I am a mother of two beautiful daughters. I currently work in the health care field and am a student studying my passion of the human psyche. (Psychology) I wish for all to be as healthy as possible; Mind, Body and Soul.
We all have our superstitions and lucky items. For some people it's inanimate objects like a lucky shirt or ring, for others it could be a lucky ritual. My brother and his wife will eat at the same restaurant before they go gambling. They believe if they don't, they will break the cosmic alignment of their lucky pattern in Black Jack.
Superstitious behavior goes back many, many years, in fact, the latin word for superstition was found to have been used in the 1st century BC. Some religions go hand in hand with superstition and some consider it to be sinful because it is a lack of trust in God and is a violation of the first commandment. Research shows that when one has a lucky or superstitious item and they carry it with them, they in turn do better at the tasks at hand. This is probably due to a false sense of security and power of suggestion. The mind is very powerful.
My lucky number is 3. I started noticing around age 30 that at certain times in my life, everywhere I looked I would see some form of the number 3. At first I blew it off and chalked it up to chance, and then it seemed to be thrown in my face. There were several times I would wake in the middle of the night from a dream and the clock would read 3:33. I was once on vacation with a friend sharing a room and it occured. I screamed and woke her from her sleep, just to prove I wasn't going crazy. It seems to effect me only during periods of stress and change in my life. Times when I am feeling low and doubting myself. For a while I was convinced that I was going to die at the age of 33. When my birthday came and went I knew that this was something positive, almost like my guardian angel letting me know everything is going as planned.
I have done some research and the bible is full of meaning for the number 3. The number three points us to what is real, essential, perfect, substantial, complete, and Divine. It also denotes the trinity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It also has special meaning for me and my daughters. My trio of three. When I turned 33 I decided to get the trinity tattooed on my foot. My daughters will also get the same tattoo when they are older. I don't think their is anything wrong with a friendly act of superstition or a lucky item as long as it's not taken too seriously. Good Luck!
We are all trying to diagnose ourselves, and when I first heard of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, I thought that I could see some of my own characteristics described. My symptoms however are not disabling or persistent, therefore, I do not meet the criteria for this personality disorder. This disorder should not be confused with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They are two separate disorders.
Individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder are so focused on order and perfection that their lack of flexibility interferes with productivity and effiiciency. They have a chronic preoccupation with rules, orderliness, and control. When they lose control they either emotionally withdraw and remove themselves from the situation and/or become angry. They are usually workaholics and have a strong work ethic and devotion to work. Inflexibility, perfectionism, preoccupation with detail effect the individual's ability to complete a given task. They prefer to work alone and fear that if they delegate the work, it will not be done correctly. The individual experiences difficulties when confronted with new situations that demand flexibility and compromise. They feel anxious when things are not done right. They express effection in a controlled manner and are uncomfortable around others expressing their emotions. They have a diffiicult time giving compliments and expressing tender feelings.
This is a bit excessive.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition, DSM IV-TR = 301.4, defines obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (in Axis II Cluster C) as:
A pervasive pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four (or more) of the following:
Is preoccupied with details, rules, lists, order, organization, or schedules to the extent that the major point of the activity is lost
Shows perfectionism that interferes with task completion (e.g., is unable to complete a project because his or her own overly strict standards are not met)
Is excessively devoted to work and productivity to the exclusion of leisure activities and friendships (not accounted for by obvious economic necessity)
Is overconscientious, scrupulous, and inflexible about matters of morality, ethics, or values (not accounted for by cultural or religious identification)
Is unable to discard worn-out or worthless objects even when they have no sentimental value
Is reluctant to delegate tasks or to work with others unless they submit to exactly his or her way of doing things
Adopts a miserly spending style toward both self and others; money is viewed as something to be hoarded for future catastrophes
My first daughter Arielle was born December 28th. She was a Christmas baby. She was the light of my eye. During her birth, I had complications. It was a torturous 17 hour laboring process. Her heartbeat dipped extremely low and her umbilical cord was wrapped twice around her neck. My baby came out purple, but unbeknownst to me I assumed everything was ok. I heard her cry and upon seeing her for the first time I cried "she's perfect!" It wasn't until 3 years later, and countless Doctor's appointments, that we realized that everything wasn't perfect. Although she was smart as a button and began intelligent speaking at a young age, her gross motor skills were slightly delayed. After she began to walk, we noticed she would walk on her right tiptoe. We thought she had injured it, or maybe picked up the habit from her father. All the Doctors said the same thing, "she's just walking on her tiptoes, nothing to worry about." It wasn't until we saw a neurologist and he did a very basic test, had her walk. That was all it took and he diagnosed her with "Cerebral Palsy." He said that he could tell instantly by the way she held her right hand in a fist while walking. It hit me like a mack truck. The tears began to flow as the only thing I could picture was the worst case scenario of my child in a wheelchair, contorted and unable to speak or eat. I wasn't educated about this condition, didn't know what caused it or the progression of it.
Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder that affects muscle movement and coordination. It is usually caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain, brain infections, or head trauma before, during or shortly after birth. There are different types of cerebral palsy, some cases are mild and some severe. It is the most common congenital disorder in childhood. There are 500,000 children and adults living with the condition in the United States.
Cerebral Palsy is divided into 4 different classifications. The most common type is called Spastic Cerebral Palsy, occuring in 70-80% of all cases. This is the type Arielle has, she has a mild version that effects her right arm and leg. The symptoms may affect one arm or leg, one side of the body, both legs, or both arms and legs.
Spastic cerebral palsy -- causes stiffness and movement difficulties
Athetoid cerebral palsy -- leads to involuntary and uncontrolled movements
Ataxic cerebral palsy -- causes a disturbed sense of balance and depth perception
Hypotonic cerebral palsy-- appear limp and can only move a little or not at all
There is no cure for Cerebral Palsy. It is a lifelong disorder, however it does not change or get worse with time. There are some treatment options that may help with some of the symptoms. Physical and Occupational therapy will help the patient become more independent. There are medications that can help with seizures and muscle relaxers to help with the spasticity. There are botox injections that may also help relax the muscles. Surgery is also an option.
When Arielle was 5, she underwent a tendon lengthening surgery to allow for more movement and less tension in her leg. The surgery seems to have helped and she has only a slight limp today at the age of 16. She is a happy, healthy, bright young girl. I have learned to accept and love my beautiful daughter the way God gave her to me. She is a blessing beyond my wildest dreams. Although she will never be a star athelete, she is extremely bright and creative. She has excelled in art and I have included some of her Anime drawings.
and by your words you will be condemned. Matt. 12:37
I'm currently reading the book "How To Talk so People Will Listen" by Steve Brown . I initially picked the book up before a presentation I had to give in front of my class. I struggle with public speaking, and prefer written assignments over oral presentations any day. When I begin speaking, I start to experience anxiety, which then causes me to forget my material and even basic words. I believe this anxiety is stemmed from the fear of being judged. Yes, I am one of those people who take constructive criticism personally, however, I am working on it. This book not only addresses public speaking, but it also discusses other forms of speaking, such as the power of words, speaking with authority, and winning an argument.
I don't think people realize the power of words. We use speech to convey our wants and needs, our feelings and emotions, and basic communication between each other. It's what separates us from all the other animals on earth. With words, you can uplift a person and change their whole perspective on life or you can drag them down to the depths of blackness. Once words come out of your mouth, that's it. There is no taking them back. In the book, the author discusses an instance in which he lost his voice, I too once had this dilemma. I completely lost my voice for about a week. We take the blessing of expression for granted. I remember going to a drive-in fast food restaurant and feeling so helpless realizing I was unable to order. I wanted to cry and became extremely depressed. I felt so alone. I was limited from performing simple tasks like trying to get someone's attention, answering the phone, and telling someone thank you or excuse me. I realized that I couldn't do these things and it gave me a glimpse into the lifestyle and behavior of a rude person, who normally didn't say these things. I was brought up to have impeccable manners, and when faced with the inability to perform them, made me feel out-of-character. I had never considered the notion that by not saying these words it would also effect me. This is why it's important to express your true feelings, when we lie and falsify our beliefs we are also cheating ourself and not being true to our inner soul. Words and speech are very powerful.
We as human beings rely on what others tell us about ourselves as an "indicator" of the type of person we are. Who we think we are is directly related to what others tell us. If people say we're good or bad, pretty and smart or stupid and ugly, this is what we identify with. This is why it is so important to be very careful with the things we tell children. It will stick with them and help to shape who they become as adults. Sometimes we take out our own frustrations and insecurities on children and this can literally wreck them emotionally. I'm sure we can all remember something hurtful someone has said to us, something that has stuck with you and made you question your character as a person.
