| Casey | Posted: 28 April 2013 - 11:18 PM |
Hi all - I've been struggling with hoarding for a few years... Most the time I was able to drag myself out of it or had a friend to help me... I've tried many ways to control it but over the last 10 years I think I've just been moving the same piles around... The last year I just stopped moving the piles, I've taken 4 weeks off of work in order to clean up and while I made it a bit, the house feels messier than ever. I need help, someone to hold me accountable to just get it done. I'm gong to look into professional help as well as contact people at this site for help, but I've used all of my vacation time. I know that in May hoarding is being designated as its own condition... Do I have to wait for that or has anyone been successful in getting FMLA for their hoarding condition? I must have the house cleaned by mid June as I need to have people come in to take care of my pets. My hoarding hasn't resulted in animal hoarding and there is clean litter boxes... The hoarding is purchased merchandise and stuff... It's just out of control. Basically my living room, bedroom and kitchen is one big yard sale that's been waiting for happen for years. I often let the kitchen get out of control but keep a small section useable, all of the appliance are usable... But I am always stepping over things. It's embarrassing and I know I need help. I haven't let people visit me for over a year. Ironically a good portion of my hoard is organizational materials... I feel like FMLA is my only choice to get through this and getting someone to come in to help. I'm finally realizing that I'm not going to be able to dig myself out this. I'm going to go back to letting my extra room be on Air BnB as that really helped me stay accountable. I had to stop it when I became sick a few years back and the house or rather my hoard spun out of control.... I'm in the Phoenix Area and if anyone has recommendations would be appreciated. | |
Replies (4)
| Roxie | Posted: 13 June 2013 - 02:23 PM |
Casey, you still around? | |
| Tillie | Posted: 29 May 2013 - 03:56 PM |
Yes, it is expensive. | |
| Casey | Posted: 29 May 2013 - 12:35 PM |
$1000 a day?!?! | |
| Roxie | Posted: 28 May 2013 - 11:15 AM |
Casey, I just realized no one responded to your post, and I'm sorry about that. Check the "national resources" link above for help in your area. I don't know about FMLA as an opportunity to take time off to deal with the hoard. As you've now realized, no amount of time is going to let you get on top of the situation by yourself. Counseling with regard to hoarding is an excellent choice if you have access to anyone with expertise in that area. I think this is especially important if you are "shopper" type hoarder. The online support group here is one good idea. Then getting professionals in to assist in the cleanup is another if you can afford it. Around me it costs about $1000 per day and does not include deep cleaning. It may be different where you are. After years of putting it off, I finally emailed someone in my area and got the work done. There is still a lot of follow up afterward, like deep cleaning, learning new behaviors, and holding myself accountable. Therapists and/or online support boards and groups can help sustain forward movement away from hoarding. | |