How To Recognize And Help A Hoarder

Steri-Clean CEO and Founder Cory Chalmers talked to Juan Fernandez about the disorder.

[cynthiaskaggs]

My mother is a hoarder. 2yrs ago I convinced her to let me clean out her garage. When I began I couldn’t even open the wall through door all the way. Stuff was piled 6’-8’ high. Because the door also didn’t close properly there had been wild animals living (and dying) in the garage for years. I found dozens of rat skeletons, several opossum remains, raccoon, a coyote skeleton and even the cat my mom had lost 3yrs prior! It took me 10weeks but I got it completely cleaned, disinfected and doors in working order. Now I just need to convince her to let me into her house. It’s a long sad and frustrating process but I know she can’t help her compulsion to hoard.

[brigidspencer]

Trauma especially PTSD is stored in our nervous system not just our heads. It’s a mental disorder and shaming a hoarder is counterproductive because they are already ashamed and embarrassed. It’s why they don’t allow anyone to go into their homes. You can’t just snap out of anymore than you can snap out of serious depression.

[wendymartin]

Hi Cory, I've watched some of your shows and sure appreciate your efforts, you have a great manner about you and in some cases even better than the professional trained therapists with the big degrees by their name. Sometimes just the fact that you shed tears shows the deepness of your concern. My brother is a hoarder but thankfully for now it is just storages although I have tried over and over to get him to downsize. It will be painful when the money ends and he has to give up his treasures. That day will come and I dread it. I'll look at more and get more insight, again appreciate all you do...!! Wendy Martin, Apple Valley, CA

[LostInThisGardenofLife]

I’ve become a plant hoarder, it helps fight my depression but now it’s just another cause of anxiety. 😢

[petroonajourney]

Sometimes the people closest to the person that is having issues with hoarding are more judgemental than caring, hoarding is a symptom, it does not make the person bad. Hoarding is something that starts on the inside, the person struggling with hoarding is struggling, they are aware of the problem even though they may still be in denial. Being a hoarder comes with shame, stress, feelings of being overwhelmed and hopelessness because they do not know how or where to start.

[teresasnamesake]

We had a fatal fire in our small town years ago. The person who perished couldn't get out of the house because the exits were blocked with possessions

[lizphoenix]

Who can I call to help my mother in law, she's a hoarder and she's in severe denial.

[sharyemarx]

I wonder what people who don't live in prosperous places do with the same kind of trauma since acquisition isnt an option. How else does this kind of tendency manifest?

[agirlfrommars]

I am not sentimental about things at all because my mother is a hoarder and when she passes she’s going to leave me with all her junk. I’ve been over to help her but I just can’t bring myself to do it anymore. I’m OCD on the opposite end of the scale now as minimal as possible and a bit of a germaphobe. What about the trauma hoarders inflict on those around them ?

[van]

I have a friend I can no longer tolerate being around. She literally stinks. I've offered to help her but she refuses. I feel for her dogs. I'm on the verge of calling the health department. What else can I do?

[marksanders]

2003 Norwood Hospital & Good Samaritan Hospital My mom has been diagnosed as a Hoarder, Bipolar & episodes of Schizophrenia but with the new 2019 psychiatrist & counselor down plays all the symptoms mind you I become her her Legal Guardian in 2018 to get her mom out of the mental institution ! No help ! I’ve been back to Court Brockton Supreme Court Probate No help ! My mom has been section 12 - 3 times back to back to back with weeks in between ! I as my mom’s legal guardian keep asking for help and there is NON ! I’ve called her Tuffs caseworker over a month ago nothing ! And in her erratic behavior 1 minute loving me as her son than the sickness comes out dictating what it wants which on the surface is ok but she goes into a store 😢That Hoarding spirit cones out blinded buying a lot of stuff not needed and her bedroom is hoarded again but the day it needs to be organized and she want to hoard the next room I’ve been through this back in 2014-15 ! Any help is welcomed !

[jtorts]

My auntie is a hoarder shes gonna bury herself alive if she doesnt change

[alannakeith]

I don't know where to ask for help. But I'm in great need.

[goodintentions]

Personally, I think the question in the beginning is totally worthless.

[Teisharocz]

Hoarders is pretty much the only reality show I somewhat believe in