That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

By That HoarderHealth & Fitness Mental Health

That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding episodes

September 01, 2023 #107 Things that look like hoarding but aren’t: ADHD, depression, autism, OCD, OCPD and more
In today's episode, we'll be delving into things that look like hoarding but aren't. Joining me is the incredible Dr. Jan Eppingstall, a specialist in hoarding disorder.

For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk
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We explore the how to determine if someone has hoarding tendencies, shedding light on hoarding and its connections to other mental health conditions, such as OCD and OCPD. We'll discuss the criteria for these disorders and how they relate to hoarding behaviors. But hoarding is just the tip of the iceberg. We'll also explore the relationship between hoarding, autism, ADHD, and depression, uncovering the common symptoms and challenges in these overlapping conditions.

So, join us as we discuss things that may look like hoarding but aren't.

Understanding the cause of hoarding behaviours
OCD and OCPD are mental disorders characterized by anxiety and rigid personality traits. Hoarding was associated with OCPD
Overlap of symptoms
Depression makes daily tasks exhausting and meaningless
Autism and ADHD: understanding and terminology
Often mask to fit in
Recognise sensory needs, respect neurodivergence, ask questions
Rejection sensitive dysphoria, impulsiveness, and addiction in ADHD
Understanding the causes of hoarding behaviours is important
OCD and OCPD are mental disorders. OCD causes anxiety and impairs functioning. OCPD is a personality disorder with rigid traits
Hoarding was considered a subtype of OCPD
People with OCPD may not see their behaviours as problematic and may exhaust themselves trying to meet unrealistic standards
Do individuals feel responsible for the welfare of objects, are they emotionally attached to them, do they experience distress from clutter or the act of saving?
A potential opposite extreme of compulsive minimalism
Feeling exhausted and worthless, maintaining a tidy house becomes unimportant. A depression nest forms
Hoarding often starts at a young age. Time and untreated depression can worsen it
Bipolar disorder
Increased understanding and awareness leading to more assessments.
Women are often overlooked
Understanding and accommodating individuals with neurodivergence is important
Sensory needs and routines may vary
ADHD is highly heritable but can also be influenced by environmental stressors and trauma
Variable attention stimulus trait
Creating your own options and not being afraid of failure in self-help
ADHD, depression, and hoarding often co-occur
Other conditions like OCD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, bulimia, binge eating, gambling, and personality disorders can be linked to hoarding
Treatment is challenging but not impossible
Definitions and criteria for hoarding tendencies
Compulsive spartanism
Differences and similarities between OCD and OCPD
Criteria for OCPD based on Freud
Hoarding originally considered a subtype of OCPD
Labels and understanding underlying needs
Focus on purpose rather than the diagnosis
Unrealistic standards and exhaustion from trying to meet them
Sensitive dysphoria and euphoria
Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted in daily life
Accepting help without distress or shame
Depression nests
Relationship between ADHD, depression, and hoarding
OCD, generalized anxiety, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, eating disorders, addiction, and personality disorders

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1 hr 32 min
August 25, 2023 #106 The Art of Letting Go: Navigating emotional clutter blocks with Tracy McCubbin
I speak to Tracy McCubbin, an expert in decluttering, organising, and overcoming the emotional attachment to our belongings. With years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of clutter, Tracy helps people reclaim their spaces. Tracy shares invaluable insights into the psychology behind stuff and the challenges that arise when inherited items become emotional burdens. She challenges the notion that objects hold inherent meaning and encourages listeners to question the attachment they have to their possessions. Tracy also provides practical advice on how to approach decluttering and organising. She dispels the myth of overnight transformations often portrayed on social media, reminding us that real progress takes time and effort. She shares anecdotes, including the story of the infamous painting of dogs playing poker and its unexpected journey to a new home. Join us as we explore clutter blocks through six items of mine,

