From what I understand in watching that show, many of the hoarders are just plain lonely and/or scared of "life" or other people and they isolate themselves and help their loneliness by surrounding themselves with "stuff".
What the world needs now is love, sweet love...
Hi Waterlilly!
Loneliness is a result of hoarding.
My sister did not want ANYONE (but me or my wife) entering her home.
She was ashamed (another result of hoarding) to have anyone see the condition of her home.
This causes isolation which, in turn, brings on loneliness.
The house my sister was living in was originally my mother's.
They lived together until my mom died. My mom would not tolerate hoarding and prevented my sister from doing it.
As a result, my sister would drink wine heavily almost every night.
Alcoholism was used as a "replacement" for hoarding and to acted like an anesthetic for her feelings.
Hoarders require professional help.
Sadly, no matter what I or her doctor did, she refused treatment.
Like alcoholism, the person must come to the place where they are willing to change.
Until that time, they're caught in a trap.
I pray for all those who suffer this debilitating disorder.
It is very painful to those who have it.
Tony
