The following contribution is from another author.
Anxiety can manifest itself physically too. Clutter that seems to accumulate overnight and feelings of loss when just thinking about parting with physical possessions could all be symptoms of anxiety-driven hoarding that must be tackled before any lasting change can take place. Understanding the “why” can shed light on why some find it so hard to let go of physical possessions and how addressing the root cause can lead to meaningful change.
What Is Hoarding Disorder?
Hoarding disorder goes beyond overstuffed closets or disorganized rooms. It is characterized by difficulty discarding items regardless of their value. Hoarding often causes living conditions to deteriorate rapidly, rendering rooms unusable and drastically diminishing their quality of life. Hoarding often coexists with other mental health disorders, anxiety being one of them. The act of acquisition can become an escape from their life’s stresses, even when it interferes with their day-to-day functionality. Hoarders may attach a lot of sentimental value to even inconsequential objects or worry excessively about “wasting” something useful. Hoarding is not about the items themselves but about emotional turmoil caused by not being able to part with them.
The Role of Anxiety in Hoarding
Anxiety can play a big part in hoarding behavior in several ways. Parting with possessions may trigger fears of future regret and loss, while material accumulation serves as a calming distraction from anxiety. Together, anxiety and hoarding have an intertwined cycle. Anxiety leads to hoarding behavior as an attempt at relief, but its very act often increases feelings of helplessness and stress further, creating an ongoing feedback loop that becomes harder to break over time.
Signs That Hoarding and Anxiety Are Interlinked
Being aware when hoarding behaviors are intertwined can help in managing this issue. Common signs include:
- Feeling overwhelming distress at the thought of discarding items, even seemingly minor ones.
- Hoarding may be used as an outlet for specific anxieties, including shortages or financial instability, or simply the overwhelming nature of clutter in parts of your home that have become insurmountable.
- Worrying too much about maintaining control over hoarded items.
These signs signal that this issue goes beyond simple disorganization and requires a careful approach that addresses both physical and emotional elements of it.
Breaking the Cycle
Breaking the cycle of hoarding begins by understanding its root causes. Cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) can be particularly helpful in helping people address the thought patterns behind their hoarding behavior and how those thought processes are fueled. Professional organizers and support groups that specialize in hoarding can also be amazing resources, providing practical and emotional assistance. Getting hoarding cleanup services can also be a helpful step in breaking the cycle. Creating healthy routines at home can give a sense of structure and control, helping alleviate some anxiety. Also, mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques may help with breaking attachments to possessions while providing emotional regulation.
Conclusion
Hoarding disorder and anxiety often go hand-in-hand, each impacting the other in complex and profound ways. Although it’s easy to view hoarding as simply clutter, its true impact goes much deeper. Letting go isn’t just about getting rid of things. It is about letting go of whatever’s holding you back.
