Unlocking the Psychology Behind Hoarding

This term was most recently applied to people buying copious amounts of supplies during the pandemic. But outside of this recent definition is another side of hoarding - that which is psychological. This is the compulsion to continually accumulate a variety of items that are often considered useless or worthless by others accompanied by an inability to discard the items without great distress. Sometimes it’s nonsensical items while other times it’s stuff that is garbage-related such as old newspapers or mailings that should have been discarded. There are even cases of collection items going to the extreme and becoming.

Did you know that those who are hoarders, even those on the mild side, are considered to have a mental health disorder? Oftentimes, those who hoard also experience anxiety and depression. Knowing that the person hoarding isn’t choosing to be difficult is often the first step to understanding and working towards a resolution. In most cases, there is a reason behind them collecting items, such as feeling like they will need the item or a sentimental value attached to it, making it unique or irreplaceable.

Do you think you might know someone who is hoarding? Below are some common symptoms and behaviors to watch for:

• Inability to throw away possessions

• Severe anxiety when attempting to discard items

• Great difficulty categorizing or organizing possessions

• Indecision about what to keep or where to put things

• Distress, such as feeling overwhelmed or embarrassed by possessions

• Suspicion of other people touching items

• Obsessive thoughts and actions: fear of running out of an item or of needing it in the future; checking the trash for accidentally discarded objects

• Functional impairments, including loss of living space, social isolation, family or marital discord, financial difficulties, health hazards