Ending the Stigma: The Myths and Facts of Hoarding Disorder

At Newport City Homes, we’re committed to making sure you're safe and happy in your homes and communities. We do this by giving you the right support, in the right way, and at the right time.

In 2023, we launched our Hoarding Support Team. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw more people struggling with hoarding behaviours. Not only does this impact mental health and well-being, but it can also cause safety risks in the home.

This week is Hoarding Awareness Week 2024. There's a lot of stigma and misunderstandings around hoarding. We’re here to explain the myths and facts of hoarding and how we can help.

 

Myth: Hoarding just means having "too many things"

Fact: Hoarding is a mental health problem.

Sometimes, hoarding behaviours start as a coping mechanism. This can be a response to trauma, either recent or historical, or because of depression or anxiety. In these cases, hoarding behaviour is a symptom of emotional dysregulation.

Some people start hoarding because they have a strong emotional attachment to items. They try to hold onto them, even when they don't need them. This might be true if they've inherited items from a deceased friend or relative.

Someone might also struggle with processing information. Some people who have hoarding behaviours struggle to identify what's valuable and non-valuable. In this case, everything has the same value and it's challenging to know when to get rid of items.

There might also be anxious feelings about wasting things. Some people with hoarding behaviours worry about throwing things away that might be useful later on. This leads people to hold onto them, despite never using the items, as they see them as valuable in some way. Perfectionism can also be a symptom of hoarding behaviours.

 

Myth: Some people like to live in cluttered homes, and it doesn't harm anyone

Fact: Hoarding can be a health and safety risk, and lead to loneliness and isolation.  

Hoarding can lead to major health and safety risks in the home. Items clutter living spaces, and this stops people using their rooms as intended. Trips and falls are far more common in cluttered spaces.  

 There's also an increased risk of fire hazards, particularly in kitchen spaces. Items can overcrowd cooking spaces and flammable items can spread fires quicker.

Because hoarding stops people doing their usual day-to-day activities, there might be feelings of shame with having visitors. This can hinder gas and electrical safety checks, increasing health and safety risks.  

Also, these feelings of shame can mean people with hoarding behaviours stop inviting friends and family over. This can lead to isolation, loneliness, and general unhappiness.

 

Myth: Nothing can help people with hoarding behaviours - they just need to clean out their homes

Fact: Hoarding behaviours can be overcome if people have the right support.

It takes the right team and specialist support to help someone overcome hoarding behaviours. Cleaning out belongings too soon can cause distress and harm one's well-being. This 'quick fix' approach doesn't do anything to solve the core problems.

Denise and Sian are our Hoarding Support Coaches. They provide hands-on support and work to understand your situation and challenges. They'll journey with you, giving the right support and advice to help you take the next step.

Getting support takes a lot of courage, and we understand this. This is why we'll never rush you to make decisions you're not comfortable with. Our team will look after you, and make sure you have all the support you need, every step of the way.