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Hoarding Disorder: Causes, Effects & Treatment Explained

Hoarding disorder is a mental health condition where persistent difficulty discarding items leads to overwhelming clutter, unsafe living conditions, and emotional distress. It is driven by a mix of anxiety, attachment to possessions, and decision-making challenges, though it can be treated through targeted therapy and gradual behavior change. A hallway narrows to a single path, […]

Published

3 months ago

April 30, 2026

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Hoarding disorder is a mental health condition where persistent difficulty discarding items leads to overwhelming clutter, unsafe living conditions, and emotional distress. It is driven by a mix of anxiety, attachment to possessions, and decision-making challenges, though it can be treated through targeted therapy and gradual behavior change.

A hallway narrows to a single path, unopened mail stacks into towers, and everyday items start to feel impossible to part with. What looks like clutter on the surface is often tied to deeper patterns of fear, loss, and control that build over time.

Hoarding disorder affects roughly 2% of Americans and rises to about 6% among people older than 70, making it more common than many realize. Recognizing what drives it is often the turning point toward restoring space and a sense of control at home.

What Causes Hoarding Disorder?

Emotional attachment is one of the strongest drivers of mental health and hoarding. Items often carry meaning tied to identity, memory, or security. Something as simple as an old receipt or broken object can feel important because it represents a sense of control.

Cognitive challenges also play a role. Many people with a hoarding disorder struggle with:

Decision-making
Organization
Prioritization
Attention and focus
Memory and categorization
Processing information efficiently

Sorting through items can quickly become overwhelming, which leads to avoidance. Over time, that avoidance allows clutter to build and reinforces the impact of hoarding disorder.

Life events often act as triggers. Some experiences can increase the urge to hold onto things. These include:

Grief
Financial hardship
Major transitions
Periods of instability

In these moments, possessions may offer comfort or a sense of preparedness for the future.

Family and learned behavior can influence it as well. Growing up in an environment where saving everything was common can normalize those habits.

How To Fix Hoarding Disorder?

Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most widely used of the hoarding disorder treatment options. It helps people:

Understand why they hold onto items
Challenge beliefs about needing to save things
Build practical skills for sorting and decision-making
Develop organization and categorization systems
Practice gradual exposure to letting items go

Large, rushed cleanouts rarely last because they do not address the underlying behavior. A slower approach, focused on one area at a time, allows people to build confidence and reduce anxiety tied to letting things go.

Involving family members or trained professionals creates accountability and reduces isolation. Encouragement from others can help maintain momentum when progress feels slow.

In some cases, medication may be recommended, especially if anxiety or depression is also present. Treatment plans vary, though they are most effective when guided by a qualified mental health professional.

What Are the Biggest Mistakes People Make When Trying To Help Someone Who Hoards?

One of the most common mistakes is forcing a cleanout. Removing items without consent may seem like a quick solution, though it often creates distress and breaks trust. The person may respond by shutting down or quickly rebuilding the clutter afterward.

Another misstep is focusing only on the mess. Hoarding disorder is not just about clutter, so treating it like a simple cleaning problem misses the root cause. Without addressing the emotional attachment and decision-making challenges behind the behavior, any progress tends to be temporary.

Using judgmental language can also backfire when supporting hoarding disorder patients. Words that imply laziness or irresponsibility can deepen shame and make someone less likely to accept help. A supportive tone is far more effective.

While it may feel helpful to organize or discard items on someone’s behalf, it removes their sense of control. Recovery depends on the individual learning how to make decisions about their belongings, even if that process is slow.

Hoarding Disorder Prevention

Early awareness and understanding of hoarding behavior, along with consistent routines, can reduce the risk of behaviors becoming severe over time.

One of the most effective strategies is managing what comes into the home. Creating simple rules around new items, such as deciding their purpose immediately or limiting impulse purchases, helps prevent unnecessary accumulation.

Building decision-making skills also matters. Difficulty choosing what to keep or discard is a common challenge, so practicing small, low-pressure decisions can strengthen confidence.

Sorting the following keeps this skill active and prevents overwhelm:

Mail
Clothing
Everyday items
Paperwork and documents
Duplicates

Keeping living spaces functional and easy to maintain encourages regular upkeep. When surfaces stay clear and storage is manageable, it becomes easier to notice when clutter starts to return.

Support should not be overlooked. Open conversations with family or trusted individuals can create accountability and reduce stigma. In some cases, early guidance from a mental health professional can help address habits before they escalate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is the Most Famous Hoarder?