For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk
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Introduction to the clutter blocks and their origin
Birthed from hands-on work with people and their experiences with hoarding disorder
The struggle of inheriting items from deceased family members
Difficulty in letting go of things due to sentimental attachment or financial value
Objects hold no inherent meaning, we assign meaning to them
Example of the speaker's wedding dress and societal pressure to hold onto sentimental items
The changing importance of objects over time
Acquisition of things becoming easier, questioning the need to hold onto them
Tackling decluttering and organizing separately
Not expecting immediate results
Unrealistic expectations created by social media
Working at your own pace
Time and energy limitations due to work and family
The initial chaos before improvement during the decluttering process
Hiring professionals for cleaning services if deep cleaning is not enjoyable
Selling or giving away unwanted items to avoid clutter
Celebrating progress by hiring a cleaning company and taking a break
Resisting pressure to do things one doesn't enjoy
Letting go of items and finding them in the hands of those who need them
Separating decluttering, organizing, and cleaning as separate tasks
Avoiding overwhelm and making the process more manageable
Replacing reminders of painful memories with positive ones
Not feeling obligated to keep crafts made by others
A client with a collection of birdhouses made by their father
Reflecting on the concept of regret and the things that are never thought about again
Choosing cash over a sale purse
Declutter, organize, and clean separately for success
Decluttering takes time and patience, but it's worth it
Feeling obliged to keep handmade crafts made by others
The meaning we attach to objects
Beautiful gift that's not my style
Dogs playing poker painting given new home
Father hoards baby strollers, never gives them away
Disaster relief donations often miss the mark
Hiring help for tasks you dislike
We make mistakes, let's learn and move on
Decluttering takes time and effort; it may get worse before it gets better
Psychological attachment to objects and challenges the belief that everything must be kept
Focus on good memories
Putting a time limit on completing tasks
Donate money, not random items
It is okay to not enjoy certain tasks and celebrate hiring help
We all make mistakes, but holding on to them is unnecessary

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1 hr 35 min
August 18, 2023#105 Embracing the path of least resistance: finding ease in the journey when overcoming hoarding
For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk
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Today, I dive into the importance of setting up systems to make dehoarding easier and less resistant. We'll discuss how examining the structure of our lives can help us determine what can be done to make the decluttering process more manageable. Plus, we'll explore the concept of choosing realistic timings that fit with our individual lifestyles for successful decluttering. We'll also explore the idea that the path of least resistance is often seen as negative, implying that someone isn't trying hard enough. In the realm of dealing with hoarding, however, the path of least resistance can be a gift. I'll explain how taking this approach doesn't mean avoiding challenges altogether, but rather making the overwhelming task of decluttering more manageable. Join me as I navigate the intricate world of compulsive hoarding, exploring the strategies and mindsets that can help us overcome this challenge. Get ready to uncover the path of least resistance.
Choosing the simplest option to overcome challenges
Uncertainty, struggle, progress in dealing with tasks
Create a system to enable donating items
Overcome barriers and get things out
Simplify decisions, prioritise, and start somewhere
Guidelines and formulas
Confidence and small steps
Choose the easiest option to start moving. Dealing with difficult challenges can be overwhelming. No shame in taking the simplest path
Uncertainty improved by experience and research
Need to be intentional to prevent worsening
Think about what stops you and create a system to enable change
Have a bag ready for charity donations
Start somewhere, any room or item, and adjust approach as needed.
Examining the structure of your life to facilitate decluttering
The negative perception of the path of least resistance
Acknowledgment of the importance of embracing challenges, but hoarding is already a significant one
Importance of making progress and having mental energy
Being more selective in future donation choices
Prioritising getting rid of items over ensuring they leave the house perfectly
Practical examples of following the path of least resistance in donating items
The challenge of determining where to start decluttering
Importance of thinking about structures that hinder decluttering
The value of creating systems or structures for ease of decluttering
The importance of following the path of least resistance to overcome difficult challenges
Barriers to getting rid of items, such as the need for perfection
Considering the easiest path to get items out of the house without throwing them away
Encouragement to pay attention to personal objections to getting rid of items
Research and intentionality as key factors in being neat and tidy
How being intentional prevents worsening and improves the situation
The benefits of considering the path of least resistance in making deliberate choices
Choosing what feels good to enhance productivity
The burden of donating items from a hoarded home due to the scale of possessions
The struggle of perfectionism in choosing where to donate
Considerations when deciding where to donate items
Suggestions for starting decluttering in specific areas of the home
The possibility of becoming overwhelmed and unable to make progress
Comparison of the structure of a river to the structure of one's life

