Author: Tan Ing Keet Faythe
The recent spate of fires in Housing Development Board (HDB) flats across Singapore has encouraged government agencies and town councils to step up enforcement on cluttered corridors to tackle hoarding issues. Authorities are currently working on 260 active hoarding cases that remain prolonged and unresolved as it is difficult to gain hoarders’ cooperation to declutter. Hoarding can be harmful to an individual as well as their relationships with people around them, bringing about many risks including house fires, infestations, trips/falls, less access for emergency services, and even mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety. With the implications that hoarding can bring, this article seeks to shed some light on what hoarding is, some signs that are common among hoarders, and how others can support them.
What is hoarding?
Hoarding is the persistent difficulty to discard or part with personal possessions, regardless of actual value, due to a perceived need to save them, or distress and/or indecision associated with discarding. Hoarding ranges from mild to severe, and affects people across all ages, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic status.
In some cases, hoarding may not have much of an impact on one's life while seriously affecting daily functions in some others. It not only has an effect on the individual but radiates through the family, friends, and even community. Hoarders often do not see hoarding as a problem, making the process for treatment more challenging.
Why does hoarding occur?
There are many reasons as to why hoarding occurs. In some cases, it may be a sign of underlying mental health problems where hoarding is a presenting symptom, but not all of them are caused by mental illness. A consultant from IMH, Dr Kelvin Ng, shared that some people without mental illnesses have problems discarding items due to past experiences with loss or stress. Holding on to possessions may be their way to “fill” that emotional void. Additionally, some who have gone through hardships may deem something as “still useful” and attribute value to their hoard, as they feel it is a reflection of their past. On the other hand, underlying mental health issues such as severe depression might cause the individual to lose their ability to clean up after themselves, and disorganisation is often associated with conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, hoarding disorder, depression and schizophrenia.
Common traits of hoarding
Someone who hoards may exhibit the following signs:
Inability to discard possessions
Extreme clutter throughout living spaces
Organizational difficulty - indecision about what to keep or where to put things
Excessive acquisition of items through shopping, collecting, etc.
Difficulty with permitting others to touch or move their items
Functional impairments including the loss of living space (e.g., not being able to sleep in bedroom)
Helping a hoarder
It is easy to feel emotionally overwhelmed if you have a loved one who is a hoarder. You may be frustrated and worried, and things can feel even worse if you have to share a living space with them. It is important to show that you empathize with their struggles and want to support them as they work towards changing their habits.
Educate yourself about hoarding. The more you understand why hoarding occurs and what it is about, the easier it is for you to empathize and offer appropriate support.
Focus on the aspects of wellbeing. Instead of telling them to get rid of their possessions, focus on the concerns you have for their safety. Talk about reducing the risks of accidents or the elimination of fire hazards while emphasizing on their safety.
Offer some help. People who hoard often struggle with decision-making. Offer your assistance and support, as it can be a crucial part of their journey. Set achievable goals together and celebrate small victories to keep them motivated.
Encourage them to reach out. Even if a hoarder recognises their behaviour, they might have difficulty taking the appropriate steps. Discuss the options available such as therapists or treatment programs, and offer to accompany them if it helps keep them on track.
Whether or not there is an underlying mental health issue behind the individual’s hoarding, it is an issue which should be addressed, especially if it is affecting their daily function. If you or your loved one is facing issues with hoarding - do reach out today.
Interesting read
https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/why-we-hoard-things-when-is-it-sign-mental-disorder-1910336
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/why-people-hoard-how-hoarding-works-2939741