If you think you are not a collector, think again, because most of us are collectors. We are obsessed with collecting one thing or the other and unknowingly we keep collecting those things.

For our moms, it might be plastic box There are things scattered all over the kitchen. For someone else, the obsession might be with beauty products.

Basically, hoarding is an intense desire to collect items, regardless of their actual value. If, by now, you have figured out what you are hoarding, we must tell you that it is not good for your mental health.

Turning into hoarding, but why?

“You may develop a tendency to collect things due to a combination of genetic, environmental and psychological factors,” explains Dr Rahul Chandok, principal consultant, mental health and behavioural sciences, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram. india today,

• Doctors explain that traumatic events, stress, and emotional attachment to objects can also contribute to hoarding.
• Some people may also have cognitive difficulties, such as difficulty with categorisation and decision-making.
• Deficits in brain function and executive functioning also play an important role.
• Hoarding may be a way to cope with emotional pain, providing a sense of comfort and security.

Additionally, Dr Gaurav Gupta, a Gurugram-based psychiatrist and co-founder of Emoniids (a mental health start-up), explains that some people collect objects to cope with anxiety or depression, and the act of collecting and keeping objects can provide a sense of security and comfort.

They also pointed out that people who hoard often display tendencies toward indecisiveness, perfectionism, and procrastination.

What does hoarding say about your behavior?

Experts believe that hoarding behavior may be a sign of underlying mental health problems, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and attachment disorders.

It may also indicate difficulties with emotional regulation, organization, and decision-making. Hoarding can also be a symptom of anxiety disorders, where a person may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of losing items.

According to Dr Chandhok, this behaviour is not at all beneficial for mental health, and can have a detrimental effect on overall health, lead to social isolation and increase stress levels.

“Clutter can also increase feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety, which can lead to poor mental health,” says the doctor. “In addition, clutter can also pose physical health risks, such as fire hazards and unhygienic conditions.”

stop it

Dr Chandhok says overcoming hoarding requires a comprehensive approach that acknowledges and addresses the underlying emotional and psychological aspects.

• It may be helpful to consult a therapist or counselor. A therapist or counselor can help you identify the root causes of your hoarding behavior, such as trauma, loss, or attachment issues.
• Support groups and online resources also provide valuable guidance, encouragement, and a sense of community, which is essential for continued progress.
• With the help of professionals, learn skills such as mindfulness, self-compassion, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to manage emotions and maintain a clutter-free environment.

In the meantime, Dr. Gupta says gradually removing clutter can help. Start small by focusing on one area or type of item at a time, and always set realistic goals.

In addition, you can also work on developing decision-making skills. This will help you decide what to keep and what to discard. In addition, learning and applying organizational techniques can help manage what is kept.

What to do instead?

• Mindfulness and stress reduction techniquesPractices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help manage the anxiety that often comes with hoarding.
• Engage in other hobbies and interestsFinding alternative activities that bring happiness and satisfaction can reduce reliance on accumulation for emotional satisfaction.
• Regular clutter removal sessions: Make decluttering a regular part of your daily routine. Taking time each week or month to evaluate and organize your belongings can help prevent clutter from building up.
• minimalismAdopting a minimalist lifestyle, and focusing on the quality of items rather than their quantity, can be a healthy way to control the tendency to hoard.
• Professional OrganizerHiring a professional organizer can provide practical assistance and strategies for maintaining an organized and clutter-free environment.

take away

Hoarding is a common but often overlooked behavior that can have a significant impact on your mental and physical health. This behavior can be driven by a number of factors, including genetics, environmental influences, and psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.

To deal with hoarding, it’s necessary to seek professional help, practice mindfulness, and adopt organizational techniques.

By addressing the root causes and developing healthier habits, you can manage your hoarding tendencies and improve your overall quality of life.