One of the most well-known cases is the story of the Collyer brothers, Homer Collyer and Langley Collyer. In the 1940s, their Harlem home became so filled with clutter that it drew widespread media attention after both men were found inside under extreme conditions.

What Is a Nicer Word for a Hoarder?

Softer, everyday terms like “saver,” “collector,” or even “pack rat” are often used in casual conversation.

That said, these words can downplay the seriousness of the hoarding disorder. In more sensitive or accurate contexts, it is usually better to say “a person who struggles with hoarding” to keep the tone respectful and clear.

How Can Someone Prevent Hoarding Behaviors From Returning After Treatment?

Stay consistent with simple habits after getting everything in order with help from experts like Bio1. Sort items as they come in, keep daily spaces clear, and set regular times to review what you own before clutter builds again.

Keep support in place. Check-ins with a therapist, group, or trusted person help catch small slip-ups early and keep progress on track.

Watch for triggers. Stress or big life changes can bring old habits back. Having a plan, like using coping tools or asking for help, makes it easier to stay in control.

Focus on steady routines instead of big cleanouts. Small actions done regularly are what keep spaces manageable long-term.

Treat Hoarding Disorder Today

Hoarding disorder can be stressful for the sufferer and their family. With this guide, you should be on the path to healing.

Do you want more help improving life for your loved ones? Make sure you explore some of our other useful posts.

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Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park

ATLANTA VOICE — A mural depicting late journalist Jovita Moore, painted on the exterior wall of a building now occupied by Bellwood Coffee in Grant Park, was painted over in April. Moore passed away in 2021 after decades of working in Atlanta television news. Bellwood Coffee owners stated in May they were unaware of Moore’s identity or significance to the community before painting over the mural.
The post Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

4 weeks ago

July 8, 2026

Oakland Post

At the corner of Boulevard, SE. and Rosalia St., SE., directly across the street from an abandoned home and a Methodist Church, is Bellwood Coffee. One of hundreds of coffee shops in Atlanta, this place of business would not be worth a solitary discussion if not for the way its exterior walls are currently painted. There was once a mural depicting the late Jovita Moore, a beloved journalist who worked in Atlanta for decades. Moore, who passed away in 2021, mentored many of the people you see on television newscasts today. Though her legacy will never be forgotten, it was the mural of her image that was erased.

In April, members of the Grant Park community voiced their disgust at the mural, which graced a side wall of the building now occupied by Bellwood Coffee’s Grant Park location, before it was painted over. In its place are the words “Bellwood Coffee; Cocktails, Biscuits, Dry Goods, Air Conditioning. *Heat Too”. In May, the business owners responded to the community pushback on social media by acknowledging they did not know who Moore was before painting over her image. And later admitted that they did not attempt to find out what she meant to the community.

On May 21, the Bellwood Coffee Instagram account had a post about being “in close contact with Jovita’s family and are actively working on next steps in this process.” Two months later, the mural has not been replaced, repainted, or repositioned on the property. Nothing has been done. Black history is often erased, most recently by the current Presidential administration, but oftentimes on a smaller, quieter scale. The mural was originally painted by muralist Tommy Bronx, who had been in contact with the business owners about repainting it. As of July 6, Tommy Bronx had responded to a direct message via his Instagram account from The Atlanta Voice about any updates on his plans to repaint the mural.

“We’re currently working on it. You should see some movement in the weeks to come,” he wrote in a response.

On Monday, July 6, the business had several patrons inside and was running smoothly with three employees manning the counter. The Atlanta Voice dropped by Bellwood Coffee to get a look at the exterior wall where the mural once stood as a memorial to a journalist and mother who lost her life to brain cancer at the young age of 54. Moore’s image added some color to the block. The grey wall in its place does not.

A direct message was sent to the Bellwood Coffee Instagram account, and there hasn’t been a response as of 7 p.m. on Monday.

The post Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.

Based on reporting by Atlanta Voice.

The post Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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‘Proud to Hang Her from a Tree’: Man Arrested for Threatening Black Senator

ATLANTA DAILY WORLD — A New York man faces felony hate crime charges for allegedly posting a threat against New York State Senator Lea Webb. James A. Crosby, 49, of Binghamton, was arrested by New York State Police after investigators determined he posted a threatening comment on a social media news post about a Juneteenth celebration.
The post ‘Proud to Hang Her from a Tree’: Man Arrested for Threatening Black Senator appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

4 weeks ago

July 8, 2026

Oakland Post

A New York man is facing felony hate crime charges after allegedly posting that he’d be “proud to hang” New York State Senator Lea Webb from a tree in response to a news story about a Juneteenth celebration.

