General Chat

Tonight on Channel 5, is a programme called Hidden Lives about female hoarders. I am going to find it hard but interesting to watch as that is the problem I have and it has ruined my life really.
If you watch it, please don't get impatient and disgusted at the way things are likely to be, as it is something that we hoarders are unable to cope with. Throwing something away is so hard, you almost mourn the things that go, if you can manage to get rid of things. I don't hold on to rubbish but do have a problem with newspapers and magazines, I have to check the papers and cut out things that interest me before recycling the papers, and I hardly ever throw away magazines. I have clothes that will never fit me again yet still I find it difficult to get rid. I did pack up some things once or twice for people in Kosovo and other places, and took them to a depot where they loaded up a lorry. I sent a skirt I had got from a charity shop but had intended altering, of course I hadn't done it so sent it off. Even today all those years later there is something that nags at me about that skirt and the fact it is gone.
There are very few people who can help those with this problem and I have been trying to access help for 16 years to no avail. It can be a form of ocd and there is a non ocd version called Diogenes syndrome and syllogomania.
One day I will crack it, and sort my possessions out, and have a nice home to live in again, I wasn't always like this, it came on gradually when I was going through a huge amount of domestic stress. My son is terrified I will die before I sort things and leave him a house, two garages full of clutter and possessions.
Lizx

Aw Liz, maybe the programme may show ways to help. Sometimes at the end of these type of programmes it says something like if you have experianced or know anyone that has we have a helpline.

It sounds an interesting watch but I will be out tonight - maybe it will be Catch up TV and ill watch it over the weekend.

Sounds like you recognise you have a problem which is always the first half of the battle.

Maddie x

Liz, I will record it, I will have visitors, but we've spoken about your problem, and this will give me more insight into it!
Keep well friend
xxxxxxxxxxxxx

hi liz
not quite sure what to say to you but will watch the program with you in my mind now.
we all deal with problems our own way, dont be ashamed of that .
dawn x

I have seen a similar programme before. I believe you have to start in small steps Liz, by throwing away one piece at a time. Start by throwing or recycle 1 magazine a week. Good luck and let us know what you think of the programme and if it was helpful.
Tina x

Hi Liz
Will watch programme
Take care
JenXX

xxxxx will watch it tonight, Liz

Love

Daff xxx

((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))

what time please? as I can't find it to set a reminder?

Found it, reminder set!!

It was much later than I thought It would be!!

Taff ............Help me ...should I watch channel 5 again tonight .....It wont be like last night will it ????

hi liz
i will watch and think of you, take care

chris x

I will tape it Liz........my Uncle who was single had the same problem with newspapers.......piles of them in his flat .....

I watched a programme on Sky a couple of weeks ago, and there was a man with this problem too.......and his daughters were trying to help him to let go of ornaments and other things.......you could see he was getting angry and desperate and making excuses why each item should be kept.......he kept stalling and diverting attention by talking about the objects, and in the end nothing much was different......and he said he might try again in a few months........but I should imagine the same thing would happen......

You did say a telling thing though Liz, when you said about the skirt.......it seems a problem of letting go of things...... if only there was an answer.....

I will watch with interest.....

My OH is the hoarder in this house, in fact he is known as Squirrel. Pieces of string, old taps, we also had a shed of lawn mowers at one time.

His bil is worse, he has jars and jars of bent nails.

I see myself going down the same road, although I would not object to someone clearing my house for me.I would happily go out for the day if I knew it would all be gone on my return
Looking forward to the program, perhaps it will spur me into action !

Liz
Whilst reading your thread and the incident with the skirt, I wondered what was it that made you still remember that skirt after all these years ? Was it the shape, feel or pattern or something else that attracted you?
Joan x

Oh dear - sounds like i should be watching or recording this programme..............

i can hold my hands up to similar behaviour altho not quite so extreme maybe - but will be interesting to see how mine compares

thanks Liz (((hugs))) xx

Thank you for all your comments and kind thoughts. I wish I could cope with someone clearing the things for me, but that would freak me out I am afraid, all part of the problem.
I wanted people to see it so they can understand more as this is a huge problem everywhere, but is so well hidden as there is still a big stigma towards this kind of mental health illness. Took me a long time to admit to it. Now all I have to do is sort it lol
Lizxx

hi liz
i think you are very brave to tell us about this and i hope tonights program offers you some support and ideas for the way ahead
chris x

Hi Liz,

I am a hoarder as well!! I can't stop!!

Mine is buying clothes and makeup, I have been doing it for years and have 5 wardrobes full of every differnt size you could mention. Nearly all of them never used because they are not my size anymore but I just can't get rid of them, I must keep them. I say maybe one day I will mange to slim a bit and get into them.
Also makeup, all types, all colours you name it I have it, never wear makeup either just once in a while I put on lipstick. Again can't get rid of them though, even although I don't wear any, always say maybe one day I will.

Betty