That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

#108 From indecisiveness to empowered choices: 27 practical tips for overcoming decision-making challenges in hoarding

In this episode, we explore decision making and its connection to hoarding. I dive into neuroscience research, exploring the neural mechanisms of decision making in hoarding disorder, discover how individuals categorise their own possessions versus those of others, and how this impacts their ability to make decisions. I talk ways to improve decision making skills. From flipping a coin to considering our values, setting priorities, and seeking advice, I explore practical techniques that can help anyone struggling with indecisiveness. Along the way, I tackle the fear of uncertainty and how it can hinder decision making. I delve into the different decision making styles that researchers have identified and how understanding these styles can help.For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.ukSubscribe to the podcastHoarding OCD patients struggle with decision making.Differences in decision making for hoarders.Anticipating regretTest small decisionsGather information, set time limits for decisionsAccepting uncertainty Toss a coin, keep perspective, ask advice.Consider long-term consequences, stick to decisions.Start small; gain confidence in decision-making.Learning from past decisions improves future choices.Hoarders report anxiety and procrastination in decision making.Lack of self-trust skews decision-makingHoarding disorder linked to impulsive decisions and self-reliance.Differences in categorising own items compared to others'Writing down thoughts can clarify complexity and solve problemsFear of mistakes leads to decision avoidance.Hoarders anticipate regretAsk more than "what if"Perspective, flexibility, seek advice.Stick to decisions and avoid second-guessing or agonising over them.Psychology Today: 35,000 choices made dailyDecisions can be overwhelmingThe butterfly effect and the impact of seemingly insignificant decisionsStrategies for Decision Making in HoardingImaginary Person TechniqueAligning decisions with values to prioritise what is truly importantHow values can guide decision-making in hoarding situationsNeural Mechanisms of Decision Making in HoardingStudy involving brain scans and paper itemsTossing a coin to make decisions and considering feelings about the resultSetting priorities, asking "what if" questionsBeing open to different perspectivesTolerating uncertaintyUnderstanding Decision Making StylesNo definitive set of decision making stylesCultivating Compassion and Making Ethical ChoicesCultivating self-compassion Making compassionate choices for a better quality of lifePractical Tips for Decision Making in HoardingStarting with small, easy decisions and gradually progressing to more significant onesChallenging oneself to try different options and gain decision-making skillsLearning from past decisions to inform future ones and identify helpful strategiesConsidering long-term consequences rather than focusing solely on immediate onesStepping out of immediate emotions Sticking to decisions and avoiding overanalysing or second-guessingDifficulty making decisions among patients with hoarding disorder and OCDCharacteristics of hoarding disorder, including excessive indecisiveness and avoidanceHoarding disorder's association with procrastination, indecisiveness, and decision-related fears Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#107 Things that look like hoarding but aren’t: ADHD, depression, autism, OCD, OCPD and more

In today's episode, we'll be delving into things that look like hoarding but aren't. Joining me is the incredible Dr. Jan Eppingstall, a specialist in hoarding disorder. For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.ukSubscribe to the podcastWe explore the how to determine if someone has hoarding tendencies, shedding light on hoarding and its connections to other mental health conditions, such as OCD and OCPD. We'll discuss the criteria for these disorders and how they relate to hoarding behaviors. But hoarding is just the tip of the iceberg. We'll also explore the relationship between hoarding, autism, ADHD, and depression, uncovering the common symptoms and challenges in these overlapping conditions. So, join us as we discuss things that may look like hoarding but aren't. Understanding the cause of hoarding behavioursOCD and OCPD are mental disorders characterized by anxiety and rigid personality traits. Hoarding was associated with OCPDOverlap of symptomsDepression makes daily tasks exhausting and meaninglessAutism and ADHD: understanding and terminologyOften mask to fit inRecognise sensory needs, respect neurodivergence, ask questionsRejection sensitive dysphoria, impulsiveness, and addiction in ADHDUnderstanding the causes of hoarding behaviours is importantOCD and OCPD are mental disorders. OCD causes anxiety and impairs functioning. OCPD is a personality disorder with rigid traitsHoarding was considered a subtype of OCPDPeople with OCPD may not see their behaviours as problematic and may exhaust themselves trying to meet unrealistic standardsDo individuals feel responsible for the welfare of objects, are they emotionally attached to them, do they experience distress from clutter or the act of saving?A potential opposite extreme of compulsive minimalismFeeling exhausted and worthless, maintaining a tidy house becomes unimportant. A depression nest formsHoarding often starts at a young age. Time and untreated depression can worsen itBipolar disorder Increased understanding and awareness leading to more assessments.Women are often overlookedUnderstanding and accommodating individuals with neurodivergence is importantSensory needs and routines may varyADHD is highly heritable but can also be influenced by environmental stressors and traumaVariable attention stimulus traitCreating your own options and not being afraid of failure in self-helpADHD, depression, and hoarding often co-occurOther conditions like OCD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, bulimia, binge eating, gambling, and personality disorders can be linked to hoardingTreatment is challenging but not impossibleDefinitions and criteria for hoarding tendenciesCompulsive spartanismDifferences and similarities between OCD and OCPDCriteria for OCPD based on FreudHoarding originally considered a subtype of OCPDLabels and understanding underlying needsFocus on purpose rather than the diagnosisUnrealistic standards and exhaustion from trying to meet themSensitive dysphoria and euphoriaFeeling overwhelmed and exhausted in daily lifeAccepting help without distress or shameDepression nestsRelationship between ADHD, depression, and hoardingOCD, generalized anxiety, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, eating disorders, addiction, and personality disorders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#106 The Art of Letting Go: Navigating emotional clutter blocks with Tracy McCubbin

