[flowergirl]

I am quite worried about my sister. I never knew that this was a problem w/ a named disorder. She has stacks of newspapers from as far back as 1994. She can't throw anything away, her daughter took out 5 bags of newspapers and trash when my sister was gone once,when she came home, ny niece got in trouble and was shook and yelled at till she told ny sister where the dumpster was... she then went and got all 5 bags out. her house is a fire hazard, My nephew, age 7 has'nt ever been able to sleep in his room. There is trash piled every where, and dirty dishes a foot high all the time.My brother in law just doesn't want to deal with the problem or else he doesn't know how to. They rent. Any ideas on how to help? She gets angry and in denial that there is any thing wrong.Thanks

[Wombat101]

Help! I can't seem to throw out all my old National Review magazines with Florence King essays on the back page! I need a subsidy, a government program, a dispensation under the American's with Disabilities Act! Where's my money? Where's Mike Wallace to do an in-depth expose on this pernicious disease that strikes millions and makes up virtual prisoners in our own homes? Quick, call Oprah, I need to speak out on this problem so that we can focus attention on it!

Forgive me, I couldn't resist....

[FITZ]

Your sister might have something worse than just a hoarding problem --- I know some hoarders who seem pretty happy --- they admit they have too much, I know a few who won't change but it does affect them in a negative way. Maybe she has some kind of depression --- and it sounds like she's bordering on abuse of her kids.

[Tax Government]

Well... I don't know the best answer. Omenous problems looming in the background include: 1) the property owner will demand a clean-up or evict them (that might be what would get her/them in gear); 2) someone in government will intervene for the child's welfare. Moving a long distance would help with the clutter, of course.

What she needs is counseling and psychological treatment. Not being a doctor, I can't really say she would benefit from medication but that's my guess. I've lived around/near one or two people like you describe. It's a real illness, imho, with immoblizing depression at its root. The stigma attached to mental disorders, including depression, has prevented many people from seeking treatment.

Try this: Many hospitals have a clergy person on staff, to help people in times of crisis. Find one or two such people, and ask for mental-health alternatives. Those clergy tend to be well connected, and refer a lot of people.