Search Here

Over the past decade, minimalism has made its way to the top of lifestyle trends. However, there are still people who are into the opposite and instead end up hoarding.

A person who has a hoarding disorder experiences the need to acquire and keep items that do not necessarily have value. They also have difficulty discarding these items for several reasons, such as feeling they might need them in the future and holding onto their sentimental value, among others.

Finding out a loved one, especially a partner that you live with, is hoarding can be overwhelming. So what do you do when you learn your partner is hoarding? Here are some tips:

1. Educate yourself about hoarding disorder

Hoarding is not just a quirk. It is a mental illness, and in some cases, it is even linked to OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is important to understand the extent of your loved one's condition before trying to find a solution. Understand why they do it and be patient about their condition. 

2. Do not clean up for them

It is not easy for a hoarder to discard items, even if it seems like they have no value. According to a study, this is related to their anxiety when faced with situations that force them to make a decision. Cleaning up for them will not help since it will not address any deep-seated issues they have. Instead, remember that overcoming the disorder is not a process that takes overnight. 

3. Encourage them to seek professional help

Seeking the help of a professional is one of the best ways to help someone with hoarding disorder. Depending on their recommendation, common treatment methods are cognitive behavioral therapy and the use of antidepressants.