I began to read the stories of children of hoarders, and
they sound like my son. I react like their parents, depressed, angry,
and run out & buy more stuff. I collect papers,...

Below is the result of a feedback form. It was submitted on Monday,
April 14th, 2008 at 06:02 AM.

Relationship : Me, I hoard--well, I collect things...
Source : MSN News story, read 4/13/08

Message :

I began to read the stories of children of hoarders, and
they sound like my son. I react like their parents, depressed, angry,
and run out & buy more stuff. I collect papers, not newspapers in
particular, but stuff I want to read. Books. I have seen the New York
Times article on people who live on top of stacks of books... mine is
not that bad! And I do read them. I am not afraid to toss newspapers,
books, trash & junk, but I do have a tiny house. I always wanted a
big house, but maybe this is better. However, I do have a shed for
some overflow! Also tools & hay bales for the dog's bed. I try to
keep up but i work full time and recently I don't feel well and I am
quite tired after commuting 2 hours to and from work, leaving about
7:00 a.m. getting home around 9 p.m. I'm just not Supermom any
longer, and it's catching up. I used to be able to clean my entire
house (it's small) in 2 hours flat.

You say, throw it out if you don't have time for it. Well, I expect to
retire and then I can do what I want--read, knit up all that yarn,
enjoy my fine china (eaten off a table) and have room to exercise. I
won't have money to buy stuff when I retire. My yarn and fabric may
gain value, while money is rapidly losing it. I find that I do buy
several of something however. I often lose things, just setting it
down & can't find it then. Keys, glasses, soda or coffee cup,
anything. Not buried!

To cut this short, I am glad i read this because now I feel like I do
have a problem. I know I am obsessive compulsive, but did not know I
was a hoarder or that it was a mental health problem. Lack of focus
explains why certain things have been taking me longer and longer to
do. at work, I mean. I keep trying to make lists & getting lost. We
do have a weekly mental health person who comes to the company, so I
will make an appointment. . .

And, my son thanks you.