This influence is also true of other acquaintances, such as friends and spouses. The old saying many spouses make "I made him who he is today" rings true. Wives and husbands often don't realize the impact they make on their significant other. They don't realize how important they are in the success and failure of their spouse's career and relationship. In closing I would just like to say that words are a very powerful tool, we must be mindful of that. The Power of the Tongue is a nice way to end this section.
I am choosing to discuss Narcissistic Personality Disorder because I have dealt with this issue in my own life over the years. I grew up with a narcissistic father. I can remember my father getting extremely upset after my litte sister was born. He was so jealous and angry that nobody was paying him any attention. I can remember the day she came home from the hospital, he made a scene, threw something down and said "nobody cares about me." My mother was co-dependent and catered to his every whim. They have since divorced, however he has stuck to his word and has continued to date co-dependent women that he treats badly. They always say that you end up marrying a man like your father, and in my case this was also true. After a failed marriage, I find myself always dating the same type of men (narcissists.) This has been a tremendous learning experience for me. In dealing with people who have this disorder, I have gained a deep introspection into my own psyche, but also into the minds of future patients.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a disorder in which the individual (50-75% male) has an inflated sense of entitlement and self-importance, need for admiration and compliments, extreme self-involvement, and lack of empathy for others. Individuals with this disorder are usually arrogant, self-assured, confident and expect to be acknowledged as superior in all environments, to include, work and relationships. A person with narcissistic personality disorder:
Reacts to criticism with rage, shame, or humiliation
Become defensive when their self-esteem is threatened
Sometimes lead dangerous lifestyles (impulsivity, sensation-seeking)
Takes advantage of other people to achieve his or her own goals
Has feelings of self-importance
Exaggerates achievements and talents
Is preoccupied with fantasies of success, power, beauty, intelligence, or ideal love
Has unreasonable expectations of favorable treatment
Requires constant attention and admiration
Disregards the feelings of others, lacks empathy
Has obsessive self-interest
Pursues mainly selfish goals
Is easily jealous
Many Narcissists are intelligent, charasmatic, attractive and witty. They use these features to their advantage when first meeting people. They tend to be wonderful liars and see nothing wrong with lying to get what they want (manipulation.) I watched a man break down in tears over the death of his father in order to get out of going somewhere. It was, of course, a complete lie. Many of these individuals lead double lives and create an alternative life they wish they could live. They also create lies in their head, until they start to believe the fantasies. It's only after truth is revealed and their lives come crashing down, that they begin to face reality.
There are some highly successful individuals that are considered narcissistic, however the disorder is only diagnosed after their behaviors become persistent, disabling or distressing. Due to the individual's extreme sensitivity to criticism or judgement they may suffer from social withdrawal, depression, and an inability to perform in areas of competition, due to fear of defeat. Narcissists are at a higher risk of suffering from substance and alcohol abuse and may also have other personality disorders such as Histrionic, Borderline, Antisocial, and Paranoid. Many also have difficulties with long-term relationships. Only 1% of the population is said to be afflicted with this disorder and the prevelance drops considerably after age 30.
Causes of Narcissism are not yet understood. Some researchers believe it could be related to genetics, environment, (watching and learned behavior) or a natural reaction to societies treatment toward someone who is attractive and intelligent. Treatment for Narcissists is dismal because they avoid therapy and are closed off to being analyzed and judged.
My brother has Crohn's Disease. He was first diagnosed in his late 20's, although he has had symptoms from a very young age. I can remember him having issues with going to the bathroom when we were growing up. In his early 30's, after many medications and intense bouts of pain, he had to have surgery. He ended up losing about 4 feet of his colon. The disease was intense, but he has been nearly symptom-free for the last 5 years or so. Crohn's Disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. It primarily causes ulcerations of the small and large intestines, but can affect the digestive system anywhere from the mouth to the anus.
