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Post by success19 on Dec 10, 2009 14:15:22 GMT -5
Not sure I see sensationlism - for instance the shows about seriously overweight people who have to live in their beds - wearing diapers or having bedpans pushed under them - or washed by someone else - and then a wall has to be removed to take them on a truckbed to the hospital - they show that too - I think the point is that alot of stuff goes on in peoples homes or lives that no one is aware of - sure they show the unusual stuff - but not all hoarders are as extreme as the last 2 shows have been - and yes even I was shocked - it just made me sad that nothing had been done sooner for all of these women - before it got to that stage.
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Post by wendy on Dec 10, 2009 14:20:37 GMT -5
I watched some (not all) of these 2 new episodes. I was struck dumb with FEAR. Not because of the human waste problem; but because I believe that these extreme hoarders are also seriously mentally ill. And this is something I have always FEARed: that I will go 'completely crazy'. Not just the 'little bit nutty' that I am at all times. Script, I just wanted to reassure you on this point. I checked your age (61). Statistically speaking, it would be highly unlikely that you will develop any "new" mental disorders at this age. Of course, any of us could develop a dementia, but these are usually readily diagnosed (unlike Augustine's, in my opinion!) and structures are in place to help those who suffer in this way. Also, the fact that you KNOW you've suffered from depression in the past is a silver-lining disguised as a cloud. You will be more likely to consult a professional if it rears it's ugly head again, and this is extremely important as we age, because depression in the elderly can often LOOK LIKE dementia. In fact, this occurs so often there's actually a term for it: "pseudo-dementia." If at any point in the future you experience symptoms of depression, get to a psychiatrist and TELL them that you have experienced depression before. Some meds work better (and differently) in the elderly than others. Knowledge is power, and your past experiences have given you the tools you need to make sure that even as you age, you don't need to fear "going completely crazy" or winding up like these ladies. I hope this was reassuring-- that was my intention! Wendy
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Post by moggyfan on Dec 10, 2009 15:54:53 GMT -5
Script: I agree with you 100% re the sensationalism. I think these shows invite voyeurs who can enjoy being appalled and feeling superior.
I think the people here who watch are probably the exception--many of us probably watch hoping to see ourselves/learn about hoarding issues.
But these last shows are OVER THE TOP. I think back to MisC's episode which I believe reflected what many, many people deal with--basically normal people with ordinary lives who have some problems. These "4-foot-tall-piles-of-soiled-adult-diapers-in-the-kitchen" situations represent a minuscule fraction of those who have hoarding or squaloring problems--just as the "900-pound-confined-to-bed" obese person represents only a minuscule fraction of those who battle weight problems, and I think the audience watches those shows for the same reasons they watch "extreme" hoarding programs.
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Post by kadymae on Dec 10, 2009 21:28:53 GMT -5
I know that they go for sensationalism on these shows, and while, I do enjoy the episodes more like MiSCs, I'm just glad that 3 people in deep trouble got help they otherwise might not have gotten.
I do wish the show would do a bit more analysis of the individuals or of concepts like "Chronic Disorganization" vs. OCD-hoarding and/or how they do overlap, the role that depression can play, how/when medication can help, and how/why Cognitive Behavior Therapy is the best choice when the root of the problem is OCD
On the other hand, I do find that the show has been quite motivational in getting me to set priorities, plan projects, get them done, and to think about why I'm keeping things and then let them go.
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Post by creativechaos on Dec 11, 2009 4:03:35 GMT -5
www.ocfoundation.info/hoarding/questions-answers.phpthought some of you might want to read some stuff on the oc foundation. i am too afraid to watch and have no tv, thank god. i loved miscy's episode, watched online, but paul's broke my heart. one thing nobody talks about, and i think they are just starting to do some studies on it, is how many hoarders had serious trauma of some sort in their early lives. i think the numbers will prove to be quite high. it is now recognized that hoarding is an anxiety disorder. it is good to hear the family members are being loving on this show. if anyone is a family member of a hoarder who is in denial or unable to purge their things by themselves, there is a very good newer book out called "digging out". i still think frost and steketee's books on hoarding are the best for true hoarders who are at least in the contemplation stage and who want to act. for the messies or clutters, don aslett or peter walsh or somebody like that may work for them. cc
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Post by shopgirl on Dec 11, 2009 4:55:55 GMT -5
I like The Biggest Loser, because the people are motivated to lose weight, and they do so much physical activity, they are successful and it really does change their lives. I'd rather watch The Biggest Loser than a show about a 900-pound person who has to have a wall removed to get them out of their house.