I speak to Tracy McCubbin, an expert in decluttering, organising, and overcoming the emotional attachment to our belongings. With years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of clutter, Tracy helps people reclaim their spaces. Tracy shares invaluable insights into the psychology behind stuff and the challenges that arise when inherited items become emotional burdens. She challenges the notion that objects hold inherent meaning and encourages listeners to question the attachment they have to their possessions. Tracy also provides practical advice on how to approach decluttering and organising. She dispels the myth of overnight transformations often portrayed on social media, reminding us that real progress takes time and effort. She shares anecdotes, including the story of the infamous painting of dogs playing poker and its unexpected journey to a new home. Join us as we explore clutter blocks through six items of mine, For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.ukSubscribe to the podcastIntroduction to the clutter blocks and their originBirthed from hands-on work with people and their experiences with hoarding disorderThe struggle of inheriting items from deceased family membersDifficulty in letting go of things due to sentimental attachment or financial valueObjects hold no inherent meaning, we assign meaning to themExample of the speaker's wedding dress and societal pressure to hold onto sentimental itemsThe changing importance of objects over timeAcquisition of things becoming easier, questioning the need to hold onto themTackling decluttering and organizing separatelyNot expecting immediate resultsUnrealistic expectations created by social mediaWorking at your own paceTime and energy limitations due to work and familyThe initial chaos before improvement during the decluttering processHiring professionals for cleaning services if deep cleaning is not enjoyableSelling or giving away unwanted items to avoid clutterCelebrating progress by hiring a cleaning company and taking a breakResisting pressure to do things one doesn't enjoyLetting go of items and finding them in the hands of those who need themSeparating decluttering, organizing, and cleaning as separate tasksAvoiding overwhelm and making the process more manageableReplacing reminders of painful memories with positive onesNot feeling obligated to keep crafts made by othersA client with a collection of birdhouses made by their fatherReflecting on the concept of regret and the things that are never thought about againChoosing cash over a sale purseDeclutter, organize, and clean separately for successDecluttering takes time and patience, but it's worth itFeeling obliged to keep handmade crafts made by othersThe meaning we attach to objectsBeautiful gift that's not my styleDogs playing poker painting given new homeFather hoards baby strollers, never gives them awayDisaster relief donations often miss the markHiring help for tasks you dislikeWe make mistakes, let's learn and move onDecluttering takes time and effort; it may get worse before it gets betterPsychological attachment to objects and challenges the belief that everything must be keptFocus on good memoriesPutting a time limit on completing tasksDonate money, not random itemsIt is okay to not enjoy certain tasks and celebrate hiring helpWe all make mistakes, but holding on to them is unnecessary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#105 Embracing the path of least resistance: finding ease in the journey when overcoming hoarding

