But for around 1.2 ­million Brits, hoarding items is a serious issue, linked to anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. And for many sufferers, the lockdown has exacerbated the problem because staying at home means there is nowhere to hide from the clutter. Jo Cooke, founder of Hoarding Disorders UK, says that since March, the organisation’s helpline has seen a spike in calls. The NHS describes it as ­someone acquiring an ­excessive number of items and storing them in a chaotic manner, resulting in huge amounts of clutter. And the group’s monthly meetings, which are now taking place online, provide emotional support as well as practical tips to curb hoarding behaviours and cope with family tensions.

Source: Daily Mirror July 04, 2020 15:00 UTC