'Vital' help needed for Britain's 1.4 million people living with hoarding disorder | ITV News
Summary
TLDRThe British Psychological Society highlights hoarding as a psychological disorder, requiring more support and early intervention. Between 2-5% of the UK population, around 1.3 to 3 million people, struggle with hoarding causing significant fire risks. In the past five years, nearly 7,000 hoarding-related fires occurred in England, with 110 resulting in fatalities. Hoarding often stems from trauma, as illustrated by stories like Lynn's and Mandy's. Lynn, a long-time hoarder since her childhood, manages her behavior by creating specific zones in her house and running a support group. Mandy, whose hoarding escalated after her parents' death, found relief by opening a charity shop to unload items. Both women emphasize the need for understanding and support, free from stigma and shame. The Society calls for a national strategy offering psychological assessments and specialized counseling for hoarders, due to inadequate current support. They aim to prevent dangerous consequences and encourage others with the disorder to seek help, acknowledging that many may not recognize their condition.
Takeaways
- 📉 Hoarding affects 2-5% of the UK population, equating to up to 3 million people.
- 🔥 Hoarding leads to significant fire hazards, with nearly 7,000 incidents in England over five years.
- 🤝 Support is essential, as many do not seek help in time, making behavior change difficult.
- 🛡️ Hoarding often serves as a coping mechanism linked to trauma, such as grief.
- ⚠️ The British Psychological Society emphasizes the need for a national strategy for treatment and support.
- 📚 Sharing personal stories can help others recognize and tackle their hoarding disorder.
- 💼 Lynn combats hoarding by setting useable zones in her house and leading a support group.
- 🚪 Many hoarders do not recognize their issue until it significantly affects their lives and homes.
- 🛍️ Mandy's charity shop serves as a novel approach to decreasing her hoard by engaging with customers.
- 🚒 Escape routes being blocked and increased toxic gases are significant risks from hoarding-related fires.
Timeline
- 00:00:00 - 00:05:16
The British Psychological Society highlights the need for hoarding to be recognized as a psychological disorder, urging more support for those affected. They emphasize that individuals often seek treatment too late. Research indicates that 2-5% of the UK population hoard at clinically significant levels, posing dangers such as fire hazards. There have been nearly 7,000 fire incidents related to hoarding in England in the last five years, resulting in 110 deaths. Lynn, a long-time hoarder, acknowledges her problem and runs a support group, explaining that hoarding often stems from trauma. She manages her hoarding with designated zones in her home. Mandy, another hoarder, reduced her possessions by establishing a charity shop. Both women share their experiences to encourage others to seek help. However, support remains inadequate, as there is no national strategy. Hoarding can have serious consequences, such as increased fire hazards, and there is a call for enhanced psychological and counseling services.
Mind Map
Video Q&A
What percentage of the UK population hoards at clinically significant levels?
Between 2 and 5% of the UK population hoards at clinically significant levels.
How many hoarding-related fires have occurred in England over the past 5 years?
Nearly 7,000 fires related to hoarding have occurred in England over the past 5 years.
How is hoarding described in the context of psychological issues?
Hoarding is described as a psychological disorder and often a coping mechanism related to trauma.
What measures did Lynn take to address her hoarding behavior?
Lynn has created different zones in her house for items she can and cannot use, and runs a local support group for hoarders.
What was the agreement made with Lynn before entering her home for the report?
The agreement was to avoid sensationalism or mocking in the report.
What unique method did Mandy use to reduce her hoarded items?
Mandy set up a charity shop to help let go of items by talking about them to customers.
How does the British Psychological Society suggest supporting hoarders?
They call for a national strategy including psychological assessments and a specialist counseling service for hoarders.
Why is there a call for more support for hoarders in the UK?
Because hoarding can be dangerous, leading to fire hazards and related deaths, and many do not recognize the problem or seek help.
What personal experience did Mandy link to her compulsive buying and hoarding?
Mandy linked her compulsive buying and hoarding to the death of both her parents.
How do both Lynn and Mandy hope to assist others with hoarding disorders through sharing their stories?
By sharing their stories and road to recovery, they hope to encourage others to recognize their hoarding disorder and seek help.
View more video summaries
- Hoarding
- Psychological Disorder
- UK
- Fire Hazards
- Support Groups
- British Psychological Society
- National Strategy
- Trauma
- Coping Mechanism
- Public Safety