While many of us are guilty of holding onto possessions for longer than we should, hoarding takes this to a whole new level. They can accumulate possessions and feel unable to part with them, even if it causes safety issues. If you suspect someone you know is a hoarder, you may be interested in finding ways to help.
Professional Help
Many hoarders will require professional help to overcome their behaviour, with therapy considered the first-line treatment. It is therefore well worth encouraging your friend or relative to get professional help and offer assistance in finding a therapist. With good therapists much in demand, if this is a field that interests you professionally, now is a good time to look at what training options are in your area. For example, if you live in Milton Keynes you could do an internet search for mental health training courses Milton Keynes and you should get links to reputable training organisations like www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/milton-keynes.
Help Declutter
Decluttering the home or car of a hoarder can be a massive undertaking, and if you are able to help, either physically or by researching professional cleaning services, this can ease their burden. However, this is an area where you will need to tread carefully. Sweeping in to declutter and throwing away items without their permission can cause severe emotional distress, ultimately making the hoarding even worse. However, if they ask for your help, any assistance will be a good way to offer support.
Learn About Hoarding
To properly help a hoarder, you need to understand about hoarding. There is no consensus on why people hoard, but it may be related to trauma or other mental health conditions like OCD or be an inherited brain pattern. You will need to understand that overcoming hoarding can be a slow process and not expect to see great results overnight. There may well be setbacks, and you should never expect perfection. Make sure you do not enable their behaviour by giving them more items or taking them on shopping trips, but do acknowledge their progress.