Originally Posted by JanetM
Originally Posted by Shadow Dancer
Originally Posted by JanetM
I've watched the show several times. No one would choose to live this way. They are unable to help themselves. It really is so sad.
It isn't that they are unable to help themselves, they don't know how. The underlying issue has to be addressed before they can take steps to change and that takes the help of a professional.
You are absolutely right. They don't know how to help themselves and they can't explain why they are emotionally attached to things, they just know that they can't get rid of anything. Such an overwhelming, sad disorder.
It is very overwhelming for them, like you said, no one chooses to live like that. Until they understand why they are hoarding, it causes tremendous anxiety for them to part with things.
The problem with it being labeled a mental illness is that people with mental illness don't know they are mentally ill. Their behavior although bizarre to us, is perfectly normal to them. Hoarders know they have a problem, they feel shame when their problem comes to the attention of family and friends. But they don't know how to fix it.