For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.ukSubscribe to the podcastToday, I dive into the importance of setting up systems to make dehoarding easier and less resistant. We'll discuss how examining the structure of our lives can help us determine what can be done to make the decluttering process more manageable. Plus, we'll explore the concept of choosing realistic timings that fit with our individual lifestyles for successful decluttering. We'll also explore the idea that the path of least resistance is often seen as negative, implying that someone isn't trying hard enough. In the realm of dealing with hoarding, however, the path of least resistance can be a gift. I'll explain how taking this approach doesn't mean avoiding challenges altogether, but rather making the overwhelming task of decluttering more manageable. Join me as I navigate the intricate world of compulsive hoarding, exploring the strategies and mindsets that can help us overcome this challenge. Get ready to uncover the path of least resistance.Choosing the simplest option to overcome challengesUncertainty, struggle, progress in dealing with tasksCreate a system to enable donating itemsOvercome barriers and get things outSimplify decisions, prioritise, and start somewhereGuidelines and formulasConfidence and small stepsChoose the easiest option to start moving. Dealing with difficult challenges can be overwhelming. No shame in taking the simplest pathUncertainty improved by experience and researchNeed to be intentional to prevent worseningThink about what stops you and create a system to enable changeHave a bag ready for charity donationsStart somewhere, any room or item, and adjust approach as needed.Examining the structure of your life to facilitate declutteringThe negative perception of the path of least resistanceAcknowledgment of the importance of embracing challenges, but hoarding is already a significant oneImportance of making progress and having mental energyBeing more selective in future donation choicesPrioritising getting rid of items over ensuring they leave the house perfectlyPractical examples of following the path of least resistance in donating itemsThe challenge of determining where to start declutteringImportance of thinking about structures that hinder declutteringThe value of creating systems or structures for ease of declutteringThe importance of following the path of least resistance to overcome difficult challengesBarriers to getting rid of items, such as the need for perfectionConsidering the easiest path to get items out of the house without throwing them awayEncouragement to pay attention to personal objections to getting rid of itemsResearch and intentionality as key factors in being neat and tidyHow being intentional prevents worsening and improves the situationThe benefits of considering the path of least resistance in making deliberate choicesChoosing what feels good to enhance productivityThe burden of donating items from a hoarded home due to the scale of possessionsThe struggle of perfectionism in choosing where to donateConsiderations when deciding where to donate itemsSuggestions for starting decluttering in specific areas of the homeThe possibility of becoming overwhelmed and unable to make progressComparison of the structure of a river to the structure of one's life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#104 From sticky substances to mouldy messes: tackling the really gross bits when dehoarding

In this episode, we will be tackling the really gross and icky bits of dehoarding. It's not the most glamorous topic, but it's an essential part of the journey to a clutter-free life. We'll be discussing everything from dealing with unpleasant smells to handling sticky or disgusting substances that can accumulate over time. I've got some practical tips and strategies to help you navigate these challenges. Dealing with gross things is important, but don't beat yourself up about itTake responsibility, not blame, use it to motivate improvementPresence of mould or goo in home is harmful physically, mentally, emotionally. Use gloves and a face mask to protect against anything gross or moldy. Use a grabber if neededAdding essential oil drops to a face mask or using Vick's VapoRub improves smell.Learn from experience, tackle issues one by one, prevent future problems: avoid bulk buying, store properlyThe importance of addressing the "gross and icky" bits of dehoardingLearning from unpleasant experiences and taking pride in overcoming themTackling issues or challenges one by one in a methodical mannerTaking proactive measures to prevent similar situations from arising againPractical tips for dealing with sticky or gross substancesAddressing them individually until the whole house is cleanBeing cautious with bulk food purchases and storing perishable items properlyUsing bags for cleaning purposes is a logical use, not a wasteSpraying antibacterial spray after cleaning to ensure cleanlinessThe importance of not avoiding unpleasant tasksFacing the situation head-on because it won't go away on its ownBeing realistic about what needs to be addressedQuick resolution of tasks that have been avoided for a long timeThe importance of ventilation to prevent mould and fungus spores from spreadingThe need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when dealing with harmful substancesTaking responsibility without blaming oneselfUsing experiences as motivation to improve hoarding habitsPromoting a proactive attitude towards personal growth and improvementOvercoming the fear and worries associated with gross or unpleasant tasksUsing gloves, face masks, and grabber tools to avoid touching or inhaling harmful substancesPrioritising health and wellbeing when removing gross or unidentifiable itemsThe consequences of failure to clean up grossness, including contamination and more wasteAccepting that some things may not be savable and may need to be discarded Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#103 Scarcity and hoarding with Dr Jan Eppingstall

