That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

Subscribe to the podcast I'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 clutter False advertising misleads consumers with "natural" claims Some environmentally friendly products are more toxic Resource extraction required for "ethical" consumption too Choose green options but be mindful of unnecessary consumption Individual actions won't save world; collective action needed Systemic change Believing we've done our part hinders change Hoarders struggle with ethical purchasing decisions; advice appreciated Although we can make ethical shopping choices, society convinces us that spending money on stuff is a form of activism Supporting local businesses is beneficial, but it doesn't negate the negative consequences of buying something Supporting recycling and shopping in charity shops can lead to excessive clutter and prevent others from purchasing Buying items to display or share beliefs/values can lead to clutter; shopping won't save the world Companies can mislead consumers by labelling products as "natural" or eco-friendly, leading us to believe we are making a positive impact Electric car batteries release significant amounts of CO2 before being purchased It's important to strive for better socially, environmentally, and personally, and to make informed choices when purchasing necessary items Stocking up on unnecessary items is problematic Collective action and societal change are needed for significant global change, not individual shopping habits Boycotts may not be effective in changing company practices if they are still profitable Changing to unleaded petrol required a law change Believing shopping solves problems hinders impactful change; focus on reducing consumption, reusing, and finding real solutions The hoarder's perspective on making positive change through purchases Recognising flawed thinking and greenwashing People believing they are saving the Earth through shopping Greenwashing and misleading consumers with eco-friendly claims Ethics of shopping and the reality of consumerism Contribution of consumerism and resource consumption to environmental damage Interconnection between social and environmental issues Pitfalls of feel-good consumerism and the importance of reducing consumption How buying green products can lead to complacency and less virtuous behaviour Eco junk Emphasis on consuming less and reducing consumption as a more effective solution Shopping cannot solve issues like climate change, racism, inequality, or homophobia Aligning ethical values with challenging hoarding tendencies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Subscribe to the podcast In 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 Collecting Hygiene practices determined by culture. Unsanitary living caused by physical disability, dementia, illness, brain injuries, psychiatric disorders Long-term substance abuse damages brain's command centre Hoarding and squalor pose health risks Seek help for environmental neglect without shame The definition of unsanitary is determined by cultural hygiene practices, varying across cultures It relates to the reasonable person's judgment of cleanliness based on cultural norms. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and contamination fears Substance abuse impairs decision making and damages the prefrontal cortex Hoarding and squalor pose health risks due to unhygienic living conditions and food safety issues. Prefrontal cortex damage explains dementia-related hoarding Unsanitary environments can result from socioeconomic factors such as poverty and limited access to sanitation services Lack of access to rubbish removal and funds for disposal Hoarding behaviours can lead to unsanitary living conditions due to hoarding severity, clutter volume, and difficulty discarding items. This attracts vermin and causes shame Living alone can lead to higher risk of unsanitary conditions Seek professional help, consider NDIS support for disabilities Clutter makes cleaning difficult Impairment 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 seniors Loss and depression leading to neglect of hygiene Self-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 environments Waste management and food storage Socioeconomic Factors Access 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 shame Challenges Faced by Aging Hoarders Influence 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.

This podcast explores the pros and cons of selling your clutter, including the challenges of the selling process, the emotional difficulty of letting go, and the financial and environmental benefits. It also highlights the common trap of using selling potential as an excuse to hold onto things and provides resources for further support.

The podcast discusses the fear of regret in dehoarding and the negative impact it can have on our homes and lives. It provides practical tips for navigating the journey towards a clutter-free life and emphasizes the importance of reframing our mindset. The speaker also explores the experience of regretting decluttering and how it can be used for personal growth. They discuss the importance of prioritizing one's own needs, having professional support, and accessing online therapy for hoarding.

