According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, hoarding is the compulsive purchasing, acquiring, searching, and saving of items that have little or no value. In 2013 it was named a distinct mental illness and is classified as obsessive compulsive behaviour.

There are six types of hoarders: “What-if” hoarders fear that someday they will need something, so as a result, they throw nothing away. Frugality hoarders feel that it’s wasteful to throw something away, while frozen indecision hoarders can’t decide whether or not to throw something out. Ordinary hoarders hold onto all material things while animal hoarders keep too many animals to take care of. And then there’s rubbish or refuse hoarders, and they do as their name suggests.

So, when is a mess more than just a mess? The good news is that most people, even sloppy ones, fall somewhere closer to normal on the clutter scale. In fact, only 1% of the South African population are classified as hoarders.

According to Colorado-based clinical psychologist Jill Squyres, clutter is personal and doesn’t necessarily always deserve a bad rap. She is adamant that it’s okay if your stuff makes you feel comfortable and at home, it’s useful, you like it, and/or it has meaning. She explains that hoarding causes significant distress and discomfort to day-to-day living.

These are the red flags to watch out for if you’re worried about hoarding:

• When you buy many of the same things over time because you can’t find what you already have. You don’t have one can opener, you have 10.
• You can’t have people over due to the clutter in your home.
• You have trouble getting dinner ready, or taking a shower as these areas are used for storage.
• There are narrow trails in your house to walk through between tall mounds of clutter.
• The piles of clutter in your home make you feel bad about yourself.
• The state of your home causes family fights.

True, objects and possessions are often part of who we are, and that is why we treasure them, but studies have shown that the more people are focused on possessions, the lower their personal well-being become. Having too many things can take up mental space and energy you could be spending elsewhere.

So experts suggests to focus on experiences, not things. Spend money on vacations or dining with friends and family, rather than on material goods. Think of it as investing in your happiness bank! Objects tend to lose their appeal over time, but memories on the other hand, can be revisited again and again.

Sometimes less is really more. Think about it, the more you own, the less personal an object become, and the easier it is to take it for granted.

For more information or to get help contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group at www.santag.org or speak to a mental health professional.

Source: neatfreak.co.za, webmd.com, adaa.org, roodepoortrecord.co.za, cosmopolitan.com, womenshealthmag.com, ementalhealth.ca

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.