Crohn's disease is closely related to another chronic inflammatory condition that involves only the colon called Ulcerative Colitis. Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are commonly referred to as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
The symptoms of Crohn's Disease fluctuate between mild and severe and periods of remission and flare-ups. They are also different depending on what type of crohn's the individual has. There are different areas of the digestive tract that could be affected. Some common symptoms are:
The cause of Crohn's Disease is unknown. It seems to run in families, due to genes and environmental factors. It's also believed to be linked to a problem with the Immune System Response (autoimmune disorder). The body attacks the normal bacteria in the intestines which causes inflammation and ulcerations.The disease may occur at any age but usually begins around 15-35. It affects men and women equally.
There is no cure for Crohn's. Treatment depends on where you are at with the disease. Some people may not require treatment and some may not require treatment during periods of remission or inactivity.
DIET- One should ensure that they eat a well-balanced diet to avoid malnutrition and weight loss. You may need extra vitamins and minerals such as; Iron, Calcium, Vit D, or B-12 if you are anemic. Certain types of food may worsen diarrhea and gas when you are in a stage of symptoms. It is best to:
Eat small amounts of food throughout the day
Drink lots of water (small amounts throughout the day)
Surgery- If medicine does not work, then surgery is another option. A bowel resection may be needed to remove damaged or diseased intestine or to drain an abscess. Surgery does not cure the disease, however it usually results in great improvement in the patient's quality of life, often for years.
A person afflicted with this disease is followed by a Gastroenterologists for their medical care relating to Crohn's Disease.
I just recently watched the movie "Remember Me" with Robert Pattinson. This movie did a great job in detailing how one deals with the loss of a loved one. Robert Pattinson's Character "Tyler" and his family are grieving his brother's suicide, while his girlfriend Ally and her father are dealing with the murder of her mother. In a twist at the end there is yet another death they must also deal with. It does makes one realize how special every day of life is and how it should not be taken for granted.
There is a grieving process that one must go through in order to heal from a traumatic event, such as death of a loved one. It should not be hurried and may take a long period of time, usually a year or more. This may be something new and may be the worst pain you've ever felt. The stages of grief I will list may not be experienced by all and may not be experienced in this order. It's important to know that what you are feeling is natural and that time will heal your wounds.
SHOCK- Some people feel shock after a loss. They may not believe the news of a death or feel numb inside, unable to show emotion or cry. Gradually they become aware of what has happened and are able to react. Some skip this step and are directly able to show emotions immediately.
EMOTIONAL RELEASE- Eventually the person is able to feel pain and hurt. You should not supress your feelings. Supressed feelings may surface at a later time in unhealthy ways. Sharing your feelings with others helps and brings people closer together.
PREOCCUPATION WITH THE DECEASED OR CRISIS- Despite trying to think of other things, it may be hard for a grieving person to stop thinking about the deceased person. This is not unusual and with time, will pass.
SYMPTOMS OF SOME PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL DISTRESS- These symptoms may come and go. The most common physical symptoms are:
difficulty sleeping
tightness in the throat
a choking feeling
shortness of breath
deep sighing
an empty hallow feeling in the stomach
lack of muscular power
digestive problems and poor appetite
Some common emotional symptoms are:
a slight sense of unreality
feelings of emotional distance from people, noone really understands or cares
sometimes people seem shadowy or small
sometimes there are feelings of panic, thoughts of self-destruction, or the desire to run away from it all
These feelings may have one feeling they are going insane, but they are actually quite normal.
HOSTILE REACTIONS- You may be experiencing a lot of anger in situations you wouldn't normally. You may get angry at individuals who are innocent such as doctors, nurses, God, or the person that has died. There could be feelings of anger towards family members who you feel are not being sympathetic or showing emotional support you feel they should be. Anger and hostility are normal and should not be supressed, however it's important that you direct your anger at what's really making you upset, (losing someone you love.)
BARGAINING- You may begin to make bargains with God, "if I do this, will you take away the loss?"
GUILT- There is usually some sense of guilt. One may think of all the things they could have done. They accuse themselves for not doing enough. Guilt is normal and should pass with time.
DEPRESSION- Many people feel complete despair, unbearable loneliness and hopelessness, nothing seems worthwhile. These feelings are more intense for those who live alone or have little family. These feelings are normal and should pass with time.
WITHDRAWAL- The grieving person may begin to withdraw from social situations. Their daily routines are usually disrupted and life seems like a bad dream. This is normal and will take some effort to overcome, but the rewards are worthwhile.
