I mentioned that there are U.S.and UK television programs
about hoarding. Also, there are multiple Youtube channels where a
young person buys a the contents or acquires a hoarders property to
find hidden treasures and money.
There is also a sub-genre of professional housekeepers being
paid to clean the home.
I can't forget that there is or was a person attached to their
possessions.
Sure, if the person is deceased and the property has to be
cleared for the next occupant, fair game.
But if it is a living person they need treatment and support.
It won't work otherwise.
But as long as it is a money making freak show, I don't see
that aspect of the cleaning happening in the broadcast and cable
programs.
Long before the house is touched, you have to reach the actual
person with a team approach to treatment. That is hard. It might
not even happen because some folks are in too deep.
Not saying you need their approval to continue living in
un-sanitary conditions. That is a public health situation and
action has to happen.
But treatment isn't about just siting in a therapist's office.
Sometimes you have to be in the room with 10 cans of baked beans
from 1994. And helping that person let go one can at a time.
If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention
Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or
text “START” to 741-741.
Resources Mentioned:
The Lifetime cable movie mention is
Dirty Little Secret with Melisa
Joan Hart.
Seth J. Gillhan PhD has a list of
5 Proven Techniques to Deal with
Panic Attack. The list is on Psychology Today.
The International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation has a
page asking the lyrical question, "
Do I Have a Hording Disorder?"
Also on the IOCDF site is a
Clutter Rating Scale
And the Mayo Clinic has a couple of pages on their take on
Hoarding Disorder.
Disclaimer:
Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and
do not constitute endorsements.
Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with
questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health
disorder.
This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational
purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a
substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical
advice, diagnosis, or treatment.