That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding - #146 Where Dragons Live and what we leave behind

#146 Where Dragons Live and what we leave behind

06/28/24 • 26 min

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That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket

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Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/

I watched a film, "Where Dragons Live," which struck a chord with themes of belongings, families, the meaning of our stuff, and the complexities of dealing with a loved one's stuff after they pass away. I talk about the deeper implications of what we leave behind. Join me as I reflect on the emotional impact of material possessions and the significance of our connections with others.

Film Review: Where Dragons Live
Review and discussion of the film "Where Dragons Live"
Exploration of themes relevant to hoarding, family dynamics and privilege
Reflection on the concept of treasuring and maintaining possessions
Analysis of the film’s portrayal of mixed, nuanced emotions and reactions
Examination of the anxiety surrounding what we leave behind for others
Emphasis on the impact of hoarding on one's own life and grieving process
Personal reflection on the burden and worry of leaving behind a hoarding home
Consideration of the challenges faced by those sorting through a hoarded space
Insight into the complexities of emotions and decision-making related to hoarding
Impact Beyond Possessions
Reflection on the value of relationships and connections beyond physical possessions
Examination of the meaningful impact individuals can leave on others
Emphasis on the significance of emotional and personal legacies
Discussion of minimising physical clutter to alleviate stress for others
Personal experiences related to friendships and legacies
Reflection on the meaningful contributions individuals can make in others’ lives
Recommendations for listeners to consider the impact they leave on others
Encouragement to prioritise meaningful connections over material possessions
Mixed emotions lead to decision-making challenges.
Grieving and hoarding
Overwhelm
Leave behind meaningful and powerful positive impact.
Film subjects reflect on sentimental items.
Grief and clearing out a hoarded home, finding value in the midst of overwhelming belongings.
Leaving meaningful impact beyond material possessions.
The film's focus on balancing material possessions with emotional value
Minimising belongings for others' sake.

Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket

Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe

Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/

Film Review: Where Dragons Live
Review and discussion of the film "Where Dragons Live"
Exploration of themes relevant to hoarding, family dynamics and privilege
Reflection on the concept of treasuring and maintaining possessions
Analysis of the film’s portrayal of mixed, nuanced emotions and reactions
Examination of the anxiety surrounding what we leave behind for others
Emphasis on the impact of hoarding on one's own life and grieving process
Personal reflection on the burden and worry of leaving behind a hoarding home
Consideration of the challenges faced by those sorting through a hoarded space
Insight into the complexities of emotions and decision-making related to hoarding
Impact Beyond Possessions
Reflection on the value of relationships and connections beyond physical possessions
Examination of the meaningful impact individuals can leave on others
Emphasis on the significance of emotional and personal legacies
Discussion of minimising physical clutter to alleviate stress for others
Personal experiences related to friendships and legacies
Reflection on the meaningful contributions individuals can make in others’ lives
Recommendations for listeners to consider the impact they leave on others
Encouragement to prioritise meaningful connections over material possessions
Mixed emotions lead to decision-making challenges.
Grieving and hoarding
Overwhelm
Leave behind meaningful and powerful positive impact.
Film subjects reflect on sentimental items.
Grief and clearing out a hoarded home, finding value in the midst of overwhelming belongings.
Leaving meaningful impact beyond material possessions.
The film's focus on balancing material possessions with emotional value
Minimising belongings for others' sake.

Previous Episode

#145 Understanding stigma and hoarding using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and compassion, with Dr Jennifer Krafft

Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket

Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe

Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/

Dr. Jennifer Krafft, director of the Mindfulness and Acceptance Lab at Mississippi State University and her expertise in hoarding disorder, OCD, anxiety, and mindfulness and acceptance processes for treatment brings a fresh perspective to the prevalent issues surrounding hoarding. We’re talking particularly about stigma and hoarding disorder, the impact of cultural and societal attitudes, and the potential for self-help interventions to reduce stigma. We look at the roles of psychological flexibility, self-compassion, and the need for societal change in addressing hoarding stigma.

