Hoarding--it's not about the STUFF
Since I've become so open with my childhood and the family secret, I am often asked why all the stuff in the house was so bad. It's easy to look at a pile of boxes and bags sliding down atop the boxes filled with craft supplies and books, and not understand why this was so difficult. Very simply, it's not about the STUFF . Research indicates that almost all those who suffer with hoarding compulsions have another issue--mental illness, or brain injury. Hoarding is not THE issue; it's a physically manifested symptom of an internal problem. My take on it is simple. The stuff does one of two things: 1. The grand chaos of things is a reflection of an internal chaos in the brain. Many of our HPs have an inability to sort in a "normal" way. Instead of overgeneralizing things into groups, hoarders have a tendency toward "over-specification" (My word for everything being too unique to actually be the same as something else. I'm sure there is a more profe...
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The Bill Cunningham Show is working on an episode about the family members of compulsive hoarders to be taped in NYC on Wednesday November 16th. This program will focus on the challenges faced by compulsive hoarders and their families in trying to overcome this mysterious and often misunderstood disorder, as well as the impact of the hoarding on the children/family members who have lived or are living in a cluttered and often chaotic environment.
If you, or someone you know is struggling to overcome compulsive hoarding and you live with a teenager, we would like to hear your story. We understand the sensitivity of the topic, and would discuss options for protecting the identity of the family. We are also looking for adult children of hoarders who we would pay for flights, hotel and meal money and would try and give them help they need.
Please feel free to contact me at the info below and pass on to people you know. Thanks
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Felicia Miller-Stehr
Senior Producer
The Bill Cunningham Show
(o) 212-419-7429
(c) 646-853-0549
fmiller-stehr@billcunningham.com