I'm a hoarder, AMA ( except for my bank details 🤣)

[HoarderAMA]

Just that really. Inspired by another thread.

It's a MH condition as set out in the DSM5.

I often feel it is the most shameful MH condition and no amount of "Be kind" would ever change that.

I dont think it will ever be one of the accepted conditions and it is full of shame and secrecy. I cant see that ever changing

Oh, this has definitely helped. Knowing that I can do this, and have to be on top of it.
I can relate to the children’s clothes. I can look at an item of baby/toddler clothing and remember where it came from/who bought it. Where my child wore it, and when. I also feel the same about books/toys. Now I’m focussing on having the emotional space from feeling overwhelmed, and if I want to buy the books again, then I can just buy them again.

Thanks for your reply, it makes total sense now what you said.

Also, you didn’t deserve to be treated like that as a child. Your MIL was wrong to say that.

I wonder how, if hoarding is caused by trauma/MH issues, it manifests itself in countries where people don't have all the 'stuff' that we have? I wonder if it manifests in different behaviour where people don't have the space/money to acquire all the things in the first place. It would be interesting to know if any studies have been done with regard to this.

@ginghamstarfish

But hoarding can be anything - my relative buys excess food they don't eat. Am sure some people collect rubbish discarded by others that could be 'useful'

I think if people wanted to hoard they could probably find anything! I don't think you need money specifically although maybe that makes it 'easier'