We may be more aware of Compulsive Obsessive Hoarding after recent TV programmes have bought this condition into the lime light. Of course Hoarding or people's acquisition of things has been going on for very long time. It's a pattern of behaviour that allows excessive collecting of any item or animal. Often this is a secret obsession, the hoarder never allowing friends or family to see what has accumulated. He or she may not even admit to themselves they have a problem, and can justify why they have to keep these things. They often have no conception of how others view their life style. A hoarder may have replaced loved ones in their lives with objects. Thus putting more value on the things they have collected, than the thoughts and feelings of family members and friends. Objectivity to look at the situation from afar is often difficult or impossible.
For hoarders with family members living at home, it can often course a breakup of the family, as family members can find it very difficult to live in such chaos. Extreme hoarding can limit the space that one can live in this can be a health hazard, and a fire hazard.

Hoarding has often been associated with other physiological problems such as depression and anxiety. Hoarding behaviours can give the person a feeling of comfort and security, being surrounded by articles. Often this behaviour is a blocking mechanism, for some event or trauma that has occurred. The hoarding can also feel like a comfort zone, which the hoarder can hide behind. Although the clutter can often embarrass them, they may feel helpless to do anything about it. In most cases hoarders feel very resentful if anyone else tries to clear the clutter of get rid of some of the items. This can bring on stress, anxiety and depression.

There are many ways of looking at coping strategies to live with this condition. Therapy such as CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy). The therapist may support and look at issues such as:-

Discovering why he or she feels compelled to hoard
Look at what's most important in their lives
How they would really like to live
What's stopping them for living the life they want?
Learning that letting go can be wonderful
Looking at relaxation as a way of releasing tension
Learning organisational skills
Letting go of defending your stuff
Family therapy

CBT is commonly initiated as a therapeutic intervention in cases of hoarding. The therapist may support the client in looking at organising possessions; in order to decide what they want to keep and what they are willing to get rid of. Congratulating themselves on letting go of items that they don't need, or have not used for many years. In some cases items have been bought and have never been used, they could still be in their boxes. Collecting clothes that have never been worn is a common habit. Many hoarders find themselves making excuses for keeping things, just in case. Learning to let go of the fear of letting go, is a very valuable tool in recovery.
Every person on the planet is different, and has different needs and desires. Working towards a better future for a hoarder can be a slow process, as it probably will have been an issue for many years. Many hoarders will only ask for help when they feel they have no other option. It takes a strong person to confront an issue like hoarding, which is disturbing and upsetting their lives to the point of not being able to function as they would want.