The Emotional Impact of Holding on to Unnecessary Possessions

Many individuals struggle with getting rid of personal possessions they no longer need or use. Psychologists identify different types of hoarding, including depression-induced slob hoarding, compulsive shopping hoarding, and emotional hoarding.

Emotional hoarding, also known as “clutter hoarding,” is characterized by difficulty discarding objects due to emotional attachments. Individuals experiencing clutter hoarding may fear losing memories or experiences associated with specific items or may experience anxiety or stress when attempting to let go of them.

Understanding Emotional Hoarding

1. Object Permanence and Hoarding:

Emotional hoarding is often linked to a concept called “object permanence,” which refers to the understanding that objects continue to exist even when not directly visible. For those with clutter hoarding, the physical possession of an item may provide a sense of security or comfort, as it represents a tangible connection to past memories or experiences.

2. The Emotional Attachment:

Objects can hold significant emotional value, such as sentimental reminders of loved ones or past events. This attachment can make it difficult to let go, even when the items are no longer useful or necessary.

3. Fear of Loss and Uncertainty:

Emotional hoarders often struggle with letting go of possessions due to a fear of losing something that may be valuable or meaningful. This fear can stem from a lack of trust in their ability to acquire or replace necessary items in the future.

Seeking Help

Overcoming emotional hoarding requires professional help and support. Licensed therapists and counselors can help individuals understand the underlying causes, develop coping mechanisms, and strategies for decluttering their living spaces.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

CBT is a type of therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. In the context of emotional hoarding, CBT can challenge distorted beliefs about the significance of possessions and develop more realistic perspectives.

2. Medication:

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to address underlying mental health conditions that contribute to hoarding, such as anxiety or depression.

3. Support Groups:

Support groups provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals struggling with emotional hoarding to share experiences and learn from others.

Breaking the Clutter Hoarding Cycle

Overcoming emotional hoarding takes time and effort, but it is possible. Here are some tips for breaking the cycle:

1. Start Small:

Don’t try to declutter everything at once. Focus on one small area or category of items at a time.

2. Use the “Keep, Donate, Discard” System:

Sort items into three piles: items to keep, items to donate, and items to discard. Start by discarding obvious trash or items you haven’t used in a long time.

3. Seek Professional Help:

If you struggle to declutter on your own, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a licensed therapist or counselor.

4. Be Patient and kind to Yourself:

Overcoming emotional hoarding is a process. Be patient and don’t get discouraged if you experience setbacks.