With therapist Dr Jan Eppingstall, I look at the scarcity dilemma, uncovering the complex relationship between fear, control, and hoarding. We explore the link between scarcity and compulsive hoarding behaviours and how marketing tactics manipulate our emotions and behaviorus, leading us to accumulate more than we need. We look at strategies and discuss the psychological reasons behind the urge to hoard and the challenging process of letting go. For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.ukSubscribe to the podcastHelp out: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/support-this-project/Importance of being aware of marketing tactics and their influence on emotions and behaviors.Creating a space between stimulus and response to choose how to react.Consideration of how a purchase will fit into our lives and finite home space.Advising against in-store hoarding and hiding behaviors.The urge to buy when something is believed to be scarce.Charity shops as challenging for those triggered by scarcity.Reactant theory and limited availability triggering increased attention and attraction.Psychological factors contributing to hoarding behaviour.Anxiety disorder and fear of making mistakes or being unprepared.Preference for acquiring goods now rather than having more cash later.Using possessions for control and anticipation of future needs.Anticipated regret and comparison of acquisition and non-acquisition outcomes.Scarcity perception, reactance, and fear of missing out (FOMO).Limited availability as a threat to personal freedom.Sense of urgency to buy and hoard when perceiving a shortage.FOMO as a prevalent fear of not being able to purchase.Mindset shifts and gratitude Recognising and expressing gratitude for abundance in one's life.Hoarding as compensatory behavior for insecure attachment.Filling the void of missing connections.Providing hedonistic pleasure and dopamine hit.Compensating for lacking or not acknowledging something.Finding fulfillment beyond material possessions.Importance of recognising and being grateful for small moments and human interactions.Random joy and emotional fulfillment over material things.Ethical concerns with therapists receiving constant marketing offers.Overwhelming amount of emails for online courses and discounts.Feeling uncomfortable and "icky" about this type of marketing.Effectiveness of different types of scarcity.Limited quantity scarcity vs. limited time scarcity.Limited quantity scarcity leading to competition and pride.Bargains as part of the gift and providing satisfaction.Disagreement with scarcity mindset versus abundant mindset descriptions.Lack of competitiveness or jealousy towards others.Belief in collaboration and not worrying about others' resources.Curiosity about the fear of scarcity and its underlying reasons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#102 Turn your chair around: beginner’s mind and the power of perspective in hoarding

In today's episode, we're exploring the power of turning your chair round and embracing different perspectives.For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.ukSubscribe to the podcastImagining advice from different perspectivesGaining new insights and adviceShowing compassion towards yourselfQuestioning how things are doneExploring different ways to frame situationsBeginner's Mind from Zen Buddhism:Dropping expectations and preconceived ideasStepping out of comfort zoneInitial discomfort leading to eventual comfortTrying new things can be scary but rewardingQuestioning and reevaluating rules:Determining if rules are still useful and relevantChallenging yourself to break established patternsConfirmation bias: Seeking information that aligns with existing beliefs Perfectionism in organizing possessions: Energizing and motivating the organising processBelieving in different possibilities Challenging the belief that things have to be a certain way forever Exploring new ways of thinking and doing thingsChallenging fears:Proving fears are not necessarily trueGentle self-reflection:Encouraging personal growth and understandingTurning the chair aroundSeeing possibilities and solutions with a fresh outlookPracticing beginner's mind and mindfulnessLooking for something unrelated to existing interests Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#101 Wishcycling, the 5 Rs, and hoarding - what you need to know

For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk Subscribe to the podcastJoin me as I delve into wishcycling and the connection between hoarding and sustainable practices.On this episode of Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder, I dive into the topic of wishcycling and how it relates to hoarding. I explore the concept of repairing and upcycling as effective ways to extend the lifespan of items, discussing the difference between repairing and intending to repair. I learn about the importance of following through with repair plans and setting deadlines.Wishcycling, the act of putting non-recyclable items in recycling bins, is the main topic of discussion. I explore common items that are often wishcycled, such as plastic bags and crisp/chip packets, and the negative impact it can have I highlight the recycling initiative TerraCycle, which offers recycling programs for difficult-to-recycle items.I emphasise the 5 Rs and how hoarders can focus on reducing consumption to tackle overwhelm in their homes. I also discuss the potential distractions these can pose for hoarders and the importance of prioritising oneself, the home, and the people we live with over broken or damaged items.I also look at the uncertainty surrounding recyclable items and the complexities of the recycling process, emphasising the need to question if we really need something before acquiring it.Topics:Definition of wishcycling and its negative effectsCommonly wishcycled items and misconceptionsThe impact of wishcycling on recycling machines and materialsExtending the lifespan of items through repair and upcyclingExamples of effective repair and upcycling techniquesThe difference between repairing and intending to repairOverview of TerraCycle and its recycling programsPersonal Experience with RepairingSetting a strict deadline to avoid procrastinationApplying Principles of Reuse and Repair:How reducing consumption can help tackle overwhelm in hoarded homesBalancing Repair and Hoarding:Repairing as a potential distraction or excuse for hoardingPrioritising oneself and loved ones over broken or damaged itemsTendency to reuse unsafe items in hoarded homesAn overview of the five R's (reduce, reuse, repair, rot, recycle)The question of need and waste reductionPersonal Motivation and the Environment:Survivors of trauma as environmentally motivated individualsHoarding as a barrier to caring for the environmentThe personal and global benefits of reducing consumptionAcknowledging uncertainties in recycling practices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#100 19 things I’ve learned about hoarding - and the gas man came

