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Re:
Yes, I am familiar with that program, and its attempts to help people with their hoarding problem, but I think that one of the drawbacks to her particular situation might be her age. A younger person might see the rehabilitation as a positive step forward for a better future. At her age, she seems to live for the tiny thrill she gets each time she opens up a package and sees something new in her hands. The fact that there's simply not enough room in her house for all of it does not strike her as a problem. Like I wrote, she's slowly turning into a hoarder because she is a shopaholic. And you think she has fits when a friend or family member intervenes? I can't even imagine the hell my friend would have to pay if a stranger, professional or otherwise, came to that house to help her with her shopping addiction! I'm afraid only one thing will end her buying days, and prudence doesn't allow me to mention it here.
posted by
JimmyA
on September 5, 2011 at 8:51 AM
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Re: yes it is an addiction and yes only a professional who specializes in
True, but as with any type of "addiction," the first step is to get the recipient to admit to a "problem," and then get them to want to seek help. She does not, and will not, do either. My friend has a long and arduous road ahead of him!
posted by
JimmyA
on September 5, 2011 at 8:38 AM
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Re: Your friend could regard it as a legacy
To be honest with you, if I tried to present that theory to my friend, to regard his mother's mounds of stuff as part of a life-long legacy, he would probably drive himself into convulsions with laughter, after he smacked me in the head for suggesting it! Rare books, artwork, or even unusual pieces of jewelry might be considered "collectables," but not the junk they hawk on QVC. And I'm also sure "reselling" or a "lifetime of gift-giving" is simply not on his mind at all. Thanks for the response though.
posted by
JimmyA
on September 5, 2011 at 8:35 AM
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Your friend could regard it as a legacy
his mother's life's 'body of work' that when she is gone, he can resell or use for a lifetime of gift-giving.
That's how I consider my thousands of photos, unpublished writing, artwork, etc. I have never been much at turning them into money, maybe they will be able to.
posted by
Ciel
on September 4, 2011 at 11:28 AM
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yes it is an addiction and yes only a professional who specializes in
this type of addiction can help.
posted by
Kabu
on September 2, 2011 at 7:51 PM
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I have been watching a cable program called "Hoarders". It is all about people who lose control like your friend's mother. They say it is a sickness just like drug abuse and the rest you have mentioned in your post, but the good news is there are professionals out there who deal with this stuff. It is really hard for these people to see what they are doing or let go of anything, I think it is on the History channel, but I will have my wife check for sure when she gets home and let you know. They have a number you can call for help.
posted by
UtahJay
on September 2, 2011 at 1:31 PM
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