#178 Growing up in a hoarded home: Sam’s story as the child of a Mum who hoards

Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/  In this episode I chat with Sam, who speaks movingly about growing up with a mother who hoards. Now 28, Sam reflects on the claustrophobic environment, the impact on their self-esteem and organisation, and the ongoing journey to rebuild a relationship with food, space, and self-worth. Whether you're a hoarder, the child of somebody who hoards, or you know someone who is, Sam's story offers a vital perspective on living through - and beyond - the hoard. Sam’s experience growing up in a hoarded home Importance of understanding perspectives of those affected by hoarding Sam’s Childhood Experience Description of upbringing in a hoarded home Emotional impact and feelings of claustrophobia and anxiety Lack of emotional and physical space Experiences of shame and comparison with peers Coping Mechanisms and Effects on Daily Life Sam's view of their home as an obstacle course Impact of hoarding on family relationships Lack of privacy and its influence on personal development Impact on Self-Esteem and Mental Health Struggle with self-esteem and self-care Connection between environment and depression Feelings of negativity and isolation School and Social Interactions Effect on academic performance and organisational skills Challenges in completing schoolwork Experiences with friends visiting the home and related anxieties Adolescence and Growing Awareness Anger and frustration during teenage years Lack of external intervention and support Missed opportunities for professional help External Perception and Professional Insight Outside family and societal perceptions of hoarding Drip-feeding experiences to others and feeling of overwhelming others Relationship with Food and Nutrition Negative perceptions of food due to spoiling and smells Ongoing struggle with eating certain foods, particularly fruit Rebuilding a relationship with food as an adult Leaving the Home and Independence Sam’s experience and decision to move out at 20 Challenges and processes involved in leaving the parental hoarded home Continued responsibilities in a second hoarded home Long-term Effects on Sam’s Adult Life Influence on career choice and support work with young carers Ongoing challenges with personal organisation and self-care Struggles with mental health and burnout Sam’s Relationship with Family Complex relationship dynamics with parents Lack of understanding from parents regarding Sam’s struggles and decisions Reflection on parental insight into hoarding and its effects on family Current Relationship with Hoarding and Cleaning Sam’s approach to possessions Emotional responses to cleaning and organising tasks Developing the skillset for maintaining an organised living space Message for Others Experiencing Similar Situations Encouragement for other young carers and children of hoarders Importance of self-worth and identity outside of hoarding stigmas Strategies for mental health and personal growth Final Thoughts and Reflections Reflections on how sharing and exploration helps understanding Hope for the interview to be beneficial to listeners with similar experiences