How Decontaminators Can Help Hoarders

 In Decontamination

Hoarding is a serious mental condition that can have a negative impact on your physical, emotional, and financial health. If you see a loved one suffering, the situation can be exacerbated, as you might not fully comprehend the reasons behind their hoarding behaviour. Here are a few tips to understanding hoarding and how EExterminateur can help.

  1. Understanding The Basics

If you think a loved one is hoarding but you’re unsure how to approach the subject, it’s important to get educated and seek out all the information available. According to Mayo Clinic, hoarding is when someone creates an attachment to an inanimate object and is unable to let go because it serves some sort of purpose in their minds. A hoarder can accumulate an endless supply of objects, meaning their living spaces are usually filled to the ceiling with objects, and it’s the perfect place for vermin and bacteria to fester. In many cases, hoarding is closely associated with other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression and can occur after a major life event such as the death of a loved one.

  1. Getting Treatment

If you recognize the signs and symptoms of hoarding, it’s important you get this person the proper treatment. According to Psychology Today, there are a few options in terms of effective treatment. The first is cognitive behavioural therapy (also known as CBT) and is facilitated by a registered psychotherapist. The aim of CBT is to essentially look at the link between our thoughts and behaviours, and try to rewire the thought patterns that are directly associated to hoarding.

There’s also a wide range of antidepressants on the market classified as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (commonly referred to as SSRIs). These prescription drugs work by flooding the brain with serotonin and after a few weeks, many symptoms associated with hoarding become more manageable. Many individuals receive a combination of therapy and medication, which has proven to be even more effective, but it’s always important to discuss these options with your doctor.   

  1. Hiring a Decontaminator

Following the treatment process, it’s important to begin the massive clean up. It’s always recommended to hire professionals to do this because it can sometimes take multiple days and can be an exhaustive process. In many situations, rancid smells and dead vermin can be found within the clutter, so it’s best you leave the cleaning process to the professionals. Here at EExterminateur, we specialize in hoarder cleaning services, so you can trust our expertise to get the job done.

  1. Preventing Future Hoarding Behaviours

If your loved one is hoarding, approach the situation with compassion and patience. This issue won’t be solved overnight and it’s imperative the individual gets constant treatment, whether it’s with the help of prescription medication, cognitive-behavioural therapy or a combination of both. Keep an eye out if you think your loved one is about to relapse and provide support to ensure symptoms don’t reappear over time.

If someone you know is suffering from a hoarding disorder, it’s important to follow these simple steps. Keep in mind that hoarding is a mental disorder and it’s not as simple as just throwing everything out. At EExterminateur we understand how difficult it can be, but we’re ready to help you and begin the crucial hoarder cleaning process. For more information consult our website and feel free to reach out for any questions or concerns.   

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