Subscribe to the podcast Today's episode is all about batching and hoarding. Have you ever started a task only to get sidetracked and end up feeling disheartened and unproductive? Well, you're not alone. In this episode, I explore the concept of batching tasks together and how it can help you overcome the distractions and actually get things done. Join me as we delve into the world of productivity strategies, context switching, and the positive benefits of batching tasks. Get ready to declutter your mind and your home and find the encouragement you need to keep going. Stay tuned for some practical tips and insights on how to make batching work for you. Let's get started! For people who easily get sidetracked and lose focus quickly Using technique to focus on tasks efficiently More focus leads to increased productivity and visible results Batch tasks for efficiency and effectiveness Batching tasks simplifies decision-making and improves efficiency Batching tasks helps with transitions and procrastination Create a schedule for regular batched tasks Batch based on area, category, or activity Feeling unaccomplished by distractions when trying to complete tasks Focus on one task at a time to accomplish more and see noticeable results, providing motivation and encouragement Allows for a fresh perspective on completed work and saving time and energy Batching tasks simplifies decision-making, reduces analysis paralysis, and allows for forward planning, increasing productivity Helps with transitions and initiating task Beneficial for dehoarding, depending on progress. Establishing a schedule for regular batched tasks may be helpfu Batch items based on area, category, or activity. Stay focused and redirect distractions by saying "No, I'm working on this for now." Explanation of context switching and its impact on focus and productivity More noticeable results at the end of a decluttering session Boost in motivation and encouragement Importance of visible progress in overcoming feelings of disheartenment Comparison between concentrated progress in one area vs. scattered progress throughout the space Difference between visible and hidden progress Encouragement to apply batching techniques to stay focused and improve effectiveness in organising efforts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Subscribe to the podcast Today, Dr. Jan Eppingstall is here to shed light on the connection between executive function, executive dysfunction, and hoarding behaviour. We explore how executive function impacts our ability to organise and declutter our living spaces and uncover the challenges individuals face when it comes to decision-making, mental flexibility, and working memory. We'll also discuss strategies for improving executive function and overcoming the obstacles that hoarding behaviour presents. Depression and health conditions can impair focus Nervous shutdown and self-compassion during stress Trick yourself into starting Network atrophies when not engaged Issue with sticking to tasks due to desire for novelty Reducing food shops, using what's in cupboards Procrastination hinders progress, but changing behaviours helps Mental flexibility essential Flexible thinking in shopping, problem solving, creativity Executive dysfunction hinders organisation; hoarding makes it harder Lack of experience in decision-making, cutting corners Perspective and help are important when organising Lack of space hinders planning Executive functions affects losing things Fear of loss worsens clutter See-through boxes and labels Mindset affects executive function, self-care is crucial Many conditions cause brain fog and difficulty focusing Understanding our executive functions helps us manage stress, improve awareness, and leverage strengths Reflection can inform future behaviour Nervous system shuts down, could be triggered by dissociation Engaging in tasks helps people focus and enter a flow state Perfectionism = rigid thinking, efforts towards being more flexible Trying to organise a hoard is destined to fail Can we reassure ourselves when we put things away? Minimise visual distractions, motivation to improve surroundings Take care of your mind, believe in yourself, and prioritie self-care for better executive function Is difficulty organising due to executive function issues or the sheer quantity of items? Difficulty getting rid of things once they are brought into the home due to the endowment effect Suggestions for improving working memory through mental maths and storytelling memory games Identifying triggers and strategies for preventing or dealing with shutdowns Practicing self-compassion and reducing stress for better action-taking Introduction of the task positive network (TPN) and flow state during tasks Downsides of hyperfocus and its impact on cognitive attention Weakening or atrophy of the TPN due to lack of exercise How depression, autoimmune diseases, and long COVID can impact executive functioning Unique perception and organization of belongings for individuals on the autism spectrum Planning skills and lack of space as potential barriers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the challenges of hoarding spares and backups, the fear of running out, and the art of letting go. Discover how keeping too many backups hinders finding things and wastes time and money. Learn the importance of allocating space, assessing necessity, and evaluating spare items. Understand how fear and risk limit our daily lives and the benefits of letting go. Reflect on the impact of secrets and shame on mental health. Gain insights into hoarding as a mental health issue and finding affordable therapy options.