James A. Crosby, 49, of Binghamton, was arrested June 23 by New York State Police after investigators determined he posted a threatening comment on a WBNG 12 News Facebook post. “I’d be proud to hang her from a tree,” Crosby wrote, according to WBNG.

Crosby was charged with making a terroristic threat as a hate crime, a class C felony, per the New York State Police. He is currently being held at Broome County Jail.

During the subsequent investigation, state police found Crosby was in illegal possession of firearms despite being prohibited from owning them due to a prior felony conviction. Investigators recovered a rifle, a large-capacity ammunition feeding device, and a firearm suppressor — all prohibited under New York state law, per the NYSP.

Crosby was charged with four additional counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, all class D felonies.

Webb, who represents New York’s 52nd Senate District, had been a featured speaker at a Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony at Binghamton City Hall, where the celebration included prayers and the singing of the Black national anthem.

Police said Crosby’s comment was posted in response to a WBNG news story covering the event.

The day before his arrest, Crosby posted a Facebook apology claiming the comment “was not intended to be racial in any way” and was made in reference to what he described as a “criminal,” citing criticism of Webb over her use of nonprofit legal aid in a foreclosure case — a matter state watchdogs said created an appearance of a conflict of interest, per the Ithaca Voice. He was arrested the following day.

Webb issued a public statement June 25 condemning the threat.

“It was extremely disappointing and hurtful to see the now-deleted threat and attacks on my life in response to a story about Juneteenth, a national holiday that recognizes the ending of slavery in America,” she said. “Feedback and thoughts on policy are one thing, but to make a public call for lethal violence is absolutely unacceptable and dangerous. We must recognize our shared humanity and reject violence in all forms.”

She thanked Gov. Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and law enforcement for their “swift response.”

Following Crosby’s comments, social media users called for a boycott of his contracting business, Crosby Home Improvements.

The Binghamton City Democratic Committee also called for an investigation into the incident before his arrest.

The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HEREto tune in live.

The post ‘Proud to hang her from a tree’: Man arrested for threatening Black Senator appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

Based on reporting by Atlanta Daily World.

The post ‘Proud to Hang Her from a Tree’: Man Arrested for Threatening Black Senator appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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CARICOM: Strengthen Integration for Future Generations

NEW YORK CARIB NEWS — Outgoing CARICOM Chairman Terrance Drew called on regional leaders to build a stronger and more effective Caribbean Community that benefits future generations. Speaking at the 51st Regular Meeting, Drew urged modernization of governance structures and improved implementation of Community decisions to make CARICOM safer and more prosperous.
The post CARICOM: Strengthen Integration for Future Generations appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

4 weeks ago

July 8, 2026

Oakland Post

Speaking Sunday at the opening of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Saint Lucia, Dr. Terrance Drew said the region must modernize its governance structures, improve the implementation of Community decisions, and ensure CARICOM becomes safer, more prosperous, and more relevant to the lives of its citizens.

The meeting, being held under the theme “CARICOM: From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World,” coincides with the Community’s 53rd anniversary. During the ceremony, Dr. Drew formally handed over the rotating CARICOM chairmanship to Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre.

Reflecting on his six-month tenure as chairman, Drew praised fellow regional leaders for maintaining their commitment to democracy, good governance, unity, and the rule of law despite mounting global economic and geopolitical challenges.

“Throughout these challenges, CARICOM chose engagement over isolation. Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to a fair and rules-based international trading system and ensured that the interests of small developing states continued to be heard.”
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He highlighted progress made in strengthening the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, including deeper trade cooperation, expanded labour mobility, and efforts to lay the foundation for long-term economic growth. Drew also noted the Community’s growing partnerships beyond the Caribbean, particularly with the African Union, while stressing that every international partnership should advance the interests of all parties involved.

The outgoing chairman also expressed appreciation to Dr. Carla Barnett and the CARICOM Secretariat for their professionalism and unwavering support during his tenure.

“Whenever I called, you answered. Whenever support was required, you and your team responded with diligence, competence, and excellence.”

Dr. Drew urged the Secretariat to continue preserving its impartiality while faithfully implementing decisions made by Heads of Government, saying that balance has helped strengthen the regional integration movement.

The conference continues in Saint Lucia with regional leaders expected to deliberate on key issues including regional security, climate resilience, trade, economic integration, food security, Haiti, reparations, and strengthening the CSME.

Based on reporting by New York Carib News.

The post CARICOM: Strengthen Integration for Future Generations appeared first on BlackPressUSA.