That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

#122 From ’it’ll do’ to ’make do’

Subscribe to the podcast - https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribeAfter a year where my subverted phrase of the year was "it'll do", I talk about how I'm hoping to continue shedding perfectionism and learn to be more resourceful and adaptable. Tune in to hear all about it. 2023 phrase "it will do" calms my perfectionist anxietyStriving for tidiness, resisting hoarding tendenciesRetiring items when its purpose has been fulfilledEmbracing "it'll do" mentality for 2023 led to less stress and overthinking, allowing for more focus on important things.Hoarders struggle with using what they have, but I'm seeking to become more adaptable and resourceful.Facing challenges in decluttering, balancing desire for tidiness and fear of letting go.Desire to reduce waste, finding satisfaction in finishing products.Examples of how "it'll do" helped me make decisions and reduce stress.Introduction of the new phrase for 2024, "make do," which emphasises resourcefulness and adaptability.The influence of financial awareness in choosing the new phrase.Desire to engage more with possessions.Exploring the contradiction in hoarders' tendencies to find multiple uses for items to justify keeping them but not being resourceful in other ways.The impact of perfectionism on the desire for the "perfect" item and the challenge to accept what is adequate.The potential risk of using "make do" as an excuse to keep everything and the need for balance.The acknowledgement of challenges in embracing "make do" and the importance of trusting the process.Finding pleasure in finishing and using up items as a result of a shift in perspective.Personal examples of feeling a sense of achievement in using items fully.Comparing the emotional attachment to well-used items versus unused items.The aim of "make do" to encourage thoughtful use of possessions and sustainable engagement with them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Remix: When you need to declutter urgently

Another really popular episode that a lot of you enjoyed. See you in 2024! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Remix: Dehoarding: where to start

A replay of one of my most popular episodes, which I made in response to one of the listener questions I hear the most. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#121 Can virtual reality help to treat hoarding disorder? With Dr Hannah Raila

Subscribe to the podcast - https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribeIn today's episode, I look at the intriguing use of virtual reality in treating hoarding disorder with our guest, Dr. Hannah Raila. Dr. Raila, a psychology researcher at UC Santa Cruz, shares her insights on how virtual reality can help individuals desensitise to distress and practice discarding virtual possessions. She discusses the immersive nature of the VR experience, the potential for the technology to attract more male research participants, and so much more. Join us as we explore the innovative possibilities of virtual reality in the treatment of hoarding disorder.Novel treatment for hoarding using virtual realityVR sessions focus on virtual discarding practiceVirtual reality to create distress for phobia treatmentPractice desensitization to discard and declutter effectivelyNovel approach due to existing treatments not working for everyoneStudy methodology including recruiting participants with hoarding disorder for buried in treasures group and virtual reality sessionsCreating a virtual world of participants' rooms and practicing discarding items in a psychologically immersive environmentNew treatments for hoarding needed, virtual reality tested for hoarding, based on successful use in anxiety and PTSDIn-home visits helpful for reducing clutter but often not feasibleIn VR therapy, practice discarding virtual objects to desensitise to distressVirtual exposure therapy principle: Desensitise to distress by simulating real experiencesThere is a debate about hoarding disorder prevalence and gender participation in research and treatment. More women seek treatment, but the disorder may be even across gendersThe Stanford lab's community presence may influence gender participationTesting novel intervention with existing treatments, attracting more patients, need for RCT before nationwide administrationPractice desensitisation by rating distress, discarding and tracking feelings to tolerate and declutter homePreparing new study on contamination fears for OCD at UC Santa Cruz labDescription of the virtual donation box, recycling, and trash bin in VR sessionsFacilitating repeated rehearsal of discarding virtual possessions for real-life applicationReported improvement in hoarding symptoms due to VR treatmentTime and technology challenges in programming and designing virtual worlds for the interventionPractical Applications and TakeawaysMonitoring and tracking distress levels when discarding itemsApplying desensitisation without a virtual spaceStarting with easy-to-discard items and gradually progressing to more difficult onesPotential of virtual reality to help people move up the ladder of difficulty in discardingDr. Raila's plans to continue virtual reality workConducting a study on difficulty discarding in the normative range Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#120 What a crooked church spire can tell us about failure and flaws and weirdness

