Mike, got a broken link on this one.
The only thing I can think of is a family intervention if possible and yes maybe an episode of hoarders might help. Also there is a possibility that she knows what's going on but, can't bring herself to do anything about and if you start getting rid of it she might come around and help. Doubt it actually but, it sometimes works. Anything you do will need to be accompanied by intensive therapy by a professional. To quote Dear Abby, "if you can't get her to go there is value in going by yourself." The therapist can suggest courses of action to avoid any possibility of psychological damage. Just an interested amateurs advice, hope it helps. Just remember the Hipocratic Oath, which in part says "do no harm". Good advice, if you think it could hurt her don't do it.Nothing wrong w/ posting it here. Just wish I had a clue of something to offer as a suggestion. Good luck.
I just posted a post with some recommendations. Now, reading this last one I think you know all that. All I can really say is do what you think needs to be done and I and the rest of us porchers will be here to support you and provide emotional support if needed. Your part of a really cool group of folks now.Ya know... besides the 'gross' indicators of a hoarding problem - too much stuff everywhere, compulsive shopping issues... - I did not know until recently that there is a significant connection to memory deficit issues that goes along with hoarding behavior. Big problem with my friend here on that level. It's not that the memory problems are secondary to having so much stuff you can't remember where anything is, it's part of the overall brain function problems going on in a person who has a hoarding problem.
For anyone else affected by hoarding or dealing with someone with the problem this site is an excellent read with a lot of information you may not have known: The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) - Hoarding Center Reading through the issues hoarders have with social interaction and "control" issues over the chaos of their stuff sure provided a lot of insight into the relationship dynamics going on here.
But there's that "big rock" just sitting there: talking to them about a problem they are in rigid denial even exists.
P.S. Not only an excess of packs of new, unopened plastic storage containers here, now saving every plastic deli or take-out container that comes in the house. I pull them out of the dishwasher and drawers and put them in the recycle bin. She takes them back out.
Hey depends on whether it's good stuff or not. Doesn't sound like that's going to be the case. With baby clothes, used is fine. A baby doesn't wear anything long enough to wear it out. Just sort, through the stuff pick out the good stuff and take the rest back to goodwill as a donation. Hey free baby clothes and a tax deduction. Just kidding, trying to lighten us up a bit. That's probably not a good idea, might just encourage the behavior. Again read my previous post. Professional counseling can't hurt. Not just for mom, if she won't go, go without her.I agree Rick, right now they just quietly throw away the stuff she brings, they don't want to hurt her feelings but don't want the junk either. My daughter thinks mother in law will only get worse when/if they get pregnant, she'll constantly be dragging stuff over to their house for the baby.
I agree Rick, right now they just quietly throw away the stuff she brings, they don't want to hurt her feelings but don't want the junk either. My daughter thinks mother in law will only get worse when/if they get pregnant, she'll constantly be dragging stuff over to their house for the baby.
I feel like I've never been at the front of the thread without pages of "future" posts to catch up.
This is so weird.
Hello...? Is there anybody out there? Can anybody hear me?
Mike, got a broken link on this one.
Sent while sitting on my busted ..... Stay off the ice if you can't skate. I can't and didn't.
Wow! New Porch is cozy! Love the new cushions, too! And a little bit of Spring to share! The tree outside my patio is covered in white blooms, y'all!
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I agree Rick, right now they just quietly throw away the stuff she brings, they don't want to hurt her feelings but don't want the junk either. My daughter thinks mother in law will only get worse when/if they get pregnant, she'll constantly be dragging stuff over to their house for the baby.
In most cases, it is best to let them do what they want to do. However, when it gets to be a health hazard, call the officials and ask them to do something about it. Same thing when you are concerned about bringing a baby into the mess-- just don't, no matter what they say. If you are living with someone like that, either move out, or assert yourself. There will be NO overflow into your personal space. Of course, same thing if they try to use spece in your house/apartment. Natural consequences. If they are shopping for garbage, ask for legal power over their spending habits. Wheedling and coaxing doesn't work. They can out-manipulate you-- after all, they are fearful of losing control, therefore they develop those skills.
All that aside, just about all I know about it is from watching the show.
There are support groups for helping someone that is a hoarder, but the hardest part is the fact in most cases unless they are causing harm - it has to be their decision to change. Much like when people decide to spring clean or do a major downsizing. Deciding what to go first is the hardest first step - a positive swing must be put to any effort towards change.
Strange - I can see it in both my original post and in my quoted post within you reply. It was just one of these from a different link.
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Oh, there it is.Strange - I can see it in both my original post and in my quoted post within you reply. It was just one of these from a different link.
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I thought this was cute. I can see my fat boy saying this!
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Sent while sitting on my busted ..... Stay off the ice if you can't skate. I can't and didn't.