RESOLUTION AND READJUSTMENT- This comes gradually. The memories are still there, and the wound begins to heal. You begin to move on with life and feel joy once again. By experiencing deep pain and accepting it and allowing yourself to move through it you will grow spiritually with compassion, understanding and wisdom.
During the grieving process you may have many conflicting emotions which can be very stressful on you. Denying these feelings and not working through them is even harder on the mind and body though. There is no set time for someone to grieve, it is a highly personal event for each individual.
Some tips on getting through pain are:
Learn to accept that your loss is real.
Make it OK to feel the pain.
Adjust to living without the deceased.
Find a safe place in your heart and allow yourself to move on.
What do you do with the love you feel?
Find support
Take care of yourself.
Draw comfort from your faith.
When grief doesn't go away or you are having serious thoughts of harming yourself, then you may need to seek professional help from a counselor or psychologist.
Eating disorders are severe disturbances in one's eating behavior, such as extreme reduction of food intake or extreme overeating or feelings of extreme distress or concern about body weight or shape. They are usually long-term and require long-term treatment. Eating disorders are usually accompanied by other mental disorders such as, depression substance abuse, or anxiety disorders. 90% of those with an eating disorder are female between the ages of 12-25. The three most common eating disorders are, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
ANOREXIA NERVOSA- The individual has an intense fear of gaining weight. They severly limit the amount of food they eat and can become dangerously thin (emaciated). Anorexia nervosa effects both the body and the mind. It may start as dieting, but it gets out of control. You think about food, dieting, and weight all the time. You have a distorted body image. Other people say you are too thin, but when you look in the mirror, you see a fat person. People who have anorexia develop unusual eating habits such as avoiding food and meals, picking out a few foods and eating them in small amounts, weighing their food, and counting the calories of everything they eat. Some people with anorexia lose weight by dieting and exercising excessively; others lose weight by self-induced vomiting, or misusing laxatives, diuretics or enemas. People with anorexia are up to ten times more likely to die as a result of their illness compared to those without the disorder. The most common complications that lead to death are cardiac arrest, and electrolyte and fluid imbalances. Suicide is also a concern.
Other symptoms that may develop over time, include:
thinning of the bones (osteopenia or osteoporosis)
brittle hair and nails
dry and yellowish skin
growth of fine hair over body (lanugo)
mild anemia, and muscle weakness and loss
severe constipation
low blood pressure, slowed breathing and pulse
drop in internal body temperature, causing a person to feel cold all the time
lethargy
TREATING ANOREXIA involves three components:
1.restoring the person to a healthy weight.
2.treating the psychological issues related to the eating disorder.
3.reducing or eliminating behaviors or thoughts that lead to disordered eating, and preventing relapse.
BULIMIA NERVOSA- People with bulimia eat a large amount of food in a single episode and almost immediately make themselves vomit or use laxatives or diuretics to get rid of the food in their bodies. This is referred to as the "binge/purge" cycle. Like people with anorexia, people with bulimia have an intense fear of gaining weight. They may binge because food gives them a feeling of comfort. But eating too much makes them feel out of control. After they binge, they feel ashamed, guilty, and afraid of gaining weight. This causes them to purge. Unlike anorexia, people with bulimia can fall within the normal range for their age and weight.
Other symptoms include:
chronically inflamed and sore throat
swollen glands in the neck and below the jaw
worn tooth enamel and increasingly sensitive and decaying teeth as a result of exposure to stomach acids
gastroesophageal reflux disorder
intestinal distress and irritation from laxative abuse
kidney problems from diuretic abuse
severe dehydration from purging of fluids
BINGE-EATING DISORDER- People with this recently recognized disorder have frequent episodes of compulsive overeating, but unlike those with bulimia, they do not purge their food. During these binges, they often eat alone and very quickly, regardless of whether they feel hungry or full. They often feel shame or guilt over their actions. Unlike anorexia and bulimia, binge-eating disorder occurs almost as often in men as in women. People with binge-eating disorder are often overweight or obese.
Symptoms include:
high blood pressure
high cholesterol levels
fatigue
joint pain
Type II diabetes
gallbladder disease
heart disease
If you or anyone you know suffers from an eating disorder, you should seek help immediately.