Subscribe to the podcast - https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribeIn this episode, I delve into the weird world of imperfections, flaws, and uniqueness. Drawing inspiration from the Crooked Spire of Chesterfield, I share personal struggles with self-criticism and acceptance. It's a round-about look at authenticity and self-acceptance, via imperfections and community. I also share a hoarding secret from a listener and a top tip. Join me!Chesterfield's Crooked SpireFolklore and reality behind the Crooked Spire's twistWe often judge ourselves harshlyOld churches, old books, imperfections, universal strugglesAuthenticity and honesty in safe spacesEmbracing self-acceptance and confidenceChallenging societal expectations leads to self-acceptanceEmbracing imperfection, finding strength in communityFolklore and history intertwine at Chesterfield's Crooked Spire churchWe tend to see flaws in ourselves, not in loved onesImpact on self-esteem varies with mental health and stressStruggling with self-judgmentNeed spaces for self-expression, honesty, and mental health to avoid internal conflict and damageOften start with difficulty, but ultimately reach a point of empowermentNot conforming to societal expectationsChanging Faces charity for people with visible differencesPersonal struggles with hoarding behaviourEncourages self-acceptance and appreciationResilience and community embrace of imperfectionsPersonal growth and acceptance related to societal normsStruggles with conforming to expectationsThe beauty of imperfectionsOld books with folded corners and underlined passagesThe podcast as a place of honesty and authenticity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#119 Homelessness and hoarding with Dr Jan Eppingstall of Stuffology

Subscribe to the podcast - https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribeIn today's episode, Dr Jan Eppingstall and I will be diving into a topic that is rarely discussed - homelessness and hoarding. We will explore the limited research available on the connection between these two issues and the complex factors that contribute to both. We uncover the connections between trauma, loss, and mental health issues that can lead to both homelessness and hoarding behaviours as well as the instincts associated with hoarding and the difficulties in interrupting these instincts.Homelessness and hoarding: connections and similaritiesLack of hoarding-related academic articlesHomelessness can be caused by hoardingLack of support, finger pointing, no understandingExcessive stuff brings hope for normal futureA sense of safety motivates us to accumulate possessionsThe physical barrier between us and the chaotic outside world is importantExcess stuff can be seen as hope for a better futureSociety pressures us to make a perfect homeEpigenetics, trauma, and genes influence hoarding behaviourPoverty pushes some to become hoardersHumans want to share during crisesNeurodivergence, brain injuries, schizophreniaHomelessness and hoarding have similarities, including trauma, mental health issues, and fear of scarcityPossessions may be portable but excessive saving behaviour persistsHomelessness caused by hoarding; trauma leads to hoarding in new homeNeed to ask "What do you need?"The comfort of material possessionsPossible evidence of neurodivergence or organic brain injuries, schizophrenia, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, complex post-traumatic stress disorderThe importance of asking the right questions and providing appropriate supportApproach problems from various angles and keep iterating to find what worksShort-term focus of government hinders thisHomeless individuals trading stuff and the instinct to hoard when they find secure housingDifficulty in interrupting the primal hoarding instinctStrategies for interrupting the instinct, such as calculations and sharing with others in needNeed for a holistic approach and joined-up thinking to address hoarding and homelessness effectivelyLack of resources and understanding to support hoarders once they are housedTreating hoarders with dignity and respectImportance of appropriate questions and support due to the complexity of hoarding behavioursLack of support and assistance in addressing the root causes of homelessnessSense of control and safety that possessions offerImportance of addressing the additional traumas faced by homeless individualsStudy finding higher hoarding prevalence (18.5%) among homeless individuals compared to the general population (1.5-5%)Oversampling technique used to study rare subpopulationsOverlapping risk factors of hoarding and homelessness (trauma, grief, brain injury, neurodivergence)Sense of safety and need to create a home driving the accumulation of possessionsScarcity mindset and stockpiling items due to homelessnessEpigenetic processes potentially turning on genes associated with hoarding as a coping mechanismPoverty and uncertainty about basic necessities contributing to hoarding behaviorsImportance of listening to frontline practitioners and individuals in order to understand their needs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#118 Can we use AI to help us dehoard? Is it just hype or a promising solution?