For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk Subscribe to the podcast Jasmine Sleigh is a professional declutterer and has spent the past decade helping people to free up space. She focuses not only on physical belongings but also on the emotional and psychological aspects of decluttering. In today's episode, Jasmine likens her role to a dance, where she carefully navigates through uncertainties and potential triggers for her clients and stresses the importance of providing support and encouragement throughout the decluttering process. We also discuss Jasmine's book, Being Owned: A Decade in Professional Decluttering, where she expands on the concepts discussed in this episode. Let's dive into the world of decluttering with Jasmine Sleigh. Facilitating crafts and donating unused items. Professional decluttering: a personal and people-centric approach Handling belongings requires adaptability and improvisation Sort out space, prioritise essentials, declutter Understanding lives through belongings; an intimate job Stuff has power, can be moved Keep belongings accessible for ease of use Helping people achieve their goals is the key Positive actions in a cost of living crisis Jasmine wanted to write a book about her experiences as a professional declutterer, focusing on the poignant stories of her clients and celebrating her achievements She also felt frustrated by people's misconceptions about the job The importance of using and sharing possessions, especially in the context of crafting and hobbies. Jasmine can only go as far as clients are willing to let her Training others has further shaped her understanding Emotional attachments and recent purchases may require more distance The power of belongings and the impact they can have Ensuring easy access and a comfortable living environment for individuals is the main priority Goal is to make people happier in their homes Using resources for good and the availability of second-hand items in a crisis Sorting through belongings and determining their importance in one's life narrative The Unpredictability of the Job Need for adaptability in dealing with unexpected situations Describing the job as a "dance" due to uncertainties and triggers Being present and flexible in the moment, avoiding over-preparation Ineffectiveness of threats and negative consequences The Process of Decluttering Recognising that there is no quick fix or magic solution Examples of finding forgotten items Belongings becoming overwhelming and causing a burden The ability to move and rearrange belongings to improve the situation Different levels of difficulty in letting go of different types of items Sorting out keepsakes at different life stages Importance of having hobbies and engaging in creative activities Creating a space to pursue hobbies and finish projects Passing on unused items for sustainability and resource usage Power dynamics surrounding objects Giving individuals agency to make choices about possessions Stories of reengagement and finding joy in personal belongings Being attuned to people and focused on their well-being Maturation and increased understanding after 10 years of working Importance of the home as a sanctuary for wellbeing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, we're diving into the topic of when you feel like giving up. We'll be exploring the struggles, frustrations, and moments of doubt that can arise during the journey of overcoming compulsive hoarding. We'll uncover strategies to stay motivated and find the strength to keep going. Join me as we navigate the highs and lows of this challenging process and discover the power of perseverance. So, grab a cup of tea and press play! For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk Subscribe to the podcast Reminder: Why was change important? Self-examine motivation for new things. Stay present, take care of yourself, embrace failure. Challenges and triumphs in a long journey and a big project. Setting expectations based on order rather than timings is preferable for someone who finds it difficult to predict. Learn from experience and set realistic expectations. Consider the burden of letting others down if you communicate expectations to them. Setting milestones helps celebrate small wins. Clearing the kitchen table can be a goal, leading to a sense of accomplishment and motivation. Having compassion for oneself is crucial. A Facebook comment inspired compassion from children of hoarders, encouraging someone to not give up and be a hero for their kids. Change up your habits, shift timing, remember why you started. Remember why decluttering was important to you. Reflect on your motivation and discover new reasons, like enjoying extra space, treating yourself, or flexibility while working from home. Taking breaks and finding inspiration from others helps prevent burnout during long-term projects. Look to successful people for motivation, even outside of your specific field. Applying mindset to various areas of life, replacing unproductive habits, assessing and making adjustments, and the potential benefits of visualizing success. Acknowledging slow progress is better than no progress Feelings of frustration and impatience with the current situation Be patient and work with circumstances Mindful Approach to Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed Being present in the moment instead of rushing to the next thing Appreciating and being present in small tasks Practicing mindfulness and avoiding constant engagement with everything Importance of physical, mental, and emotional self-care Maintaining motivation through scheduled and unscheduled breaks Viewing failure as a learning experience, not a reason to give up Importance of setting specific goals and milestones in decluttering Celebrating accomplishments as motivation Breaking tasks into manageable chunks to reduce overwhelm Replacing rigidity with a more gentle and careful approach Doing a bit, assessing, and making adjustments Changing Environment and Finding Motivation Changing environment or time of day to make decluttering feel new Reflecting on initial motivation to stay motivated Various sources of inspiration, including social media, podcasts, and books Unrelated endeavours like trekking the Appalachian Mountains as a source of inspiration Flexibility and Adaptability in Pursuit of Goals Emphasizing the importance of flexibility and adaptability Overcoming rigidity and perfectionism through adjustment and starting multiple times Taking breaks and weekends off to prevent burnout Failure as a Motivator and Opportunity Understanding failure as a setback in life plans Validating the feelings of discouragement and wanting to give up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast explores decision-making challenges in hoarding disorder, discussing neuroscience research, categorization of possessions, and techniques to improve decision-making skills. It covers topics like fear of uncertainty, different decision-making styles, and the correlation between hoarding and impulsive decisions. The episode also provides practical tactics and strategies for overcoming decision-making challenges in hoarding, emphasizing the importance of simplifying choices and setting parameters. Additionally, it highlights the significance of self-compassion and making decisions based on the present moment. Tips for handling unexpected items during decluttering are also discussed.