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58 min
August 11, 2023#104 From sticky substances to mouldy messes: tackling the really gross bits when dehoarding
In this episode, we will be tackling the really gross and icky bits of dehoarding. It's not the most glamorous topic, but it's an essential part of the journey to a clutter-free life. We'll be discussing everything from dealing with unpleasant smells to handling sticky or disgusting substances that can accumulate over time. I've got some practical tips and strategies to help you navigate these challenges.
Dealing with gross things is important, but don't beat yourself up about it
Take responsibility, not blame, use it to motivate improvement
Presence of mould or goo in home is harmful physically, mentally, emotionally. Use gloves and a face mask to protect against anything gross or moldy. Use a grabber if needed
Adding essential oil drops to a face mask or using Vick's VapoRub improves smell.
Learn from experience, tackle issues one by one, prevent future problems: avoid bulk buying, store properly
The importance of addressing the "gross and icky" bits of dehoarding
Learning from unpleasant experiences and taking pride in overcoming them
Tackling issues or challenges one by one in a methodical manner
Taking proactive measures to prevent similar situations from arising again
Practical tips for dealing with sticky or gross substances
Addressing them individually until the whole house is clean
Being cautious with bulk food purchases and storing perishable items properly
Using bags for cleaning purposes is a logical use, not a waste
Spraying antibacterial spray after cleaning to ensure cleanliness
The importance of not avoiding unpleasant tasks
Facing the situation head-on because it won't go away on its own
Being realistic about what needs to be addressed
Quick resolution of tasks that have been avoided for a long time
The importance of ventilation to prevent mould and fungus spores from spreading
The need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when dealing with harmful substances
Taking responsibility without blaming oneself
Using experiences as motivation to improve hoarding habits
Promoting a proactive attitude towards personal growth and improvement
Overcoming the fear and worries associated with gross or unpleasant tasks
Using gloves, face masks, and grabber tools to avoid touching or inhaling harmful substances
Prioritising health and wellbeing when removing gross or unidentifiable items
The consequences of failure to clean up grossness, including contamination and more waste
Accepting that some things may not be savable and may need to be discarded

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40 min
August 04, 2023#103 Scarcity and hoarding with Dr Jan Eppingstall
With therapist Dr Jan Eppingstall, I look at the scarcity dilemma, uncovering the complex relationship between fear, control, and hoarding. We explore the link between scarcity and compulsive hoarding behaviours and how marketing tactics manipulate our emotions and behaviorus, leading us to accumulate more than we need. We look at strategies and discuss the psychological reasons behind the urge to hoard and the challenging process of letting go.

For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk
Subscribe to the podcast
Help out: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/support-this-project/
Importance of being aware of marketing tactics and their influence on emotions and behaviors.
Creating a space between stimulus and response to choose how to react.
Consideration of how a purchase will fit into our lives and finite home space.
Advising against in-store hoarding and hiding behaviors.
The urge to buy when something is believed to be scarce.
Charity shops as challenging for those triggered by scarcity.
Reactant theory and limited availability triggering increased attention and attraction.
Psychological factors contributing to hoarding behaviour.
Anxiety disorder and fear of making mistakes or being unprepared.
Preference for acquiring goods now rather than having more cash later.
Using possessions for control and anticipation of future needs.
Anticipated regret and comparison of acquisition and non-acquisition outcomes.
Scarcity perception, reactance, and fear of missing out (FOMO).
Limited availability as a threat to personal freedom.
Sense of urgency to buy and hoard when perceiving a shortage.
FOMO as a prevalent fear of not being able to purchase.
Mindset shifts and gratitude
Recognising and expressing gratitude for abundance in one's life.
Hoarding as compensatory behavior for insecure attachment.
Filling the void of missing connections.
Providing hedonistic pleasure and dopamine hit.
Compensating for lacking or not acknowledging something.
Finding fulfillment beyond material possessions.
Importance of recognising and being grateful for small moments and human interactions.
Random joy and emotional fulfillment over material things.
Ethical concerns with therapists receiving constant marketing offers.
Overwhelming amount of emails for online courses and discounts.
Feeling uncomfortable and "icky" about this type of marketing.
Effectiveness of different types of scarcity.
Limited quantity scarcity vs. limited time scarcity.
Limited quantity scarcity leading to competition and pride.
Bargains as part of the gift and providing satisfaction.
Disagreement with scarcity mindset versus abundant mindset descriptions.
Lack of competitiveness or jealousy towards others.
Belief in collaboration and not worrying about others' resources.
Curiosity about the fear of scarcity and its underlying reasons.