Subscribe to the podcast - https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribeIn today's episode, I dive into the topic of using AI to help us dehoard. I have some skepticism about AI and its ability to assist with decluttering. However, after exploring various AI options I share my findings and experiences with these tools. From providing tips and schedules to even taking on personas like Dolly Parton, AI can offer some assistance in the decluttering process. I also discuss the use of AI voice assistants and AI-driven coaching, discussing their potential benefits and my concerns. Join me as I explore the strengths and weaknesses of using AI as a tool in decluttering and dehoarding.Mixed results with AIAI voice assistance for dehoarding tasks.Privacy concerns, limited effectiveness of chatbots.Fact-checking is better done personally.AI decluttering apps listed by Bard didn't existBard provided good breakdown of timings in real-world contextChatGPT and Bard can expand on previous answers.Streamline decluttering, prioritise tasks, and explore personas with Chat GPT and Bard.I used an AI tool to mimic Dolly Parton's style for a video.AI voice assistants like Siri, Google, and Alexa can help with tasks like playing music and organizing, allowing users to have conversations and make requestsAI chatbots cannot provide the same support as humansPrivacy concerns and lack of trust.Not ruling them out completely,but cautious about therapy-oriented botsAsking specific questions can yield better results.Skepticism about using AI for dehoardingNot wanting to just repeat what others have saidDescription of AI botConversation with the AI botCritique of the AI bot's adviceDescription of ChatGPT and Bard as AI toolsTips for using ChatGPT and Bard effectivelyComparison of their capabilities with declutteringLimitations and challenges with specificity and relevance to hoardingBenefits of using voice assistants for organizing and task managementExamples of tasks voice assistants can help withAI-driven coaching and therapyPotential benefits and use casesConcerns about privacy, emotional support, and effectivenessStrengths and weaknesses of using AI for dehoardingPersonal observations on specific tasks AI is good at, such as schedulingMention of AI's limitations, imaginary recommendations, and the need for skepticism Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

REMIX: Perfectionism and hoarding with Dr Jan Eppingstall of Stuffology

Subscribe to the podcastThe topic for today is perfectionism and its connection to hoarding. I talk with Dr Jan Eppingstall about perfectionism and its impact on hoarding behaviour. We share personal experiences and struggles with perfectionism, discussing the fear of failure and the tendency to give up if something cannot be done perfectly.We also touch upon the importance of psychological flexibility, being present in the moment, and living by our values. Dr. Eppingstall enlightens us with insights on challenging rigid thought patterns, breaking free from the demands of perfection, and embracing personal growth.Perfectionism and fear of failure drive hoarding.Perfectionism linked to hoarding and obsessive personalities.Rigid thinkingSurprised by others' flexibilityChildren with insecure attachment blame themselves for parents' problems.Curiosity, experimentation, and flexibility lead to growth.Encouraging exploration leads to personal growth.Regretting inaction is a bigger regret.Relax, do it wrong, get more done. Perfectionism and fear of failure relate to hoarding.Concerns over mistakes and parental criticism are prominent.Being creative with limited resources to find solutions and not being rigid in following rules or plans.Turtle mode hinders logic, self-criticism hampers progress.Children with insecure attachment due to a parent's mental illness or preoccupation tend to believe they cause their parents' problemsThey feel pressured to help their parents and seek validation through achievements and obedience to alleviate their parents' sadness or anger.Perfectionism linked to trauma response, family expectations.Fear of negative emotions, regret of not pursuing dreams.People are adaptable and inventiveGive yourself permission to make mistakes, relax, and get more doneThe reluctance to start or complete tasks to avoid an imperfect outcomeSelf-criticism and lack of confidence as common problems with perfectionismOvercoming perfectionism and embracing flexibilityPsychological flexibility: being present, taking action guided by valuesThe importance of curiosity and challenging behavioursLiving by values rather than solely focusing on goalsThe role of a support system in venturing outside the comfort zoneTaking small, cautious steps outside the comfort zoneOpening up slowly leads to personal growth and a sense of accomplishmentBreaking rigid thought patterns through repeated challengingRecognising triggers and behaviours associated with perfectionismCognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as helpful approachesPerfectionism as a manifestation of people-pleasing and trauma responsePerfectionism leading to feelings of not being enough or worthyUsing perfectionism as a coping mechanism for emotions and relationshipsAddressing perfectionism through therapy and exploring its underlying reasonsProgress and success can still be achieved even if things don't go perfectly or as plannedRegretting not doing the things we wanted to do in life rather than letting go of physical possessionsChallenging negative "what if" scenarios and highlighting potential positive outcomesDemanding standards, self-criticism, fear of wasting or making mistakes in hoarding behaviour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#117 The dark side of conscious consumerism: when shopping feels like activism, can you save the world and promote your values by acquiring stuff?

