That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

Podcast explores prioritizing tasks in hoarding situations with limited energy. Tips include setting tiny achievable goals, adjusting expectations, and focusing on safety. Strategies for making tasks more manageable and finding motivation. Chapters cover CBT affordability, managing clutter, overcoming challenges with low energy, and unexpected insights.

Learn how to dehoard when you're busy with practical tips like making lists for short intervals, setting achievable goals, and seeking help. Discover the power of productive procrastination, saying no to new items, gamifying decluttering, and tracking time for efficiency. Prioritize, understand motivations, and rest while decluttering to maintain progress and motivation.

Meg Kissack discusses compassionate productivity, challenging traditional advice, valuing rest, and redefining self-care. Emphasizing emotional well-being, personal growth, and resisting marketing tactics, the conversation advocates for embracing vulnerability, making tasks fun, and fostering genuine connections.

Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe Episode transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ Today, I look at the link between loneliness and hoarding behaviour with special guest Vassia Sarantopoulou, an expert psychologist and relationship counsellor. Come on a thought-provoking journey as Vassia and I discuss the complexities of loneliness, and practical steps for combating the shame associated with hoarding. There's the deep impact of societal expectations on emotional expression and emphasise the importance of forming genuine human connections for those affected by hoarding. From identifying warning signs of loneliness to exploring the link between trauma, grief, and hoarding, this episode offers insights into the struggles faced by individuals dealing with compulsive hoarding and the loneliness that often accompanies it. Vassia shares effective strategies for overcoming loneliness, reaching out for support, and finding ways to rebuild connections when you hoard. This episode is a candid and compassionate exploration of the intersection between loneliness and hoarding, offering support for those seeking to break the cycle. Loneliness and Its Impact Stigma and Misconceptions Surrounding Loneliness Two Layers of Loneliness: Normal Feeling vs. Deeper Sense of Loneliness Common Causes of Loneliness Overcoming the Fear of Rejection and Making New Friends Difficulties in Discussing Personal Struggles with Friends Importance of Creating Safe Spaces for Discussing Grief and Negative Emotions Combatting Shame and Overcoming Self-Judgment Steps to Combat Shame Associated with Hoarding Behaviour Impact of Societal Expectations on Emotional Expression Building Human Connections and Combatting Feelings of Shame Associated with Hoarding Behaviour Practical Steps to Build Human Connections and Combat Feelings of Shame Associated with Hoarding Behaviour Addressing Shame and Overcoming Self-Imposed Judgment Related to Hoarding Gradual Approach to Disclosing Hoarding in Relationships Practical Advice and Resources Purpose of Social Activities: Engaging in Activities to Reduce Pressure and Stress Building Relationships and Disclosing Hoarding: Choosing the Right Moment and Managing Expectations Taking a Gradual Approach to Disclosing Hoarding in Relationships Impact of Hoarding Symptoms on Loneliness Warning Signs of Loneliness and Isolation Mental and Physical Health Effects of Loneliness Seeking Harmful or Unhealthy Relationships Due to Loneliness The Contribution of Trauma, Grief, and Loss to Hoarding Behaviour and Loneliness Dual layers of loneliness lead to isolation. Loneliness stems from disconnecting from ourselves. Impact of loneliness mental and physical health. Loneliness and trauma can lead to hoarding. Reconnect with old friends, join social groups. Healing involves selective sharing and seeking help. Guide, allow time, ask, express, connect authentically. Layered loneliness: valuing connections, deeper isolation, worthiness doubts, fear, rationalisation. Relying solely on objects for emotional needs Neglecting physical appearance Changes in sleep Loss of interest in activities Hopelessness or helplessness. Traumatic experiences can lead to hoarding and social isolation as a protective mechanism. People in healing choose carefully who to share with Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Dr. Jan Eppingstall, an expert in psychological flexibility and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, dives into the nuances of hoarding behaviors. She explains how psychological rigidity can impact life satisfaction and offers practical insights into the six core processes that promote adaptability. Dr. Eppingstall emphasizes the importance of acceptance and mindfulness, encouraging listeners to challenge their rigid beliefs. By embracing curiosity and openness, individuals can foster personal growth and improve their relationships.

