Middlesbrough hoarder 'didn't know' behaviour was mental disorder

Middlesbrough hoarder 'didn't know' behaviour was mental disorder

Susan Lindo, a 59-year-old woman from Middlesbrough, had always believed that her hoarding tendencies were a result of laziness. Her home with her husband Robert was filled to the brim with various items, making it difficult to move around freely. Climbing over bags just to reach their bed became a nightly routine for Susan. However, a life-changing realization struck her during an interview with BBC Radio Tees, where she was informed that hoarding is actually a mental health condition.

Growing up in a household where hoarding was normalized, Susan found it challenging to break free from the cycle when she had a home of her own. Despite her efforts, the possessions continued to accumulate, leading to cluttered living spaces. Susan recalled that her parents exhibited the same behavior, and it was overwhelming to witness the sheer volume of items in their house. With Robert taking charge of cleaning and maintenance, Susan felt grateful for his support in managing the household.

During the interview, Susan also learned about the fire risks associated with hoarding from Cleveland Fire Brigade. The accumulation of materials, especially Robert’s extensive book collection, raised concerns about their safety in the event of a fire. Realizing their limited exits due to blocked doorways, Susan expressed doubts about their ability to escape a fire. This revelation motivated her to address the hoarding issue and create a safer living environment for themselves.

Many individuals like Susan struggle with hoarding tendencies, especially during times of heightened anxiety, such as the coronavirus pandemic. Hoarding Disorders UK highlighted the increase in inquiries related to hoarding behaviors, emphasizing the importance of seeking support. Rachel Bebbington from Let’s Connect acknowledged the emotional attachments and beliefs that contribute to hoarding, offering interventions to assist individuals in decluttering and overcoming this mental health challenge

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