A house that needs a clearout is one thing, but hoarding can become a serious issue that causes mental health and physical safety issues. From trips, falls, and fires to stress and anxiety, it’s important to recognise the factors that can lead to hoarding. Here’s what you need to know.
Difficult feelings
Hoarding behaviours can be linked to a desire to feel safe and avoid painful experiences or difficult memories. Some people say they hoard to manage complex mental health problems or as a distraction from unwelcome feelings such as fear or anxiety. Sometimes links can be found between impulse control and hoarding. People who struggle with this find it almost impossible to avoid certain actions, such as buying new things.
Perfectionism
Some people find that they hoard because they have perfectionist natures and are scared of making mistakes. Perfectionists may find it hard to plan ahead, make decisions, or decide how to do tasks. They may become overwhelmed with the practical logistics of organising and sorting, and feel too upset to even try. These sorts of topics are covered on mental health training courses Newport, delivered by providers such as tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/newport/.
Childhood experiences
If people grow up with a fear of material need, a sense of not being cared for, or a genuine feeling of not owning enough things, they may well become hoarders. People who have experienced poverty, seen their belongings thrown away by someone else, or experienced neglect and hardship are far more likely to become hoarders. Again, these issues can be resolved with time and support.
