Is it a Hoarding Disorder
or Collecting?
How to Tell The Difference!
Is it a hoarding disorder or collecting? Sometimes, it's hard to tell.
Many people question what the difference is between someone who has a hoarding disorder versus someone who an enthusiastic collector is. That actually is a very good question which requires some explanation because it is sometimes difficult to know who is an eccentric person with a novel collection and someone is who has a serious problem. There are times when the lines can appear to be blurred.
Collecting is a natural human instinct. Everyone has that tendency in one way or another. Part of the instinct is driven by the need to have items necessary for survival in the event of lean times or times of hardship. However, as with many things, a naturally good instinct can develop to an unhealthy level in some, which can lead to a hoarding disorder.
As a society, we celebrate collecting and collections. Whether it’s antique cars, Santas, cookie jars, salt and pepper shakers, etc., people love to collect items. HGTV, decorating books and antique magazines often show homes of collectors that have items which are beautifully displayed (Google Jay Leno’s garage for an idea on car collecting)!
There are, however, collecting disorders that are similar to hoarding disorders but are expressed in various ways. There is a difference between someone who has 1,000 cookie jars displayed, dusted and cared for and someone who collects too many animals and lacks the time, money and ability to care for them. Each has their own set of mental and emotional characteristics. The word hoarding has such a negative connotation to it that many people, who really are hoarding say they are simply collecting.
Hoarding Disorder
Guidelines
So how can you tell if someone has a hoarding disorder?
I did some research, and based on the information found, I thought I would provide you with some general guidelines for you to use to determine whether the collecting has turned into a hoarding disorder. Please realize these are only guidelines.
Please also realize that I am not a medical or mental health professional. If you feel someone you know or a family member may have a hoarding disorder problem, please be sure to seek out professional help!
Your collections are NOT likely a problem under the following circumstances:
- Your life is functioning well overall.
- You are paying your debtors and taxes on time.
- Friends and family are able to visit.
- Repair and service people are able to come to your home when needed.
- You keep your collections in a well-organized fashion and in good condition.
- You know how many items are in your collection.
- Your collections give you real joy and not distress.
- Your home is clean, orderly and you are able to use the spaces in your home and the furniture in it for their intended purposes.
No problems with hoarding disorder here.
There May Be a Problem Guidelines
Once again, please note that these are general guidelines based on research.
I am not a medical or mental health professional. If you feel someone you know or a family member may have a hoarding disorder problem, please be sure to seek out professional help!
Your collection(s) ARE likely to be a hording or collecting disorder if one or more of the following states are true:
- You are not able to use some of the spaces in your home or your furniture for their intended purposes. Examples: Your floors are so crowded with your collections that you cannot easily walk; or you cannot use your kitchen to cook in because all of the collections are getting in the way.
- You are unable to properly take care of your collections. Examples: You have a collection of animals but are unable to pay proper attention to them and/or house, feed, water and give proper medical attention to them.
- You cannot keep your collections in good condition and clean.
- Your collections are often in the way and keep you from doing things you would otherwise choose to do.
- You are not able to display and/or properly store your collections to protect them.
- You feel driven to collect or feel like you have to or cannot stop collecting.
- Your collections keep you from having normal relationships with family and friends.
- You want to let go of things but feel you cannot. If the thought of letting go of your collections causes you to have a panic attack or feel great fear.
- You are embarrassed to have repairmen, service people, police, fire, etc. come to your home.
- You feel like your life is revolving around your collections.
- You feel overwhelmed instead of overjoyed when you really look at your collections.
- You don’t feel proud to show your collections to others.
- You start having financial problems directly related to collecting, such as not paying your bills or taxes ever or on time regularly.
A healthy collector will have the time, money, space and storage necessary to actually take care of the items they collect. They know the value of their collections and try to preserve their true value. A healthy collector will sell the collection if they lose interest or feel that no longer want to take care of it.
If you feel your collection(s) are taking over your life or, if you feel you are being negatively impacted in any way by them, consider reevaluating whether you may have deeper issues and consider getting professional help to help you take back control of your life.
Links to Other Special Help Issues
Go to: ADD-ADHD
Go to: ADD & Organizing
Go to: Causes of Stress
Go to: Clutter Help
Go to: Compulsive Hoarder
Go to: Helpful Articles
Go to: Procrastinate
Go to: What is S.A.D.
You might also like this book: Digging Out: Helping Your Loved One Manage Clutter, Hoarding, and Compulsive Acquiring.
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