Stigma and Misconceptions Surrounding Hoarding Disorder
Lack of public awareness and understanding
Sensationalism in reality TV shows and its impact on stigmatisation
Impact of hoarding stigma on seeking help and social lives
Mindfulness and Acceptance in Managing Hoarding Disorder
Dr. Jennifer Krafft's personal experiences and curiosity leading to interest in hoarding disorder
Lack of effective treatments and trained providers for hoarding disorder
Study on self-help interventions reducing stigmatisation for people with hoarding disorder
Combating perfectionism through flexibility and managing cognitive reactions
Seeking Help and Self-Stigma
Dr. Jennifer Krafft's study on individuals' preferences for seeking help for mental health problems
Public stigma and self-stigma, leading to shame, embarrassment, and hiding behaviour
Psychological inflexibility linked to stigma and rigid behaviour patterns
Acceptance and commitment therapy promoting psychological flexibility
Addressing Stigma and Shame
Impact of intersecting stigmas on individuals, such as hoarding and racism
Addressing self-criticism, shame, and seeking support
Mindfulness exercises and self-compassion in managing stigma and shame
Cultural and Identity Perspectives in Hoarding Disorder
Lack of research on culture, identity, and hoarding, particularly in diverse populations
Additional challenges faced by individuals with multiple forms of discrimination
Acknowledging the impact of intersecting stigmas on individuals
Evolutionary Perspective of Hoarding Behaviour
Dr. Jennifer Krafft discussing hoarding behaviour in the context of human evolution
Mismatch between human adaptation and the current society's abundance of material possessions
Promoting Awareness and Education
Dr. Jennifer Krafft's advocacy for societal change in addressing hoarding stigma
Necessity for professional education and awareness about hoarding disorder
Lack of research on culture, identity, and hoarding, particularly in diverse populations
Each of these topics delves into the complexities and implications of hoarding disorder, shedding light on the need for compassion, understanding, and effective interventions.
Reality TV impacts public perception of hoarding.
Insufficient research on hoarding and identity discrimination.
Negative thoughts and emotions control behaviour; impacts stigma.
Identifying and challenging perfectionism in daily life.
Seeking support, not meant to be isolated.
Consider the adaptive nature of hoarding behaviour.
Dehoarding Zoom sessions help with self-judgment.
Acceptance and commitment therapy promotes psychological flexibility to navigate stigma effectively.
Insufficient research on hoarding and identity, leading to potential discrimination.
Psychological inflexibility leads to stigma. Acceptance and commitment therapy can help.
Researcher discusses unexpected study findings, biases
Intrinsic motivation in decluttering.
Seek support from others, fight hoarding stigma.
Evolutionary perspective on hoarding behaviour and the potential benefits of hoarding in certain contexts
Zoom accountability sessions for decluttering, self-judgment comparison.

Next Episode

Remix: How to dehoard when you're drowning with KC Davis of Struggle Care and Domestic Blisters

Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket
Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe
Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/

Incredible conversation with the ever-insightful KC Davis of Struggle Care. From discussing the impact of accumulating unused items to exploring the mental and emotional barriers people face in decluttering and tidying up, this episode covers a wide range of strategies and insights to help you on your dehoarding journey. We look at the shame and stigma associated with struggling with care tasks, including dehoarding, and the impact on individuals' self-worth and ability to seek help, and replace the shame with an approach rooted in self-compassion and moral neutrality towards care tasks. So if you're looking for practical tips, empathy, and support on your dehoarding journey, you won't want to miss this episode!

Understanding Care Tasks and Struggles
Definition of "care tasks"
Stigma and shame surrounding struggles with care tasks
Impact on self-worth and ability to seek help
Overcoming Shame and Stigma
Fear and self-criticism
Importance of self-compassion and supportive community
Motivation and the limitations of shame
Individualised solutions rooted in self-compassion
Thriftiness and environmental concerns
Strategies for Task Initiation and Motivation
Challenges for hoarders and those with ADHD
Differentiating motivation and task initiation
Small steps, transitions, and tools for task initiation
Starting the Decluttering Process
No one right way to start
Making small decisions and using timers
Involving friends in parting with items
Overcoming Emotional Barriers to Decluttering
Impact of accumulated items and their eventual outcome
"5 things theory" to overcome resistance
Adjusting the tidying process and taking small steps consistently
Strategies for Organising and Tidying Up
Breaking tasks into smaller steps
Visual storage ideas and creating rituals
Setting priorities and challenging societal norms
Judgments based on work, race, and appearance
Many people feel therapy isn't addressing their needs.
Shame doesn't lead to lasting behaviour change.
Self-help methods are not one-size-fits-all.
Permission to accommodate leads to lasting change.
Challenges of ADHD and executive functioning explained.
Declutter by what I need, love, keep.
Motivation leads to easier hard work and decluttering.
Take small steps and make decisions.
Break tasks into small steps.
Community support for navigating vulnerability.
Many people find online content more helpful than traditional therapy, reflecting societal attitudes towards seeking help.
Shame and social pressure don't guarantee change.
Self-help space lacks personalised solutions for diverse challenges. Universal methods don't address individual barriers and needs.
People give themselves permission to accommodate and it leads to curiosity, not necessarily a finish line.
Challenges with executive functioning and organisation due to ADHD, struggling with clutter and distractions.
Sort items by frequency of use, happiness, and necessity. Prioritise what to keep, rather than what to discard.
Motivation leads to easier wins, declutter by discussing meaningful items with friends.
Taking small steps without pressure, performing tasks with enjoyable activities.
Breaking tasks into smaller steps and utilising a simple action to initiate it.