I've written request for help letters, etc., during the last several years, to no avail. Finally, in desperation, I put a video up on Youtube to make it as easy as possible for Adult Protective Services, Legal Aid, etc., to see my need.
https://www.hoardingcleanup.com/chat_room (online chat room for hoarders)
1-800-HOARDERS (Compassionate and discreet help line)
https://www.211ct.org/search?terms=Clutterer%2FHoarder%20Support%20Groups&page=1&location=ct&service_area=connecticut (support groups that meet in the USA)
I don't know if any of the links will help you, but I thought I would give you some links for help in case you need them.
Since you posted that video, I would disable the comments. There are some very judgmental people out there on Youtube.
Step one: Go to Youtube and sign into your account. Step 2: Go to My Channel. Step 3: Click Video Manager. Step 4: In the videos list, locate the video on which you want to disable the comments, click the drop-down arrow next to Edit button and then select Info and Settings in the drop-down list.
Marzipan, you created a video of your lovely apartment, apparently in 2007 and then later. I'm just wondering if there's any significance to having videoed the area 12 years ago, or were you just creating the video for posterity?
I'm extremely concerned that the video will attract unwanted action, including your landlord contacting the public health department. Frankly, I would take the video down ASAP.
While I can't be specific, I'm also concerned that it may set you up for harrassment or some kind of scammer.
Obviously something happened in your life that was traumatic. Is your therapist actually helping you with that issue? It's probably the key to reversing the hoarding.
However, if you want help, I wouldn't post via a video or rely on APS or other intervention. You might want to contact companies that handle disaster cleanouts, companies that work for insurance companies and clean up after floods, tornadoes or other major disasters. They have staff and knowledge to handle these kinds of cleanouts. But obviously you'll have to pay them.
What happens when you try to clean out, by yourself? If you start with just a small pile, you'll see progress that can be encouraging.
Your apartment was really quite lovely and charming initially. I hope whatever emotional disaster afflicted you can be addressed so you can live a full life again.
Your profile says you are seeing a therapist. I'm not sure what you think APS will do for you...clean your apartment for you? If your landlord sees that video they may have grounds to evict you and not return your damage deposit. Are you struggling to afford therapy? I would focus on finding ways to continuing therapy no matter what. Wishing you freedom from your bondage and baggage!
If this is for you personally, I am curious how you can do a video and not clean your apartment.
That may seem rude, but that you know that you have a problem is 75% of getting the house cleaned. The next 25% is starting by getting up and doing.
Start by throwing all the garbage out, then donate all the excess that you have accumulated. By that time you will see progress and know what comes next.
You live in an apartment so you have access to dumpsters, that makes it easier.
APS might just get your home condemned....then what?
they might be able to get the State to assign a guardian which will most likely get you placed in a home somewhere without your consent
I think you might be close to hitting bottom....you need to decide if you want the State to force you into a group home setting, or if you are going to pull up your loin cloth and get a psychologist to help you. Call the first one you find in google in your area and make an appointment....and first make the commitment to help yourself by doing what you must.
I used to deliver meals on wheels (MOW) and one of my clients was a hoarder. The apartment was full of stuff, including old food trash which drew bugs, etc. and you couldn't use the front door because of the piles of stuff. After I contacted the MOW supervisor we contacted the county agency on aging and the fire dept and health dept got involved since it was a hazard to others in the building. That strategy wouldn't work in a private home however.
Thank You for Answering! I did mean Adult Protective Services. (Dyslexia starting in my sixties?!) I've written request for help letters, etc., during the last several years, to no avail. Finally, in desperation, I put a video up on Youtube to make it as easy as possible for Adult Protective Services, Legal Aid, etc., to see my need. Here is what to type into search engine to view it: " My Apartment from May 10, 2007 through September 18, 2019". My Youtube Channel is "pikhy", in case it helps locate video. Thank you kindly for responding.
Do you mean Adult Protective Services or APS? If so, possibly, if they see it as a health hazard. However, they may be just as likely to just demand a cleanup, see papers served, and where does anyone go with that? So answer is, if that's the question, I am uncertain.
Thank You for Answering! I did mean Adult Protective Services. (Dyslexia starting in my sixties?!) I've written request for help letters, etc., during the last several years, to no avail. Finally, in desperation, I put a video up on Youtube to make it as easy as possible for Adult Protective Services, Legal Aid, etc., to see my need. Here is what to type into search engine to view it: " My Apartment from May 10, 2007 through September 18, 2019". My Youtube Channel is "pikhy", in case it helps locate video. Thank you kindly for responding.
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1-800-HOARDERS (Compassionate and discreet help line)
https://www.211ct.org/search?terms=Clutterer%2FHoarder%20Support%20Groups&page=1&location=ct&service_area=connecticut (support groups that meet in the USA)
I don't know if any of the links will help you, but I thought I would give you some links for help in case you need them.
Step one: Go to Youtube and sign into your account.
Step 2: Go to My Channel.
Step 3: Click Video Manager.
Step 4: In the videos list, locate the video on which you want to disable the comments, click the drop-down arrow next to Edit button and then select Info and Settings in the drop-down list.
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Marzipan, you created a video of your lovely apartment, apparently in 2007 and then later. I'm just wondering if there's any significance to having videoed the area 12 years ago, or were you just creating the video for posterity?
While I can't be specific, I'm also concerned that it may set you up for harrassment or some kind of scammer.
Obviously something happened in your life that was traumatic. Is your therapist actually helping you with that issue? It's probably the key to reversing the hoarding.
However, if you want help, I wouldn't post via a video or rely on APS or other intervention. You might want to contact companies that handle disaster cleanouts, companies that work for insurance companies and clean up after floods, tornadoes or other major disasters. They have staff and knowledge to handle these kinds of cleanouts. But obviously you'll have to pay them.
What happens when you try to clean out, by yourself? If you start with just a small pile, you'll see progress that can be encouraging.
Your apartment was really quite lovely and charming initially. I hope whatever emotional disaster afflicted you can be addressed so you can live a full life again.
Before anyone can help you, you need to figure out why you’re hoarding.
That may seem rude, but that you know that you have a problem is 75% of getting the house cleaned. The next 25% is starting by getting up and doing.
Start by throwing all the garbage out, then donate all the excess that you have accumulated. By that time you will see progress and know what comes next.
You live in an apartment so you have access to dumpsters, that makes it easier.
they might be able to get the State to assign a guardian which will most likely get you placed in a home somewhere without your consent
I think you might be close to hitting bottom....you need to decide if you want the State to force you into a group home setting, or if you are going to pull up your loin cloth and get a psychologist to help you. Call the first one you find in google in your area and make an appointment....and first make the commitment to help yourself by doing what you must.
Thank you kindly for responding.
Thank you kindly for responding.