you. We serve the Greater Minneapolis - St Paul area: Arden Hills, Falcon Heights, Gem Lake, Lauderdale, Little Canada, Maplewood, Mendota Heights, Mounds View, New Brighton North Oaks, North Saint Paul, Oakdale, Roseville, Saint Anthony, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, Woodbury, and surrounding communities.
If you or your loved ones are dealing with hoarding, give us a call: 651-308-1096. Bio-One… Help First, Business Second!
