Hoarding is a serious mental health illness that affects about 15% of people in the world. Of those who suffer from a hoarding problem, studies reveal that only about 5% can recognise that they are suffering from an illness.
The severity of the condition and the inability to acknowledge the problem means that helping someone who has a hoarding problem can be very difficult. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t things that you can do to help someone who is suffering.
Learn More About the Issue
People who have never suffered from hoarding can find it difficult to understand the behaviour. This lack of understanding can create problems when you try to help someone, which is why it is essential that you take the time to learn about the condition.
There are many ways that you can learn more about hoarding. For example, you can read up about the condition online, join a support group or talk directly to a mental health professional.
Do Not Take Their Belongings
You may assume that you can simply throw out the victim’s belongings to help eliminate the problem, however, it is vital that you avoid taking the possessions of someone who is suffering from a hoarding problem. Throwing away the possessions of an individual with hoarding problems will do nothing to improve their condition and will likely damage your relationship.
Avoid Enabling
While you should not throw away the belongings this does not automatically mean that you should enable their behaviour. In fact, when helping someone with a hoarding problem, it is important that you avoid enabling their condition. You should be mindful about participating in activities that might trigger the collection of belongings or offering to help the person grow their collections.
Be Careful When Cleaning
One of the most worrying aspects for people who have a loved one with a hoarding problem is cleanliness.
When someone with a hoarding problem has a large collection of items, it can create a lot of clutter, making cleaning difficult – if not impossible.
If you are concerned about the cleanliness of their home, it may be useful to enlist the help of an experienced hoarder clean up company. A team of trained professionals can help you deal with the cleaning process in a calm and thoughtful manner.
Helping Someone Find Treatment
Helping someone with a hoarding problem to find suitable treatment is an essential step towards progressing.
The prospect of getting help can seem intimidating for anyone who has a serious mental health condition, so you must approach this step with care and understanding. It can be useful to look into the different options for treatment for people with hoarding problems, so you can help your loved one find the solution that is right for them.