ARP 293 Defining Collecting, Clutter, Hoarding and Squalor

In this episode, a look at some of the words that get confused with hoarding.  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. MHealth Intelligence article about Cerebral and a link to the WSJ article    FTC Launches Probe of Cerebrals Business Practices that is behind a paywall.   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.