How is hoarding different from collecting? Bio-One of Chula Vista is here to help
The struggle with hoarding seems to be more often in families, especially after everything we have gone through as a society with the COVID-19 pandemic. Having to stay at home for safety reasons hasn’t had the same effect on everyone. For some, it has been an opportunity to reconnect with some of the things they weren’t able to do because of work and constantly being out. For others, though, it has been more challenging not being able to do the things they were used to doing, so it’s possible old habits may have arisen, or new -bad- habits have developed, unfortunately.
We are not randomly tossing words out. The reason for this prelude is to let everyone know that there is not a specific reason for hoarding. There are risk factors that mental health professionals have been able to identify, but there’s no right answer as to why someone may develop a hoarding disorder.
Hoarding was recognized as a mental health disorder in 2013 by the American Psychiatric Association, in its Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-5). It’s the persistent difficulty with parting from personal possessions. For someone who struggles with hoarding disorder, these possessions have a more “emotional” value, and they’re not usually aware of the pilling up of things until the living space becomes too hazardous or too dangerous for them to be around.
Bio-One of Chula Vista’s specialists are caring and understanding of what it means to help someone living in a hoarded property. The reality is that there are multiple biohazards associated with hoarding: from accidental falls to accidental fire, the accumulation of clutter and waste makes up for a highly dangerous environment not only for the victim but for the families and other parties involved.
That is why hoarding disorder is associated with a diminished quality of life: the person struggling with it has trouble with performing normal, day-to-day activities like cooking, bathing, or even just walking around the house.
The difference between someone who hoards and someone who collects things
People struggling with hoarding disorder tend to isolate themselves from family, friends, and the community, as they may feel embarrassed from the precarious living conditions. This is the main differentiator between hoarding and collecting.
Someone who collects things is usually active in the pursuit of these longed-for items, but there is a limit. They’re aware of what is necessary and what is not, and they have no problem with showing off their collections. There’s a sense of “pride” associated with being a collector.
For someone struggling with hoarding is different, mainly because the individuals are not aware of the self-damage and potentially hazardous situations they may be putting themselves in by not giving in to throw away things that don’t serve a real purpose in their lives.
Self-motivation and a desire to change is necessary, but help from professionals is also needed to overcome hoarding
From an outside perspective, it might be easy to pass judgment on someone who is struggling with hoarding. It’s important to understand that hoarding is an actual mental health condition that may be triggered by many reasons. In order to successfully overcome hoarding, yes, self-motivation is necessary. People need to come to a realization about the dangers associated with a cluttered, hoarded space and accept that they need help. The problem is that sometimes, this realization doesn’t come as easy as one might want.
The help from a loved one, and more importantly, from a health professional is of utmost importance to guide the individual and provide them with the treatment they need to overcome hoarding. Family and friends are more than welcome to assist someone if they suspect they may be struggling with a hoarding disorder, but it has to come from a non-judgment and deeply understanding perspective.
Bio-One of Chula Vista can help you
Hoarding is a difficult situation that needs as much help and support as possible. Cleaning and disinfecting a house impacted by hoarding may be overwhelming and stressful. Bio-One of Chula Vista’s specialists are prepared to help you rid the house or property of all the biohazards and dangerous pathogens resulting from the accumulation of clutter and waste. Know that our specialists are caring, compassionate, and utterly discreet during this transition.
Locally owned, Bio-One of Chula Vista proudly serves the following San Diego County cities: Chula Vista, San Diego, National City, Lemon Grove, Spring Valley, El Cajon, Santee, Lakeside, Coronado, La Mesa, Imperial Beach, Bonita, Alpine, and surrounding communities. We are also proud members of the National City Chamber of Commerce and an approved HomeAdvisor company.
We offer free estimates for our services, and we are available 24/7! Give us a call at 619-892-1744.
