Hoarding disorder goes beyond compulsively collecting things – often, it reflects deep-seated struggles with anxiety and trauma. Recognising these emotional connections can open the door to healing and renewed hope.
What Is the Root Cause of Hoarding?
Like other compulsive behaviours, it can be hard to understand why hoarding happens. First, it has nothing to do with being ‘disorganised,’ ‘messy’ or ‘lazy.’ Instead, deep-rooted trauma has scarred people into collecting items they feel they cannot part with.
People who hoard may struggle to confront their fears directly, so they seek solace in the familiar – much like a child carrying a security blanket to ward off nightmares. To someone living with hoarding disorder, these possessions become a symbol of safety in an overwhelming world.
A hoarding habit may not make sense to outsiders, but viewing it through the lens of anxiety and trauma is essential.
Is Hoarding Linked to Anxiety?
Why do anxious people hoard more? People with hoarding impulses feel distressed at the thought of discarding their possessions – even impractical or ‘useless’ items.
Underlying anxiety disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder may make self-soothing a challenge. At this point, the things you accumulate have value because they are part of the wall you build against the world and its terrors. This deep-seated distress can prompt hoarding behaviour.
- Fear of loss: Anxiety-driven hoarders often keep insignificant objects – like takeout wrappers and bottle caps – fearing they’ll someday regret throwing anything out. ‘I can’t let this go. It’s been with me so long, and I need it.’
- Perfectionism and indecision: Anxiety affects executive function, which can cause problems with decision-making. Instead, you may choose avoidance or return to hoarding after cleaning and decluttering. ‘I don’t know what to throw out. What if I need it? I’ll decide later.’
- Comfort and security: Clinging to possessions may become a buffer against trauma, offering stability and consistency in an unpredictable environment. These items become an essential form of emotional protection. ‘My possessions are valuable to me – each has a story, and I took years to acquire them.’
What Trauma Is Associated With Hoarding?
Unlike obsessive-compulsive disorder, hoarding disorder is often trauma-triggered by events such as childhood neglect, loss of a loved one or financial instability. A frightening or life-threatening event may cause you to begin collecting and avoid throwing stuff out.
Trauma-related hoarding is a coping mechanism that affects 2% to 6% of New Zealanders with adult cases the most severe. Collecting objects serves as a shield against further emotional pain.
Signs that trauma may influence your wellbeing and decision-making include:
- A history of significant personal loss or instability, such as frequently moving as a child or surviving a house fire.
- Extreme distress when attempting to discard items.
- A worsening of hoarding behaviours after a traumatic event. For instance, losing your job may cause you to start keeping things like gum wrappers and food leftovers.
Finding Support for Hoarding in New Zealand
Professional help can be life-changing if hoarding causes distress in your life. Fortunately, ample resources can help New Zealanders affected by hoarding. Counseling and community services provide guidance and practical strategies for decluttering and coping in healthier ways. Try services and organisations like these.
- Anxiety support organisations in New Zealand: Anxiety and trauma-related disorders may respond well to targeted therapies designed to address the root causes.
- Cleaning and decluttering services: A sort-and-support service can help those with hoarding disorder. They assist with de-hoarding and provide family counselling.
- Clinical psychologists and counsellors: Many local therapists offer hoarding treatment, using evidence-based techniques like cognitive behavioural therapy to address the emotional and behavioural patterns that trigger hoarding.
Breaking the Cycle of Hoarding
Learning to reframe hoarding as a manifestation of anxiety and trauma can reduce your shame and start you on the road to recovery. Consider seeking therapy and community support organisations that can provide practical guidance. Professionals and groups are ready to help you let go and find freedom.
