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Clean out the Clutter: How to Deal with Compulsive
Hoarding
The piles of dusty camping gear, tools and holiday
decorations in your garage may simply be an annoyance you are waiting
to organize, but for the estimated two million Americans who suffer from
compulsive hoarding, those spare items are just a glimpse of what lays
inside their homes.
Compulsive hoarders are characterized by a strong compulsion to collect
unneeded or useless items. They are often unable to discard items for
the fear that they may be needed or have value in the future. Every
surface in their homes, from countertops to stairs, may be covered
in piles of
junk. When the stacks of old newspapers and food containers threaten
to overwhelm them, it can spread to their vehicles, backyards and garages.
While some may poke fun at hoarders, the condition can lead to unsanitary
living environments, fire hazards and even risk of injury from falling
objects.
How can you find out if you are a hoarder or just disorganized? Ask
yourself these questions to find out how serious your problem is:
• Do you become anxious at the thought of throwing away your things?
• Is your home so cluttered you are unable to use spaces for their
original
purpose?
• Do everyday tasks take longer because of the clutter?
• Does the clutter affect your ability to maintain relationships or
socialize?
• Are loved ones distressed by the condition of your home and
encouraging you to seek help?
If you answered yes to any of the questions above and believe you are
a hoarder, the California Association Marriage and Family Therapists
encourages you to seek help from a licensed therapist to:
• Discover why you feel the need to hoard
•
Learn how to organize your possessions so that you know what to
discard
•
Utilize relaxation skills to avoid nervous collecting
•
Develop and maintain healthy habits
Do not let hoarding take over your home or your life. If you believe
you are affected by compulsive hoarding, and it affects your ability
to lead a normal life, consider seeking professional consultation.
A licensed therapist can help you identify the underlying issues behind
hoarding and assist you on your way to recovery.
For more information about Marriage and Family Therapists,
or to locate a therapist in your area, please visit www.therapistfinder.com.
About CAMFT
The California Association of Marriage and Family
Therapists, with 27 chapters throughout the state, is an independent
professional organization, representing the interests
of licensed marriageand family therapists. CAMFT provides TherapistFinder.com
as a resource to the public looking for marriage and family therapists located
in California. For
more information about CAMFT, please call (858) 292-2638 or visit www.camft.org.
Media Contact: Tricia Whittemore
Porter Novelli
Phone: (619) 687-7018 or (603) 219-6088
E-mail: tricia.whittemore@porternovelli.com
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