Whether your loved one has been diagnosed with a hoarding problem or is suffering from worrying symptoms, it can be difficult to know what you can do to help. It can sometimes seem like the more that you do to help, the worse the problem gets.
Hoarding can be a difficult and complicated problem to help with. However, there are things that friends and family members can do to initiate and assist with the recovery phase.
MANAGING THE CLEAR OUT
If a loved one is suffering from a hoarding problem, one of your first instincts may be to go in and declutter their property. However, this can actually have more negative impacts than positive, as although the clutter might be gone temporarily, it will likely rebuild over time.
Before clearing out their possessions, it’s important that you gain their consent. Failing to gain consent one before completing a clear out risks triggering negative feelings, such as anger or despair. You are also likely to damage your relationship and lose their trust.
Once you have gained consent, to start moving out their belongings, it’s vital that you properly manage the clean-up process. Decluttering the home of someone who struggles with hoarding can be difficult, which is why you might want to consider hiring a specialised, sensitively managed hoarder clean up service.
It is important you hire a specialised service to ensure that everyone involved is trained to deal with the sensitive nature of cleaning the home of someone who suffers from hoarding problems.
HELPING YOUR LOVED ONE GET HELP
Just like any other mental health condition, hoarding can be extremely difficult to deal with. You may want to look into getting your loved ones professional help for their hoarding disorder.
There are a range of different solutions to consider. One solution, known as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can be very useful when dealing with conditions such as hoarding. You could also consider skills training, group treatment or medication.
It’s important to reassure them that getting help from a mental health professional is nothing to be ashamed of. Your loved one may feel worried or nervous about seeking professional help, so support them as much as you can during this process.
REFRAME YOUR APPROACH
It can be difficult for people who have not suffered from hoarding to understand how it affects those dealing with it. This can lead to frustration from friends or family members. It is vital that you reframe your perspective of your loved one’s attachment issues.
Showing your support with the matter will not facilitate your loved one’s hoarding behaviours. In fact, one of the most effective approaches you can take is to be understanding but risk-averse.
Instead of focusing solely on decluttering their property, instead express your concern for their safety. Research has found that people with hoarding problems are much more likely to be open to change if it stems from safety concerns.
