Discover Why Online Hoarding Support Groups Are Invaluable Resources

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Online hoarding support groups are important because they provide a safe, accessible, and anonymous space for people struggling with hoarding disorder and their loved ones.

 

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For those who feel isolated and ashamed, these groups offer a vital sense of community and validation. 

 

Accessibility and anonymity Online support groups overcome significant barriers that often prevent people with hoarding disorder from seeking help. 

• Reduced shame: Many people who hoard feel intense embarrassment about their living conditions and avoid inviting others into their homes. The anonymity of an online group allows them to connect with others without revealing their identity or inviting judgment.
• Overcoming isolation: Hoarding is a deeply isolating condition. Online groups allow individuals to connect with others who understand their struggles, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Flexible access: Online groups can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. This is crucial for individuals who are housebound due to the severity of their hoarding or have limited access to in-person resources. 

 

Community and shared experience These groups offer a sense of belonging and understanding that can be hard to find elsewhere. 

• Validation: Sharing personal stories with people who have similar experiences helps individuals feel validated and understood, rather than judged. This shared understanding can be incredibly healing.
• Learning from others: Members can share practical tips and strategies for managing anxiety, organizing possessions, and working through sentimental attachments.
• Support for families: Online groups are not just for people who hoard. They also provide a space for family members to find resources, get support, and learn coping strategies. 

 

Accountability and motivation Online support groups help individuals stay on track with their recovery journey.

• Setting goals: Group members can set personal goals, such as clearing a specific area, and then check in with the group for encouragement and accountability. This helps individuals stay motivated to make progress.
• Compassionate encouragement: The focus is on progress, not perfection. Members are encouraged to be kind to themselves and celebrate small victories, which helps support long-term change. 

 

Supplementing professional care While online groups are not a substitute for professional therapy, they can be a powerful complement to it. 

• Bridge to treatment: For many, joining an online support group is the first step toward acknowledging the problem and seeking professional help, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
• Relapse prevention: Even after therapy, support groups can provide ongoing connection and accountability, which is essential for managing the long-term challenges of hoarding. 

 

General support and 12-step programs

• Clutterers Anonymous (CLA): This 12-step program follows the Alcoholics Anonymous model for people whose lives are dominated by clutter. They offer online, phone, and in-person meetings for free.
• International OCD Foundation (IOCDF): As hoarding is considered an obsessive-compulsive related disorder, the IOCDF offers resources for those with hoarding disorder (HD). They provide a searchable resource directory that includes both in-person and online support groups.

 

Online forums and social media

• Reddit (r/hoarding): An active online community for people in recovery from hoarding disorder and for their family members.
• Facebook: Many private, moderated Facebook groups provide community and support for people with hoarding disorder. For example, the IOCDF lists a "Hoarding Disorder and Buried in Treasures Support Group". 

 

Support for family members

• International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Family and Friends Group: A therapist-led support group for spouses, siblings, and other loved ones of people with hoarding behavior.
• Children of Hoarders (groups.io): An online community for adult children of hoarders to connect and share their experiences.
• The Clutter Movement Family Support (Facebook): A support group specifically for family members of people who struggle with hoarding. 

 

Group therapy and workshops

• Buried in Treasures Workshop (IOCDF): This is a 16-week, peer-facilitated group based on the book of the same name. These sessions teach new skills and provide a supportive community for people with moderate to severe clutter.
• Clear Space for You: This is a small, online clutter support group for individuals that meets weekly for four weeks. It is run by professional organizers. 

 

How to choose a group Before joining a group, consider your specific needs:

• Anonymity: If you are not ready to be fully open about your struggles, anonymous forums and chat rooms can be a good starting point.
• Structure: If you prefer a more structured approach, a 12-step program like Clutterers Anonymous or a workshop like Buried in Treasures may be a good fit.
• Family vs. individual support: Determine whether you need a group for yourself, for your family, or a mixed group.