graphicschick-
So sorry that you haven't received a reply. I hope you check back here. Dealing with years worth of "stuff" is overwhelming for people who have mental illness. Although your parents probably do want help, they probably don't know where to look for it and are too ashamed and embarrassed to seek it out themselves. I would start by looking for a specialized therapist or support group in your area, and suggest that they give that a try. Approaching the situation in a caring, non-judgemental way is important. "I have seen your efforts to clean up on your own, and know how difficult it must be for you. Did you know that there is a specialist/support group for people who have the same problem? What do you think about setting up an appointment to meet with him/her? or What would you think about going to the group with me next week?" At least it gets you talking about starting the recovery process. Let me know how it goes.
Best-
Nicole

a response?

I have kept this secret for so long it feels horrible talking about it, I dont want people to think of my parents as monsters. They are wonderful people and my dad did tons to help familes in our area and help kids get scholarships, and my mom worked with handicapped kids,...they are not monsters... so this is so hard to tall about but my parents (especially my mom who is an alchoholic and clinically depressed) are hoarders, and I guess from the scale Im looking at, level 4 or 5. It has gotten bad over the years, so very bad. Piles of feces, bugs, old closes, 6 cats, boxes and boxes of useless things. I cant take it anymore. My mom and dad must want help. They get dumpsters all the time and then never throw anything out. I try to help but then they say, "its too hard" and "we cant throw that out"... it started with my mom when we were 16. She saw some stupid movie about a mom that went on strike, and stopped doing just about everything. Then around 1997 or so it started to get bad. by 2001 I was 21 and she started drinking again and the hoarding got worst and worst. It doesnt help that they have been on again off again poor. My fathers health is poor he had a stroke a few years ago, but is now trying to work again. To make matters worst I started having seizures and ended up having to move home. I have a 10ft by 10ft room where I live with some of my things, the rest in storage. The stove was just fixed but for two years they cooked on a hot plate. The basement is terrible. Im at a loss. Im so ashamed to keep this secret for so long. I have mental health issues of my own and its SOOO hard to try to live here and help them. I need help. I think they are willing to accept it. Please, anyone any suggestions? Ideas? Where do I start? I just dont know how to help them anymore....and I cant live like this either.