HOW CLEAN IS YOUR HOUSE? Squalor survivors?

Question

How many people out there enjoy that UK program "How clean is your house"? It is one of my favorites. However, I was amazed and confused at the living conditions of some people! I wondered if there were any mental illnesses that would cause people to live this way. I found a site called 'squalor survivors' and it is VERY interesting. Many people living in terrible conditions suffer from chronic depression and behavoir disorders (hoarding, etc).

Does anyone here live in squalor or know anyone who does? If so, please check out that site. Sorry I don't have the site address but if you search squalor survivors you'll find it.

I'd really appreciate any comments, thanks.

Answer 1

I am slowly digging myself out -- Flylady's website was a big motivation for me.

I think people who live with a lot of clutter are trying to barricade themselves from the outside world, to an extent. It's a wall, and maybe it will slow down all the bad stuff out there. (-: Definitely thinking on the edge of craziness, I know, but I can't figure out why else I let papers pile up, and books and things.

Oh, that's part of it too -- I love books for the escape they give me, and it's very hard for me to get rid of them.

But, while my house may be a fire hazard, it's a clean fire hazard -- my kitchen is fairly clean, and I don't have pizza boxes in the living room or anything dirty like that.

I'll check out the site -- thanks for posting about it!

Answer 2

Squalor Survivors

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
HOW CLEAN IS YOUR HOUSE? Squalor survivors?
How many people out there enjoy that UK program "How clean is your house"? It is one of my favorites. However, I was amazed and confused at the living conditions of some people! I wondered if there were any mental illnesses that would cause people to live this way. I found a site...

Answer 4

i don't live this way but have seen the first show you have talked about and also one called clean sweep. I agree that is can be a mental illness that cause this. My mom who has since past away started having a lot of chores that were not complete. she didn't live in filth but had items that should be put away or discarded. When i asked her about it she said if every thing was done she would have nothing to do and no reason to live. Her job would be done. She was afraid if her house was to neat it was over. Boy did we talk that one out. but a lot of people don't have any one to talk to. I do believe it is an illness

Answer 5

I dont know how people can live with it. My house could do with some more concentrated cleaning effort in some spots but overall its OK.
Theres a man who lives locally and he goes around collecting rubbish off the streets and putting in his large number of plastic bags he always carries. Mind you, just looking at him you know he has mental health issues. Local gossip has it that he stores it all in his house, and that its a rubbish tip...literally!...;

The link for the site you mentioned is below

Answer 6

A lot of people who survived the Great Depression in American (& elsewhere w/corresponding financial issues, I'm sure) have hoarding issues due to the fact they felt no security from want. As they age the issues become more to the forefront as they may become ill and unable to physically keep up w/cleaning and Alzheimers also causes a lot of people to start hoarding.

Answer 7

Even when my house is at it's worst, it is nothing like that! I was "straightening up" one day and heard it on the t.v. and looked and thought "Oh my goodness!" I mean, I have 4 lazy teenagers that have their friends over all the time and my house has never looked anything remotely close to that! Made me feel better anyways! LOL

Answer 8

I live in a very clean house {100%}