Hoarding: Finding OCD Help for This Little Known Type

Most people are unaware that hoarding is a mental condition linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Obsessive thoughts create emotions that lead to compulsive behaviors. Hoarding is the impulse to keep items even if they hold no value. This can be dangerous in overly packed homes. However, OCD help is available.

The Dangers of Hoarding

Hoarding alienates you from others and poses a health risk. A home packed with clutter makes it impossible to walk through safely and creates a fire hazard. Your self-esteem and confidence plummet as you are embarrassed to open your door to guests.

Other people in your home do not want to invite people over, and any family living elsewhere feels uncomfortable in your home. Hoarding robs you of relationships. Clutter also increases anxiety and depression, often co-occurring mental conditions.

OCD Help for Hoarding

OCD help is available for the symptoms of hoarding. You can learn to control the thoughts and impulses surrounding this type of OCD. You may also need professional help to declutter and make decisions about what to keep, donate, recycle, and throw away. You can call on a trusted friend or family member, or use a professional organizer.

Sometimes, the best thing to do is to take small steps as you clear clutter. Choose one section of a room and spend 10-15 minutes placing items into bags or boxes marked as “donate”, “recycle”, and “trash.” Set a timer, and when it goes off, place items you want to keep in their proper rooms or where they belong.

You may want your friend to remind you when an item is trash. After each session, immediately take the boxes and bags to the garbage or arrange for donation drop-off or pick-up.

Decluttering will take time, so try not to get frustrated. Keep at it, 15 minutes at a time, and you will see results in your environment as you tackle your mental health.

Beneficial Therapies for OCD Hoarding

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) CBT is a method for managing obsessive thoughts to change the emotions attached to them. This results in behavioral change.

Support Groups A support group for people struggling with hoarding will provide you with a sense of community. You can learn techniques others have used to successfully manage their symptoms while sharing your successes.

Organizing Companies – Professional organizers work in cluttered homes to bring peace. They work with the family to decipher what should stay and what should be removed. An organizing company can also teach the inhabitants how to keep the clutter at bay.

Therapy for Co-Occurring Mental Conditions Hoarding is often a co-occurring mental condition. You may also struggle with anxiety, depression, or a physical illness. If your basic needs are not met, hoarding tendencies can pop up as you seek safety and security. Counseling can pinpoint triggers and help you manage them.

Don’t struggle alone. OCD help is available in your area. You can choose to see a counselor in person or virtually.

Christian Counseling is Available

Christian counseling is available for OCD hoarding. Hoarding is only one aspect of OCD; there are several types: contamination (cleansing), checking, ordering (organization and symmetry), and intrusive thoughts. Contact our office today to schedule a session with a Christian counselor for more information and to schedule an appointment for OCD help. We would love to help you overcome your symptoms and move forward, achieving your dreams.