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'I was ashamed of my hoarding and couldn't move on with my life'
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Hoarding disorder, classified as a mental health condition by the WHO in 2018, affects up to four million people in the UK and is often linked to underlying psychological issues rather than just clutter itself.
- People struggling with hoarding frequently experience feelings of embarrassment, shame, and being overwhelmed, with many cases rooted in trauma, loss, or difficulty adapting to change.
- Decluttering experts emphasize the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological reasons behind hoarding, offering practical and emotional support to help individuals regain control of their living spaces.
- Neurodivergent individuals, such as those with ADHD, may face additional challenges with task initiation and decision-making during decluttering, benefiting from guided support to stay motivated.
- The process of decluttering can be slow and emotionally difficult, but with coaching and support, many people find relief and improved well-being as they learn to let go of possessions tied to past identities and unresolved feelings.
