I feel that things are controlling my life and would like to be able to let go of all but the things I need and use from day to day. I am worried that once I sell my collections, I will want to start collecting again. I am starting to think that my need to collect is a physcological problem and want to know what I can do to live a more simple life without the need to have huge collections around me.
2006-10-21 05:25:58 · 6 answers · asked by ibaisaic 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Would you say you are a "hoarder"? More importantly, do you feel as if you no longer have a choice; that you are no longer in control? Is this urge to collect things overriding your ability to function without collecting? What does happen if you stop collecting... are you constantly thinking/focused on collecting?
Please consider, if these questions are applicable to you, to look up OCD (obsessive/compulsive disorder) on-line. You ask if this may be a psychological disorder... it may very well be. Nothing wrong with that- you'd be surprised at how many people have one, or 2, or many. Good news- it can be treated very successfully with counciling and meds (psychopharmiceudical). SSRI's are a group that effectively stabilizes such thought "loops" so as to free onesself up from the traps and loops that imprison the mind.
Please, do yourself a huge favor, and put aside notions that meds, psychology/psychiatry and mental disorders are "bad" and seek the help you may need. Life will once again become infinitely smoother.
2006-10-21 05:44:13 · answer #1 · answered by Billy Blastoff 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your compulive collecting, otherwise known as "hoarding" is merely displaced anxiety. Some would call it an OCD. Seeing a psychologist will help you discover the source of your anxiety and discover new coping skills. Habits are not "broken", but rather replaced with new behaviors. We all do the best we can with what we know, therefore the more we know, the better we do. A psychologist will help you learn more about yourself by offering you a new perspective and pointing out your options. It is up to you to choose.
2006-10-21 07:05:29 · answer #2 · answered by pandora the cat 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
first, congratulations on the insight and desire, both! most never get that far on their own..
the simple answer therapy.
support groups fro this are available in many cities too.
NIH does clinical studies and has info and resources..
but to totally stop the urge you have to figure out why you got it in the first place. what trauma caused the compulsion..
donate all to a good charity see if nami who can give more info needs it for an event good will is also a good one to donate too if your in the USA..
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness-The Nation's Voice on ...
The mission of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill is "to eradicate mental illness and improve the quality of life of those affected by these ...
www.nami.org/ - 45k - Oct 19, 2006
Search Clinical Research Studies Protocol Database -- Clinical ...
List of contacts pertaining to the NIH Studies website of the Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health.
clinicalstudies.info.nih.gov/
2006-10-21 05:50:36 · answer #3 · answered by homelessinorangecounty 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go get counseling. Seriously, that is not a cop out. I commend you for recognizing you have a problem with being a pack rat. It honestly is a disorder, and you can get help from someone who is trained in it.
There is hope -- once you start living simply and letting go of things, you will feel a freedom and peace like you never had before.
2006-10-21 05:36:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is all in the mind. Try repeating to yourself, whenever you have the urge to collect, the negative aspects of collecting (space, money, useless (unless you are collecting certain things). Just keep repeating it a few times.
2006-10-21 05:35:16 · answer #5 · answered by Te 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do what I just did move to a foreign country. Boil everything you own down to 3 suitcases and 2 boxes (20"X20") Then you will find out what you really want. It's quite an exercise. You don't have to move but it helps. I was forced to decide what I desperately have to have to be comfortable and practical.
2006-10-21 05:47:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