How serious is hoarding?

Recently, we have seen the dramatization of hoarding on shows like Oprah and Clean Sweep. Peter Walsh has made a living talking to hoarders about the effects and what it can do (God Bless Him!). When we watch this on TV, do we really see the true effects that it takes on a person, household or family? Do we really see what is happening on the inside?

Now, let me start out by saying that I am NOT an expert on hoarding (yet.. ha-ha), nor do I claim to know the true psychological effects of hoarding. What I do know, is this is a very serious disease (is disease the right word?), lets call it situation. It's NOT just about having a bunch of piles of stuff stacked on your kitchen table. It's NOT just about people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It IS so much more!

Recently, Delta Burke, the actress, made a decision to admit herself into a clinic for depression. She notes that her depression is due to a serious level of hoarding. She spoke with Harvey Levin from TMZ, and goes into describing how the hoarding makes her feel, and how it has taken control of her life. She was done, no longer wanting "it" to control her, she checked herself into a clinic to receive help.

Asking for help is the first step (and the hardest one too)!

In reading about Delta, I felt a sense of concern for her, as I can just imagine how hard this has been for her as an actress, role model and well... someone just dealing with this situation in her life.

I wish her the very best, happy health and wellness for her coming days. There are people out there to support her and help her work through it!

Just a few resources for hoarding: NSGCD, Obsessive Compulsive Info and Clutters Anonymous.