Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticketSubscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribePodcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ In this episode I chat with Sam, who speaks movingly about growing up with a mother who hoards. Now 28, Sam reflects on the claustrophobic environment, the impact on their self-esteem and organisation, and the ongoing journey to rebuild a relationship with food, space, and self-worth. Whether you're a hoarder, the child of somebody who hoards, or you know someone who is, Sam's story offers a vital perspective on living through - and beyond - the hoard.
Sam’s experience growing up in a hoarded homeImportance of understanding perspectives of those affected by hoardingSam’s Childhood ExperienceDescription of upbringing in a hoarded homeEmotional impact and feelings of claustrophobia and anxietyLack of emotional and physical spaceExperiences of shame and comparison with peersCoping Mechanisms and Effects on Daily LifeSam's view of their home as an obstacle courseImpact of hoarding on family relationshipsLack of privacy and its influence on personal developmentImpact on Self-Esteem and Mental HealthStruggle with self-esteem and self-careConnection between environment and depressionFeelings of negativity and isolationSchool and Social InteractionsEffect on academic performance and organisational skillsChallenges in completing schoolworkExperiences with friends visiting the home and related anxietiesAdolescence and Growing AwarenessAnger and frustration during teenage yearsLack of external intervention and supportMissed opportunities for professional helpExternal Perception and Professional InsightOutside family and societal perceptions of hoardingDrip-feeding experiences to others and feeling of overwhelming othersRelationship with Food and NutritionNegative perceptions of food due to spoiling and smellsOngoing struggle with eating certain foods, particularly fruitRebuilding a relationship with food as an adultLeaving the Home and IndependenceSam’s experience and decision to move out at 20Challenges and processes involved in leaving the parental hoarded homeContinued responsibilities in a second hoarded homeLong-term Effects on Sam’s Adult LifeInfluence on career choice and support work with young carersOngoing challenges with personal organisation and self-careStruggles with mental health and burnoutSam’s Relationship with FamilyComplex relationship dynamics with parentsLack of understanding from parents regarding Sam’s struggles and decisionsReflection on parental insight into hoarding and its effects on familyCurrent Relationship with Hoarding and CleaningSam’s approach to possessionsEmotional responses to cleaning and organising tasksDeveloping the skillset for maintaining an organised living spaceMessage for Others Experiencing Similar SituationsEncouragement for other young carers and children of hoardersImportance of self-worth and identity outside of hoarding stigmasStrategies for mental health and personal growthFinal Thoughts and ReflectionsReflections on how sharing and exploration helps understandingHope for the interview to be beneficial to listeners with similar experiences