'If you had told me on March 30, 2021, when I put up two episodes of me rambling into my phone, that two-and a-bit years later, I would have 100 episodes live, I would have over 100,000 downloads, I would have had an array of amazing guests, I would never have believed you.'- Celebration of the podcast's 100th episode and over 100,000 downloads- Gas man visit as an opportunity to assess progress- Importance of talking about difficult topics and dismantling stigmas- Power of experimentation, curiosity, and strategic questioning- Recognizing the negative impact of self-criticism- Understanding that beating yourself up prevents action- Importance of addressing underlying patterns and reasons behind hoarding behaviors- Creativity and unconventional strategies may be necessary in overcoming hoarding tendencies.- Importance of asking strategic questions in decision-makingFor the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.ukSubscribe to the podcast- https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/darling- https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podquestions- Twitter: @ThatHoarder- Mastodon: @ThatHoarder@mastodon.online- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thathoarderoch- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Overcome-Compulsive-Hoarding-with-That-Hoarder-104370761703319- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ThatHoarder- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSxMqB_fGckbGOQZpkl6l9g- Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/overcomehoarding/- Help out: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/support-this-project/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#99 Why stuff? From Blankies to Belongings: understanding the connections between hoarding, attachment styles and excessive attachment to possessions with...

For the transcript for this episode, visit the website at http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk Subscribe to the podcastSupport the showOn this episode, I dive into why hoarders are so fixated on stuff. Joining me is Dr Jan Eppingstall, who looks into the theory of transitional objects developed by Winnicott and how they shape our attachment styles. We explore how these objects serve as a source of comfort and self-soothing, representing our primary caregiver. Jan discusses how uncertainty can lead to people-pleasing and masking of emotions. We also learn about the impact of insecure attachment on hoarding behaviours and the role of belongings in forging connections and fulfilling our emotional needs. We also discuss the complex interaction between genetics and environment in hoarding tendencies. Tune in for a deep dive into the psychological factors behind our attachment to our possessions.- Transitional object theory by Winnicott- The role of transitional objects in comforting children, representing the primary caregiver- How transitional objects help children become independent and manage separation anxiety- Uncertainty and people-pleasing behaviours- Excessive attachment to belongings stemming from childhood experiences- Attachment styles and secure and insecure attachment- Using possessions to gain power, impress others, make connections- Attachment theory and its impact on hoarding behaviours- The use of possessions to forge connections - Possessions as non-confrontational and not disappointing compared to people- Attachment insecurity linked to negative thoughts about self-worth, shame, and unstable identity- Growing up in a hoard leading to disorganised attachment and attachment trauma- Understanding why people attach meaning to possessions- Possessions reflecting aspects of personality, intelligence, or past achievements- Ambivalent sense of self in hoarding and its relation to identity struggles- Common themes for hoarding: avoiding negative emotions, holding onto past happiness, validating past pain- Factors contributing to hoarding: instinctual nature of stockpiling and inability to avoid engaging with possessions- Coping mechanisms, their classifications as acceptable or unacceptable, and the tipping point to excessive behaviours- John Bowlby's attachment theory and its focus on distress and anxiety in babies when separated from primary caregiver- Influence of early separation on psychological well-being, based on experimental studies during the Blitz- The role of transitional object attachment - Mary Ainsworth's extension of Bowlby's research through the Strange Situation experiments- Identification of secure attachment and three types of insecure attachment: anxious, avoidant, and disorganised- Hoarding tendencies being more common among first degree relatives- Chromosome regions associated with hoarding, but no clear susceptibility genes identified- Limited support for a genetic predisposition to hoarding- Disproven hypotheses about hoarding and scarcity or deprivation- The interaction between nature (genetics) and nurture (environment) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.