TLC recently began airing a series called "Hoarding: Buried Alive" and I'd like you to consider watching episode #3.
Wile my blog normally talks about organizing and productivity as it relates to your office and work environment, I'm sharing information on this show and specific episode for two reasons:
1 -- Hoarding affects millions of people, including individuals with hoarding behavior or tendencies, family members who fear for their loved one’s health and safety, neighbors and public officials. Multiple generations can be impacted by an individual that struggles with hoarding. Shows such as this one are creating a greater awareness of hoarding behaviors as well as some of the strategies used to work with people who hoard.
2 -- We were honored that the TLC series selected our very own Ellen Hankes CPO-CD (certified professional organizer in chronic disorganization) to work with Mary. On Sunday evening, March 28th, TLC television will air a show that was filmed in Omaha, Nebraska. Hoarding: Buried Alive features Mary as she works to address her extreme volume of personal belongings. Ellen served as the consulting Professional Organizer for the show.
Hoarding behavior typically has two aspects: that of acquiring and saving of items with little or no value coupled with extreme difficulty in discarding these items.
The Show
I have been watching (DVRing if necessary) each of the episodes since they started earlier this month and really like the documentary style of the show. Their site describes the show:
"Hoarding: Buried Alive goes inside the homes of extreme hoarders to explore the psychology behind their compulsion to accumulate & store large quantities of nonessential things. Each episode tells the stories of hoarders struggling with behavior that has made every day existence unbearable for both them & their loved ones. With the help of expert therapists & organizers, the hoarders will attempt to unlock the key to their obsessions in hope of reclaiming their lives."
You can find the TV listings with descriptions of each episode along with a check box to remind you to watch here: Hoarding: Buried Alive TV Listings. TLC describes the episode in this way:
"Extreme hoarder Mary Thompson is in denial while Anne Thomas fears she's passing down her compulsion to son Brendan. For decades they've had trouble discarding their belongings but will they finally gain clarity and get the help they so desperately need?"
You can find follow-up blog postings here: Hoarding: Buried Alive - Blog Follow up - While the blog is new (the show just started airing on the 14th of March, there are already some great posts that talk about how the featured individuals are doing as well as some general information on hoarding.
More information about the show is available at Hoarding: Buried Alive TV Show Details. While Ellen and I will be seeing the episode for the first time at the same time everyone else views it, I promise you it will be interesting! Let me know what your reaction is to the show if you are able to see it.
Wonder if You are a Hoarder?
We get contacted on a fairly regular basis from individuals or family members of individuals stating that they "fear" they are a hoarder. Take our Chronic Disorganization Self-Assessment to get a perspective on your clutter. If you take the self-assessment, you may be eligible for a 30 minute strategy session with Ellen.
Comment and Share!
Have you seen other shows on Hoarding? Have you experienced a struggle with hoarding in your life? Share it here by leaving a comment.
To your success!
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