Subscribe to the podcastI've always believed in making positive change through my purchases. Recycling, supporting local businesses, and buying eco-friendly products have been my way of feeling like I'm making a difference, saving the world one shopping trip at a time. But I had a revelation. In today's episode, I'll explore the common belief that shopping can be a form of activism, that it is positive to support or promote whatever values are important to us. The struggles of aligning hoarding tendencies with ethical and environmental values are not lost on me. I'll delve into the difficulties of ethical purchasing and provide some insights to help you navigate through the clutter. Expressing beliefs through items can lead to clutterFalse advertising misleads consumers with "natural" claimsSome environmentally friendly products are more toxicResource extraction required for "ethical" consumption tooChoose green options but be mindful of unnecessary consumptionIndividual actions won't save world; collective action neededSystemic changeBelieving we've done our part hinders changeHoarders struggle with ethical purchasing decisions; advice appreciatedAlthough we can make ethical shopping choices, society convinces us that spending money on stuff is a form of activismSupporting local businesses is beneficial, but it doesn't negate the negative consequences of buying somethingSupporting recycling and shopping in charity shops can lead to excessive clutter and prevent others from purchasingBuying items to display or share beliefs/values can lead to clutter; shopping won't save the worldCompanies can mislead consumers by labelling products as "natural" or eco-friendly, leading us to believe we are making a positive impactElectric car batteries release significant amounts of CO2 before being purchasedIt's important to strive for better socially, environmentally, and personally, and to make informed choices when purchasing necessary itemsStocking up on unnecessary items is problematicCollective action and societal change are needed for significant global change, not individual shopping habitsBoycotts may not be effective in changing company practices if they are still profitableChanging to unleaded petrol required a law changeBelieving shopping solves problems hinders impactful change; focus on reducing consumption, reusing, and finding real solutionsThe hoarder's perspective on making positive change through purchasesRecognising flawed thinking and greenwashingPeople believing they are saving the Earth through shoppingGreenwashing and misleading consumers with eco-friendly claimsEthics of shopping and the reality of consumerismContribution of consumerism and resource consumption to environmental damageInterconnection between social and environmental issuesPitfalls of feel-good consumerism and the importance of reducing consumptionHow buying green products can lead to complacency and less virtuous behaviourEco junkEmphasis on consuming less and reducing consumption as a more effective solutionShopping cannot solve issues like climate change, racism, inequality, or homophobiaAligning ethical values with challenging hoarding tendencies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#116 Hoarding vs squalor vs Diogenes Syndrome with Dr Jan Eppingstall

Subscribe to the podcastIn this episode, we're diving into the topic of squalor. Is it the same as hoarding? Can you have a squalid environment without hoarding being present? Compulsive hoarding and living in unsanitary conditions can have a profound impact on us. We'll explore the key factors and distinctions between hoarding and squalor, as well as the underlying causes that contribute to these behaviours. From acquired brain injuries and cognitive impairments to mental health disorders, we'll delve into the intricate web of reasons why people find themselves in these challenging situations. We'll also touch on the impact of substance misuse, the role of physical disabilities, and the link between hoarding and conditions such as dementia, schizophrenia, and OCD. Join us as we explore the different characteristics, challenges, and possible solutions for hoarding and squalor. Whether you're facing hoarding tendencies yourself or seeking to understand these behaviours better, this episode is for you.Differentiating Hoarding, Squalor, Clutter, and CollectingHygiene practices determined by culture.Unsanitary living caused by physical disability, dementia, illness, brain injuries, psychiatric disordersLong-term substance abuse damages brain's command centreHoarding and squalor pose health risksSeek help for environmental neglect without shameThe definition of unsanitary is determined by cultural hygiene practices, varying across culturesIt relates to the reasonable person's judgment of cleanliness based on cultural norms.Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and contamination fearsSubstance abuse impairs decision making and damages the prefrontal cortexHoarding and squalor pose health risks due to unhygienic living conditions and food safety issues.Prefrontal cortex damage explains dementia-related hoardingUnsanitary environments can result from socioeconomic factors such as poverty and limited access to sanitation servicesLack of access to rubbish removal and funds for disposalHoarding behaviours can lead to unsanitary living conditions due to hoarding severity, clutter volume, and difficulty discarding items. This attracts vermin and causes shameLiving alone can lead to higher risk of unsanitary conditionsSeek professional help, consider NDIS support for disabilitiesClutter makes cleaning difficultImpairment in decision-making due to substance abuse Acquired brain injuries and neglect of personal and environmental hygiene Impairment of the command centre of the brain Deteriorating eyesight and its effect on recognising unsanitary areas Isolation and lack of support for seniorsLoss and depression leading to neglect of hygieneSelf-neglect among hoarders Characteristics of squalid living environments 1. Lack of purposeful clutter 2. Absence of emotional attachment to objects 3. Fear of objects that have touched other objects Root causes of squalid environmentsWaste management and food storage Socioeconomic FactorsAccess to education, poverty, and sanitation services Challenges faced by people living in public housing Role of support systems in overcoming squalor Seeking help from mental health professionals and GPs Overcoming shameChallenges Faced by Aging HoardersInfluence of injuries or loss on hoarding behaviours Avoiding unhelpful and meaningless labels Squalor cannot be overcome by willpower alone Emotional and functional purposes driving hoarding behaviour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.