Are You A Compulsive Hoarder?

P.S. – I Am

Usually, I need to convince myself to write a post. I go through details, assess the relevance and frame my words to deliver something readable. Hoarding, on the other hand, is a familiar phenomenon I can sincerely relate to. My cupboards are bulging with the stuff I own. Every other thing I see in the mart makes me drool. Buying is instant, to dispose of is rather slow. Online marketing revolution has only added to my hoarding obsession.
Though not very proud of my collection, I find difficulty in getting part with my belongings. A friend recently told me that these are the symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive hoarding. The problem needs to be cured before it’s too late.

I woke up in the middle of the night after a dreadful dream. I saw myself dumped in my ‘precious belongings’ crying for help. People trying to reach me were getting hurdled with the crazy stuff of mine. Suffocated, I wanted to reach the other end where clean and clear space was ready to embrace me. I cursed my possessions as I toiled hard to save myself.
Then I woke up with my own screams.
Ah! It was just a dream.
Oh! It was not just a dream.

The dream was an eye-opener for me to realise the hazards of collecting unnecessary things without thinking about the consequences.
Why do we collect things?
What should be the limit to collecting?
Last but not least,
Is Compulsive Hoarding a psychological problem?
I am seeking answers to these queries and my Google friend is always here to help.

We collect things because there’s an emotional connect with them. Sometimes, we go beyond limits to hoard the stuff we don’t need.

Compulsive hoarding, also known as hoarding disorder, is a behavioural pattern characterized by excessive acquisition of and an inability or unwillingness to discard large quantities of objects that cover the living areas of the home and cause significant distress or impairment.

One thing is clear. The compulsive hoarding syndrome is not healthy. Everybody collects things but excessive collection becomes hoarding and creates problems.
When does healthy collecting become hoarding?
It’s very difficult to draw a line between the two. The symptoms start visible when possessions become piles of unorganised clutter to the extent that the normal activities of the person are restricted. Scary.

Now, what is the psychology behind Compulsive Hoarding?
There’s no scientific proof of how Compulsive Hoarding happens to some people while others are safe. Researchers have been able to find some common characteristics of the hoarders.
Compulsive Hoarders usually suffer from anxiety and indecisiveness. They prefer to live in social isolation and hoarding gives them emotional security.

Phew!
As far as my hoarding obsession is concerned, I think the limit has not yet reached. But the bigger question is, “Should I wait to go beyond the limit?”