This season of Hoarders has been more like the show about a 900-pound person.
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Post by breakingfree on Dec 11, 2009 9:38:44 GMT -5
I wonder what my mother's trauma was. I have often thought about that. As for myself, I have always been an anxious person so I think it was for comfort. Like how some people eat entire pies for "comfort" food. I surrounded myself with books and magazines and daydreamed about the life that I could have and just escape. Of course, as I have gotten older, I realize I have more control over my life than I thought One thing I can't control, though, is the layoffs we are going through and I hope that if I do lose my job I do not revert to my old ways. I'm sorry I keep bringing it up, but I really am scared guys. Please keep your fingers crossed for me. BF
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Post by zen on Dec 11, 2009 15:13:55 GMT -5
I agree with success19's posting - these people exist - and though the surface can barely be scratched in an hour program - or 20 mins of the episode features two - I am glad that people are getting help. I am glad that awareness is being increased by the brave folks that particiapte in this program. I know for myself, that some of the episodes start my heart racing, I feel almost panicked at seeing others struggles with being buried in their belongings or trash. But every week I am prompted to ask myself hard questions about how I want to live, what are my greatest goals, what tiny things can I do each day to help make my environment and my chaotic mental processes serve me in the most healthy, peaceful way possible. I too am terrified of slipping under and finding myself in say Augustine's position. So, my mom is not allowed to die I am deeply grateful to the folks on this board and the courageous people that are featured on Hoarders - it might be extreme reality entertainment for some - but I find the program to be helping me with my own issues.
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Post by mellowyellow on Dec 11, 2009 18:14:25 GMT -5
I saw the recent one a few days ago, and I didn't have such a difficult time with these two stories. I'm not sure why, but I think it has something to do with my reaction to the homeowners in these two stories.
Something that I noticed, and I might be wrong... but it seems that these last two episodes have subtly switched the focus. The show seems to be spending more time talking with the children of the hoarders instead of mainly the hoarders.
I remember they interviewed the spouses and children in the previous shows, but the extent of time given seems to have increased. Perhaps to create pathos for the children? And I do feel terribly sorry for them... Seems to be following more of a " my mother's garden" approach. Different camera angle.
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Post by success19 on Dec 12, 2009 0:36:20 GMT -5
I still say each hoarder needs their own episode - it is too much in one hour. And I get confused when they jump back and forth.
Wow - and anxiety disorder - hadn't thought of that - I dont' know why but makes sense since the other issues/ocds I have are to help me deal with my anxieties.
I know when people are anxious or under stress they make different chemicals in their bodies and brains - and act out to get rid of those anxietys. In my case I don't smoke or drink - and have no real outlet for things - so I have developed - depression, and various ocds - which probably keep my mind off things at times (tho I tend to spend too much time replaying the scenerios of the abuse at work in my mind - but I am getting better at stopping this). Hoarding is complex I think.
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Post by success19 on Dec 14, 2009 13:52:30 GMT -5
Bumping this up - I think a new episode is on tonight.
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messymum
New Member
Joined: December 2009
Posts: 27
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Post by messymum on Dec 14, 2009 19:28:13 GMT -5
I like the show. It made me finally wake up and realize I had a problem! I do find it heart wrenching to watch some of the episodes though. Especially where there are kids involved.
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Post by success19 on Dec 15, 2009 0:41:02 GMT -5
Well our new member Krysta did have a heart wrenching episode.
She fought very hard to make a change for her 2 daughters - I am very proud of her.
While watching and listening - I was able to throw out 5 bags of trash.
You know with my future plans - I must get rid of almost everything.
When I watch someone like Krysta - who has overcome a devastating event in her life - my problems seem trivial in comparison.
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Post by success19 on Dec 15, 2009 13:57:05 GMT -5
I loved Clean House and could get lots of cleaning done while watching - but my cable company took off that channel.
So now I wish Hoarders was on as much as Clean House - because I was able to throw out 5 bags of trash!
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Post by BetsyMarie on Dec 15, 2009 14:03:07 GMT -5
I caught part an episode on the animal channel about pets being removed from a home with bad squalor. It was sad to see poor defenseless critters being so negatively affected by someone's clutter.
I was tired yesterday, went to bed early and set the timer to see Hoarder's last night, but unfortunately went back to sleep. I hope I can watch it at A&E site later today.
I am grateful to that program for being instrumental into getting me very motivated to do this task. And with little resistence as I've felt in the past.
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