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1 hr 7 min
July 28, 2023#102 Turn your chair around: beginner’s mind and the power of perspective in hoarding
In today's episode, we're exploring the power of turning your chair round and embracing different perspectives.

For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk

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Imagining advice from different perspectives
Gaining new insights and advice
Showing compassion towards yourself
Questioning how things are done
Exploring different ways to frame situations
Beginner's Mind from Zen Buddhism:
Dropping expectations and preconceived ideas
Stepping out of comfort zone
Initial discomfort leading to eventual comfort
Trying new things can be scary but rewarding
Questioning and reevaluating rules:
Determining if rules are still useful and relevant
Challenging yourself to break established patterns
Confirmation bias: Seeking information that aligns with existing beliefs
Perfectionism in organizing possessions:
Energizing and motivating the organising process
Believing in different possibilities
Challenging the belief that things have to be a certain way forever
Exploring new ways of thinking and doing things
Challenging fears:
Proving fears are not necessarily true
Gentle self-reflection:
Encouraging personal growth and understanding
Turning the chair around
Seeing possibilities and solutions with a fresh outlook
Practicing beginner's mind and mindfulness
Looking for something unrelated to existing interests

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43 min
July 21, 2023#101 Wishcycling, the 5 Rs, and hoarding - what you need to know
For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk

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Join me as I delve into wishcycling and the connection between hoarding and sustainable practices.

On this episode of Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder, I dive into the topic of wishcycling and how it relates to hoarding. I explore the concept of repairing and upcycling as effective ways to extend the lifespan of items, discussing the difference between repairing and intending to repair. I learn about the importance of following through with repair plans and setting deadlines.

Wishcycling, the act of putting non-recyclable items in recycling bins, is the main topic of discussion. I explore common items that are often wishcycled, such as plastic bags and crisp/chip packets, and the negative impact it can have I highlight the recycling initiative TerraCycle, which offers recycling programs for difficult-to-recycle items.

I emphasise the 5 Rs and how hoarders can focus on reducing consumption to tackle overwhelm in their homes. I also discuss the potential distractions these can pose for hoarders and the importance of prioritising oneself, the home, and the people we live with over broken or damaged items.

I also look at the uncertainty surrounding recyclable items and the complexities of the recycling process, emphasising the need to question if we really need something before acquiring it.

Topics:
Definition of wishcycling and its negative effects
Commonly wishcycled items and misconceptions
The impact of wishcycling on recycling machines and materials
Extending the lifespan of items through repair and upcycling
Examples of effective repair and upcycling techniques
The difference between repairing and intending to repair
Overview of TerraCycle and its recycling programs
Personal Experience with Repairing
Setting a strict deadline to avoid procrastination
Applying Principles of Reuse and Repair:
How reducing consumption can help tackle overwhelm in hoarded homes
Balancing Repair and Hoarding:
Repairing as a potential distraction or excuse for hoarding
Prioritising oneself and loved ones over broken or damaged items
Tendency to reuse unsafe items in hoarded homes
An overview of the five R's (reduce, reuse, repair, rot, recycle)
The question of need and waste reduction
Personal Motivation and the Environment:
Survivors of trauma as environmentally motivated individuals
Hoarding as a barrier to caring for the environment
The personal and global benefits of reducing consumption
Acknowledging uncertainties in recycling practices

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49 min
July 14, 2023 #100 19 things I’ve learned about hoarding - and the gas man came
'If you had told me on March 30, 2021, when I put up two episodes of me rambling into my phone, that two-and a-bit years later, I would have 100 episodes live, I would have over 100,000 downloads, I would have had an array of amazing guests, I would never have believed you.'

- Celebration of the podcast's 100th episode and over 100,000 downloads
- Gas man visit as an opportunity to assess progress
- Importance of talking about difficult topics and dismantling stigmas
- Power of experimentation, curiosity, and strategic questioning
- Recognizing the negative impact of self-criticism
- Understanding that beating yourself up prevents action
- Importance of addressing underlying patterns and reasons behind hoarding behaviors
- Creativity and unconventional strategies may be necessary in overcoming hoarding tendencies.
- Importance of asking strategic questions in decision-making

For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk
Subscribe to the podcast

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1 hr 31 min
July 07, 2023 #99 Why stuff? From Blankies to Belongings: understanding the connections between hoarding, attachment styles and excessive attachment to possessions with...
For the transcript for this episode, visit the website at http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk

