Helping a hoarder is a delicate process that has less to do with
the hoarder's stuff—no matter how much stuff there is—and more
to do with recognizing the hoarder's unique challenges with care
and compassion. Hoarders are people who have accumulated so many
possessions that they often cannot function effectively in their
homes. They typically are unable to find things they need, to
use furniture for its intended purpose, or even to prepare and
eat a meal. "A hallmark problem is difficulty discarding," says
Gail Steketee, Ph.D., dean and professor at the Boston
University School of Social Work. Hoarding is often linked to
mental health disorders, including major depression, social
anxiety, general worry, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. About
4% of the population struggles with hoarding, according to
Steketee. Randi Lyman, owner of A Helping Hand—Professional
Organizing Service, Austin, Texas, often gets calls from
hoarders or their family members seeking help. She notes that
hoarders may suffer from: Lyman