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which a person has a chronic (life-long) disease that affects the body's ability to use blood sugar for energy. They have high levels of sugar in the blood, due to the body not producing enough insulin or because the cells aren't responding to the insulin being produced.
Type 1 Diabetes- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. A person who has type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections to live. The exact cause is unknown. Genetics, viruses, and autoimmune problems may play a role. It develops most often in children and young adults, but can appear at any age. It develops over a short period of time and accounts for 5-10% of diabetic cases in the United States. If a type 1 diabetic is not treated with insulin they could lapse into a life threatening diabetic coma (diabetic ketoacidosis.)
Symptoms include:
increased thirst
increased urination
constant hunger
weight loss
blurred vision
extreme fatigue
Type 2 Diabetes-This is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for 90-95% of the cases in the United States. It is most often associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, previous history of gestational diabetes, physical inactivity, smoking, metabolic syndrome, people with certain dietary patterns and certain ethnicities. About 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. The pancreas is usually producing enough insulin, but for unknown reasons the body cannot use the insulin effectively, (insulin resistance). After several years, insulin production decreases. The result is the same as for type 1 diabetes—glucose builds up in the blood and the body cannot make efficient use of its main source of fuel. The symptoms develop gradually and include:
fatigue
frequent urination
excessive thirst and hunger
weight loss
blurred vision
slow healing wounds or sores
some people develop no symptoms
Gestational Diabetes-This is high blood sugar levels in pregnancy. The condition occurs in approximately 4% of all pregnancies and may improve or disappear after delivery. Women who have gestational diabetes are at high risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life. If left untreated it can damage the health of the fetus or the mother. Many women have no symptoms.
Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, but type 2 can. Some prevention tips are basically to live a healthy lifestyle. Eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise on a regular basis. If you are found to have impaired glucose tolerance, there are oral medications that one can take in order to help prevent the progression to diabetes. If you are having any of the symptoms associated with diabetes you should see your doctor in order to be tested.
Angels around us, angels beside us, angels within us.
Angels are watching over you when times are good or stressed.
Their wings wrap gently around you,
Whispering you are loved and blessed.
- Blessing
When I first think of angels, the image of the winged "cherub-looking" child comes to mind. Most of us in the United States have this mental image. We think of an angel as a messenger or protector from God, as in our "guardian angel." Upon further research, I have discovered it goes much deeper than that. This is a topic that could fill this blog entirely. I will only touch on some key points in this particular entry.
Guardian angels work with individuals to identify and pursue their purposes in life. Angel specialists are guardian angels who have expert status in a particular area. These angel specialists can help you attain good health, greater happiness, and financial well-being. .
There is a new show on A&E called Hoarders and one on TLC called Hoarding: Buried Alive. There has been a lot of media attention being drawn to this illness in recent times. This is not a new phenomenon, it's been going on for years and years. It seems that people want to see what many have been hiding and are too embarrassed to show in the past. These shows delve deep into the minds and actions of the individuals with this mental illness. It gives an inside look into their homes and the destruction it has caused, both within their living quarters and in their personal lives with family and friends.
Hoarding is a psychological condition that many classify under obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), however, many hoarders do not exhibit OCD related symptoms. Researchers are now trying to understand it as a distinct mental illness. Hoarding is the excessive collection of possessions and the failure to use or discard them, even if the items are worthless, unsanitary, or hazardous. People afflicted with this disorder live in homes filled with clutter and are unable to lead normal lives due to space restraints. They also may live in conditions that are hazardous to walk in, or be unable to maintain upkeep on the house, which can cause unsanitary living conditions.
There are different types of hoarding as well. Some people hoard particular things, like books, magazines, or newspapers. Some hoard food, animals, digital collections, or various other collectibles. Hoarders assign meaning to items or keep them as reminders of an experience they don't want to forget. This is why it is so difficult for them to let things go. They also believe, that one day, they (or someone they know) may need the saved items. There seems to be a genetic component to hoarding. Modeling and conditioning may also play a role. Hoarding can begin in childhood and it's estimated that 1.5-2 million Americans are afflicted with this disorder.
Most hoarders see nothing wrong with their actions and are resistant to change. This makes treatment difficult, as most therapy needs highly motivated patients in order for progress to occur. Combining psychotherapy, exposure therapy, and medication can help individuals to make beneficial changes in their lives. The family members are usually the ones that suffer through this condition.
