That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

Join Dr. Jan Eppingstall, a hoarding disorder specialist, on a podcast exploring the connection between hoarding and other conditions. They delve into OCD, OCPD, depression, autism, and ADHD, discussing overlapping symptoms and challenges. Learn about the causes of hoarding behaviors, the relationship between depression and hoarding, the overlap between autism and hoarding, and executive dysfunction in ADHD. Discover the importance of understanding underlying conditions and the challenges of diagnosing hoarding and co-occurring disorders.

Tracy McCubbin, an expert in decluttering, talks about emotional attachment to belongings and provides practical advice. She challenges the notion that objects hold inherent meaning and shares anecdotes. The podcast explores clutter blocks, struggles with inherited items, difficulty in letting go, and the changing importance of sentimental objects. It also discusses the reluctance to let go of kitchen gadgets, sentimental items, and gifts. The value of working with a professional organizer, the importance of letting go of unnecessary possessions, and finding support through therapy are also touched upon.

In this podcast, they discuss the importance of setting up systems to make dehoarding easier and less resistant. They explore the concept of choosing realistic timings for successful decluttering. They also highlight how embracing the path of least resistance can be a gift when dealing with hoarding. The podcast covers strategies for overcoming obstacles and resistance, as well as organizing items in a hoarding situation. Overall, it offers insights and tips for making the decluttering process more manageable.

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 it Take responsibility, not blame, use it to motivate improvement Presence 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 needed Adding 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 properly The importance of addressing the "gross and icky" bits of dehoarding Learning from unpleasant experiences and taking pride in overcoming them Tackling issues or challenges one by one in a methodical manner Taking proactive measures to prevent similar situations from arising again Practical tips for dealing with sticky or gross substances Addressing them individually until the whole house is clean Being cautious with bulk food purchases and storing perishable items properly Using bags for cleaning purposes is a logical use, not a waste Spraying antibacterial spray after cleaning to ensure cleanliness The importance of not avoiding unpleasant tasks Facing the situation head-on because it won't go away on its own Being realistic about what needs to be addressed Quick resolution of tasks that have been avoided for a long time The importance of ventilation to prevent mould and fungus spores from spreading The need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when dealing with harmful substances Taking responsibility without blaming oneself Using experiences as motivation to improve hoarding habits Promoting a proactive attitude towards personal growth and improvement Overcoming the fear and worries associated with gross or unpleasant tasks Using gloves, face masks, and grabber tools to avoid touching or inhaling harmful substances Prioritising health and wellbeing when removing gross or unidentifiable items The consequences of failure to clean up grossness, including contamination and more waste Accepting that some things may not be savable and may need to be discarded Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.uk Subscribe to the podcast Help 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.

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.uk Subscribe to the podcast Imagining advice from different perspectives Gaining new insights and advice Showing compassion towards yourself Questioning how things are done Exploring different ways to frame situations Beginner's Mind from Zen Buddhism: Dropping expectations and preconceived ideas Stepping out of comfort zone Initial discomfort leading to eventual comfort Trying new things can be scary but rewarding Questioning and reevaluating rules: Determining if rules are still useful and relevant Challenging yourself to break established patterns Confirmation bias: Seeking information that aligns with existing beliefs Perfectionism in organizing possessions: Energizing and motivating the organising process Believing in different possibilities Challenging the belief that things have to be a certain way forever Exploring new ways of thinking and doing things Challenging fears: Proving fears are not necessarily true Gentle self-reflection: Encouraging personal growth and understanding Turning the chair around Seeing possibilities and solutions with a fresh outlook Practicing beginner's mind and mindfulness Looking for something unrelated to existing interests Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk Subscribe to the podcast Join 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 effects Commonly wishcycled items and misconceptions The impact of wishcycling on recycling machines and materials Extending the lifespan of items through repair and upcycling Examples of effective repair and upcycling techniques The difference between repairing and intending to repair Overview of TerraCycle and its recycling programs Personal Experience with Repairing Setting a strict deadline to avoid procrastination Applying Principles of Reuse and Repair: How reducing consumption can help tackle overwhelm in hoarded homes Balancing Repair and Hoarding: Repairing as a potential distraction or excuse for hoarding Prioritising oneself and loved ones over broken or damaged items Tendency to reuse unsafe items in hoarded homes An overview of the five R's (reduce, reuse, repair, rot, recycle) The question of need and waste reduction Personal Motivation and the Environment: Survivors of trauma as environmentally motivated individuals Hoarding as a barrier to caring for the environment The personal and global benefits of reducing consumption Acknowledging uncertainties in recycling practices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'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-making For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk Subscribe 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.

For the transcript for this episode, visit the website at http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk Subscribe to the podcast Support the show On 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.

Topics covered: - The power and potential of curiosity in hoarding - The benefits of changing beliefs and embracing new perspectives - Admitting mistakes and apologising as a less stressful alternative - The importance of admitting when you don’t know something - Using curiosity to understand why tasks or environments seem impossible - How therapy can increase curiosity and explore hoarding thoughts and patterns - Accepting uncertainty and unanswered questions - Being open to new experiences - The positive impact of curiosity on mental health and personal growth - Seeking out new information, different perspectives, and asking questions - Examples of curiosity, such as exploring fears or understanding others' experiences - Embracing creativity as a way to foster curiosity - Engaging with people from different backgrounds and life stories - Encouraging open communication, learning, and challenging assumptions - The importance of trying new things multiple times before forming an opinion - Deepening connections through a curious outlook - Strategies to encourage curiosity, like treating tasks as experiments - Framing dehoarding tasks as an experiment - The effectiveness of the curious and experimental mindset in dehoarding - Thinking outside the box for a more creative and innovative outlook - Acceptance of different people and ideas through curiosity - Adding depth to life through trying new things and learning - Being present and engaged through attention to details - Learning from mistakes and cultivating personal growth through curiosity - Feeling safe to make mistakes and explore for curiosity to thrive - The numerous benefits of developing a curious outlook - Opening up communication and expanding one's world through exploration - The ripple effect of bravery and curiosity on other aspects of life For the full show notes and transcript for this episode, visit the website at http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ Subscribe to the podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.