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On this episode, I dive into why hoarders are so fixated on stuff. Joining me is Dr Jan Eppingstall, who looks into the theory of transitional objects developed by Winnicott and how they shape our attachment styles. We explore how these objects serve as a source of comfort and self-soothing, representing our primary caregiver. Jan discusses how uncertainty can lead to people-pleasing and masking of emotions. We also learn about the impact of insecure attachment on hoarding behaviours and the role of belongings in forging connections and fulfilling our emotional needs. We also discuss the complex interaction between genetics and environment in hoarding tendencies. Tune in for a deep dive into the psychological factors behind our attachment to our possessions.

- Transitional object theory by Winnicott
- The role of transitional objects in comforting children, representing the primary caregiver
- How transitional objects help children become independent and manage separation anxiety
- Uncertainty and people-pleasing behaviours
- Excessive attachment to belongings stemming from childhood experiences
- Attachment styles and secure and insecure attachment
- Using possessions to gain power, impress others, make connections
- Attachment theory and its impact on hoarding behaviours
- The use of possessions to forge connections
- Possessions as non-confrontational and not disappointing compared to people
- Attachment insecurity linked to negative thoughts about self-worth, shame, and unstable identity
- Growing up in a hoard leading to disorganised attachment and attachment trauma
- Understanding why people attach meaning to possessions
- Possessions reflecting aspects of personality, intelligence, or past achievements
- Ambivalent sense of self in hoarding and its relation to identity struggles
- Common themes for hoarding: avoiding negative emotions, holding onto past happiness, validating past pain
- Factors contributing to hoarding: instinctual nature of stockpiling and inability to avoid engaging with possessions
- Coping mechanisms, their classifications as acceptable or unacceptable, and the tipping point to excessive behaviours
- John Bowlby's attachment theory and its focus on distress and anxiety in babies when separated from primary caregiver
- Influence of early separation on psychological well-being, based on experimental studies during the Blitz
- The role of transitional object attachment
- Mary Ainsworth's extension of Bowlby's research through the Strange Situation experiments
- Identification of secure attachment and three types of insecure attachment: anxious, avoidant, and disorganised
- Hoarding tendencies being more common among first degree relatives
- Chromosome regions associated with hoarding, but no clear susceptibility genes identified
- Limited support for a genetic predisposition to hoarding
- Disproven hypotheses about hoarding and scarcity or deprivation
- The interaction between nature (genetics) and nurture (environment)

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1 hr 11 min
June 30, 2023#98 The power and potential of curiosity in hoarding
Topics covered:
- The power and potential of curiosity in hoarding
- The benefits of changing beliefs and embracing new perspectives
- Admitting mistakes and apologising as a less stressful alternative
- The importance of admitting when you don’t know something
- Using curiosity to understand why tasks or environments seem impossible
- How therapy can increase curiosity and explore hoarding thoughts and patterns
- Accepting uncertainty and unanswered questions
- Being open to new experiences
- The positive impact of curiosity on mental health and personal growth
- Seeking out new information, different perspectives, and asking questions
- Examples of curiosity, such as exploring fears or understanding others' experiences
- Embracing creativity as a way to foster curiosity
- Engaging with people from different backgrounds and life stories
- Encouraging open communication, learning, and challenging assumptions
- The importance of trying new things multiple times before forming an opinion
- Deepening connections through a curious outlook
- Strategies to encourage curiosity, like treating tasks as experiments
- Framing dehoarding tasks as an experiment
- The effectiveness of the curious and experimental mindset in dehoarding
- Thinking outside the box for a more creative and innovative outlook
- Acceptance of different people and ideas through curiosity
- Adding depth to life through trying new things and learning
- Being present and engaged through attention to details
- Learning from mistakes and cultivating personal growth through curiosity
- Feeling safe to make mistakes and explore for curiosity to thrive
- The numerous benefits of developing a curious outlook
- Opening up communication and expanding one's world through exploration
- The ripple effect of bravery and curiosity on other aspects of life

For the full show notes and transcript for this episode, visit the website at http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/
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48 min

About That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

From the publisher's feed

Hoarding disorder is stigmatised and people who hoard feel vast amounts of shame. This podcast began life as an audio diary, an anonymous outlet for somebody with this weird condition. That Hoarder…