How To Tell If You Are A Hoarder

Presence Of Anxiety Or Other Mental Health Conditions

Hoarders may also experience other mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, or another form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. They may not even realize they are suffering from one of these conditions since hoarding often takes center stage as it is clearly identifiable. It is crucial to note that while reducing hoarding can assist with the other mental health conditions, it can sometimes seem like treating the symptom rather than the underlying issue at hand. With this in mind, it is important to seek treatment from a mental health professional who can accurately find and diagnose any other mental health conditions and create a detailed and effective treatment plan.

This plan can include mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication. It may even include things as simple as getting more exercise and making plans with loved ones more often. How the plan approaches getting rid of the clutter once and for all will vary based on the individual.

Continue reading to understand how hoarding diminishes a person's quality of life.

Diminished Quality Of Life

As previously mentioned, hoarding significantly diminishes a person’s quality of life, as well as their loved ones who may live with them. A lack of functioning living space is another common issue among hoarders and can become unsanitary and dangerous fast. For one, many homes that are engulfed by things tend to be unsanitary for one’s health, as a build-up of food, garbage and debris can occur, as well as bacteria and pests can be amongst the things that can harm the health of the tenants in the home. Hoarders often live with broken appliances and without heat, and the necessary comforts of life. Hoarding can also cause major family conflicts and various emotions amongst members such as resentment, anger, and depression, and it can affect the social development of children as well. Unhabitable living conditions can lead to separation or divorce, eviction, financial issues, and even the loss of child custody.

Keep reading to discover the risk factors and complications of hoarding now.