aoife
New Member
Joined: July 2016
Posts: 8 
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Post by aoife on May 28, 2019 20:18:37 GMT -5
Hello to all the friends I haven't met,
I have been where most of you have been at one time or other.
My hoarding began some years ago, contributed to my divorce, as well as an ongoing friction between myself and my son.
In the past I was evicted from my apartment as it was considered "uninhabitable". That was a low point in my life. My family does not understand "why" I do this and assume I'm in the grip of severe mental illness.
Not knowing any person going through a similar experience made me feel even more isolated and alien-separate from "normal"humanity. I am looking for the support and understanding necessary to move forward and conquer this at last. I have a good therapist who encouraged me to be brave and reach out. I welcome words from any and all. Thank you.
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Post by dtesposito on May 28, 2019 21:07:12 GMT -5
Hello aoife!  Your therapist is wise, it's so much easier to work on your clutter when you can share your challenges and successes with other people who understand. We have many different working threads and a version of chat, so you're welcome to join in anywhere you think will help you. Welcome to the site! Diane |
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Post by SueDonym on May 28, 2019 21:31:48 GMT -5
I am glad you found us. We can all relate!  |
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Post by hannah on May 28, 2019 21:39:25 GMT -5
I think there are way more of us out there than people think---most of us work very hard to hide the fact that we are hoarders and/or live in squalor. When I walk through my neighborhood, I occasionally think I spot another hoarder---maybe the garage is crammed to the max with boxes and tubs, or there is a pile of junk off to the side somewhere in the yard. I think everyone has some kind of outlet, and ours just happens to be one that is so hard to hide and associated with so much shame. If someone is a gambling addict, for instance, you wouldn't know that about them just by happening to catch them during a moment when their garage or front door was open for a few seconds.
Welcome to the group---this is truly one of the most compassionate and nonjudgmental groups you will probably meet, whether in real life or on the net. We have a big purge-a-thon in June every year, and it is kind of fun---while you are digging through your junk, it's nice to know there are people all over the US and some other countries digging through theirs, too.
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aoife
New Member
Joined: July 2016
Posts: 8
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Post by aoife on May 29, 2019 9:22:55 GMT -5
Thank you all so much for your thoughtful replies. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your insights.
Ready to get started.
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Post by joyinvirginia on May 29, 2019 12:17:04 GMT -5
Welcome! you will get encouragement and lots of good ideas here. I recommend the Working In Threes monthly thread in the Listzilla forum, where you can list a task you plan to do, then come back and post when it's done. You can also start your own blog in the members only blog forum. Share your particular challenges, and others will share what worked for them. Glad you posted!
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Post by larataylor on May 29, 2019 19:41:13 GMT -5
aoife - Welcome to the forum!
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Post by Unswamping on May 30, 2019 19:10:43 GMT -5
Welcome aoife i think your therapist is wise. Hoarding is a difficult issue but not an impossible one. I think the first thing that helps is to stop or cut down on what comes into the house. Its very hard to see progress decluttering when new stuff continues to come in. Maybe you could give us an idea about specific issues you are dealing with.
You are not alone. Im a hoarder in the process of recovering and there are others here too, some further along in their journey, some not. We all work together to support and encourage each other and help problem solve how to deal with our issues.
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Post by def6 on May 30, 2019 22:40:58 GMT -5
Hello aoife You have come to the right place for understanding and support. I wish you all the best as you work with your therapist to improve your life, that's what we are all here to do. I hope in time that family realize that you are actively working with a professional on this matter ...and give you support. |
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