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Hoarding, often shrouded in stigma and misconceptions, is a complex behaviour that has increasingly come into the spotlight. The question that arises time and again is whether hoarding is a mental illness or a mere lifestyle choice. At Karma Klean, we understand the intricacies of hoarding and are dedicated to shedding light on this issue. In this blog post, we’ll explore the connection between hoarding and mental health to better understand the challenges faced by individuals dealing with hoarding behaviour.
Hoarding goes beyond simply accumulating possessions; it is a behaviour characterized by an inability to discard items, regardless of their value. Hoarders amass an excessive number of items, leading to clutter, disorganization, and unsanitary living conditions.
Yes, hoarding is recognized as a mental illness in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It falls under the category of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, signifying its strong link to obsessive-compulsive behaviour.
⦁ Persistent difficulty discarding possessions: Individuals with hoarding disorder find it emotionally challenging to part with their belongings, even when they seem insignificant to others.
⦁ Accumulation of items: Hoarders collect a wide array of items, often resulting in a chaotic and unsafe living environment.
⦁ Distress and impairment: Hoarding often causes significant distress in the hoarder’s life and impairs their ability to carry out daily activities, maintain hygiene, and foster healthy social relationships.
⦁ Obsessive-Compulsive Nature: Hoarding behaviour shares traits with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Both involve persistent, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours. Hoarding can stem from an overwhelming need to prevent perceived harm, even if the danger is not realistic.
⦁ Anxiety and Depression: Many hoarders simultaneously struggle with anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate their hoarding tendencies. The clutter and chaos in their living spaces contribute to feelings of hopelessness.
⦁ Trauma and Grief: Hoarding may be a response to trauma, grief, or loss, with some individuals using this behaviour as a coping mechanism for past painful experiences.
At Karma Klean, we believe that addressing hoarding requires a multifaceted approach. We treat hoarding cleanup as more than just decluttering; it involves recognizing and empathizing with the mental health struggles that underlie the behaviour. Our dedicated professionals specialize in providing compassionate, non-judgmental, and expert care to help hoarders and their families.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hoarding is indeed a recognized mental illness, closely related to obsessive-compulsive behaviour and often accompanied by anxiety, depression, and past traumas. At Karma Klean, we are committed to clean hoarding houses with a compassionate, professional, and client-centred approach, focusing on the well-being of the individuals and families we serve. If you or someone you know is grappling with hoarding, reach out to us to begin a journey of healing and recovery. We are here to help you restore balance, both in your living space and in your life.
Image Attribution/Citations: Image by user15285612 on Freepik