Subscribe to the podcast - https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Subscribe to the podcast - https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe I take a look at the time-consuming nature of living in a hoard, including the impact of clutter on daily life. I cover the stress, procrastination, and decision fatigue that come with hoarding to shed light on the ways in which hoarding not only affects our living spaces but also consumes valuable time. Tune in for a candid conversation that challenges perceptions and offers a fresh perspective on the journey to overcome compulsive hoarding. Questioning time for tidying in a cluttered life. Gradual realisation about time consumption. Tidying takes time, hoarding takes longer. Organising the kitchen, decluttering, and categorising food items. Knowing where things are saves time. Reducing possessions saves time and effort. Hoarding makes cleaning harder and time-consuming. Rethink hoarding, liberate yourself, save future time. American society invented the concept of human failure. Organising saves time and reduces clutter. Having too much stuff makes cleaning difficult and time-consuming. The burden of hoarding and time wasted Reframing thoughts to improve decluttering. The concept of human failure was an American invention due to a capitalist society. The misconception of tidy people spending all their time cleaning and tidying. The realisation that living in hoarding is time-consuming due to the difficulties caused by clutter. The Impact of Hoarding on Daily Life The stress and time wasted in finding everyday items in a hoarded home. Decision-making process and procrastination caused by overwhelming clutter. Cleaning Challenges and Time Management The additional time required for cleaning and maintenance in a hoarded home. The difficulty of keeping a hoarded home clean compared to a neat and tidy home. The liberating aspect of dehoarding by freeing up time for the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Subscribe to the podcast - https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe Today, I am joined by the insightful Paige Pritchard, a money coach and the owner of the Overcoming Overspending community. Together, we dig into the complexities of overspending, addressing its emotional roots and psychological impact on individuals' lives. Paige offers invaluable insights into understanding the deeper motivations behind spending habits and emphasises the need to reclaim control and satisfaction in life. We discuss practical strategies, such as the "urge jar" to create distance from impulsive buying and find fulfilment without overspending. Join us as we explore the psychological effects of spending habits and discover empowering approaches to overcome overspending. Overspending defined Impact of shopping on time, relationships, confidence. Men face stigma for impulse spending, too. Striving for perfection Products tied to identity and feelings Resist urge to splurge Anticipation brings more pleasure than actual events. Recognise brain's response Individual approach: abstainer vs moderator. YNAB for budget transparency. Budgeting software provides helpful transparency for planning. Impact of shopping on time, relationships, and financial confidence. Perfectionism and spending habits Consumerism links products to identities and emotions Delay impulse buying Baseline awareness of brain's response to threats No spend challenges Personal spending behaviour Signs of overspending Financial implications Time spent on shopping and acquiring Impact on relationships Financial self-confidence Impact on environment and clutter Understanding Motivations and Emotional Experiences Behind Spending Aspirational spending Consumer culture Deeper motivations behind spending habits Impact of spending habits on psychological wellbeing Deeper reasons behind excessive spending Regaining a sense of control Escaping life Managing Impulse Buying Scarcity Spending The "urge jar" as a tool Form a new habit loop Dopamine without spending money. Fear of missing out Managing Regret Decision Making Inevitability of emotions Implications of extreme approaches. Budgeting software Managing annual expenses Psychological perspective behind impulsive buying Creating distance before making a purchase. Impact of social media on contributing to overconsumption Downplaying shopping addiction. The seriousness of shopping addiction and its effect on people's lives, especially for women. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Jan Eppingstall, an expert in hoarding and personalized treatment approaches, discusses insight in hoarding, levels of insight, factors influencing insight, and comorbidity. They also talk about overcoming clutter blindness, challenging thoughts, anosognosia, and the LEAP technique for support. The podcast explores the psychology behind hoarding, including denial, self-concept preservation, and shame, and emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and personalized treatment approaches for overcoming compulsive hoarding.

Subscribe to the podcast - https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe By acknowledging potential roadblocks ahead, we can prepare emotionally and practically for upcoming challenges and even get more efficient when we’re dehoarding. I talk about the importance of being proactive, realistic, creative and adaptable when facing obstacles, while also seeking professional support when needed. I look at the need for planning, prioritising, and breaking down tasks into smaller chunks to overcome difficulties. Anticipating obstacles improves efficiency and motivation. Anticipating challenges leads to proactive decision-making. Anticipate obstacles, reflect, and evaluate for success. Stay open to possibilities, prepare for obstacles. Planning can overcome mental obstacles for success. Preparing for challenges in dehoarding process. Anticipate challenges and plan preventive measures. Allow yourself rest, plan ahead, ask for help. Anticipating obstacles while working. Subconscious problem-solving. Anticipating obstacles improves efficiency and reduces discouragement. Anticipating challenges improves decision-making, reduces panic. Being proactive is key. Planning to deal with nostalgic stuff eventually, while focusing on current tasks and building up decluttering skills. Anticipate and adapt to obstacles, focus on progress rather than completion. Reflection and objective evaluation are key. Stay open to possibilities, prepare with needed supplies, seek advice on overcoming obstacles from others. Address decision fatigue, burnout, and overwhelm to avoid stops and starts and make consistent progress. Prepare for challenges, gain confidence from past experiences. Anticipate and prevent burnout by pacing work, taking breaks. Take days off even if it feels wrong. Plan ahead and seek help. Tip for calming mind Importance of Anticipating Obstacles Benefits of problem-solving and emotional preparedness Improving efficiency and momentum in the decluttering process Assisting in planning, prioritising, and decision-making Overcoming Challenges Difficulty of anticipating obstacles, particularly for novices Leveraging experience to anticipate and surmount obstacles Adaptability, creativity, and flexibility in addressing anticipated obstacles The value of trust, resourcefulness, and forward planning Nostalgic items as potential distractions and triggers The importance of realistic goal setting and objective evaluation Anticipating Logistical Challenges Ensuring necessary supplies are available Learning from others' experiences with obstacles and their solutions Importance of planning, breaking down tasks, and consistent progress Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.