More than a pack rat
Here are some signs you might need help with your hoarding:
- Clutter prevents you from accessing portions of your home or using furniture and kitchen appliances.
- You have a hard time controlling urges to acquire new possessions, including ones for which you have no immediate use.
- You find tossing items you'd like to get rid of too stressful or time-consuming.
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- Compulsive buying is causing you financial difficulties.
- Clutter in your home prevents you from inviting people to visit.
- Clutter in your home is spreading to your garage, yard and vehicles.
- You move items from one pile or stack to another instead of discarding them.
- You feel discomfort when others touch or ask to borrow possessions.
- You set aside newly acquired possessions in plastic bags.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, "Behavior Research and Therapy"
Getting help
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Places to start if you or someone you know needs help:
- Contact a mental health professional with experience in addressing hoarding issues: Holly Hegstad, Knowlton, O'Neill & Associates, (701) 364-0060 or koa@koamental
health.com; Scott Sternhagen, Prairie St. John's, Fargo, (701) 476-7200.
- Contact FirstLink 24 hours a day for a current list of community resources, 211 or 235-SEEK.
- File a vulnerable adult report with Social Services, (701) 241-5747 in Cass County, (218) 299-5200 in Clay County.
- For help with property maintenance concerns, contact the Moorhead Neighborhood Services Department, Lisa Vatnsdal, (218) 299-5372.
-- Associated Press
