#289 Diogenes Syndrome

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Today, I want to talk about something called Diogenes syndrome. It might not be something you're familiar with, but it's a big deal in society. This syndrome is about people accumulating too much stuff in their homes.

My friend shared a story with me last week about her dear 80-year-old neighbor who recently passed away. Her children came to clear out the house so they could sell it. It turns out that the poor woman had collected a lot of stuff over the years—furniture, boxes, and more. It seems like she had a habit of collecting things.

You might have seen cases like this in the news, or maybe you know someone who just can't seem to throw things away. It's like they have a habit of hoarding stuff. Many people can relate to this—I sometimes have to remind myself to get rid of things I don't need anymore because they start piling up at home.

But what I'm talking about here is more extreme. It's a condition where people hoard so much stuff that their homes become overwhelmed with clutter. Ironically, it's named after Diogenes of Sinope, an ancient Greek philosopher who believed in living with very little. People with this syndrome, however, collect things indiscriminately, thinking they might need them one day.

While it's not officially classified as a mental illness, it often goes hand in hand with other mental health issues, and it tends to affect older people more. Some experts think it might stem from difficult experiences in the past, like living through a war, where holding onto things was a matter of survival.

In the US, when someone has Diogenes syndrome, people try to help them in different ways. Here's what they do:

Doctors or nurses might visit their homes to see if they are physically and mentally okay.

Mental health experts can talk to them and try to help them feel better.

Support from Social Workers: These are people who help others with their problems. They can arrange for someone to clean their house, talk to them about keeping it tidy, and connect them with other helpful services like food or counseling.

Keeping in Touch: It's essential to check on them to ensure they get the help they need.

Sometimes, the Law Gets Involved: If the person is in danger or putting others in danger, some legal steps might need to be taken to make sure they get the proper care.

The goal is always to make sure the person is safe and healthy. It's also essential for more people to learn about Diogenes syndrome so that those who need help can get it sooner.

Sometimes, people don't want help, and professionals must respect their choice to live as they please. Research shows that the causes of Diogenes syndrome are complicated—it could be genetic, psychological, or tied to traumatic events.

As society ages, we might see more of this syndrome cropping up. It's something policymakers need to think about and take action on.

Is it the same where you live? If you have any insights, feel free to share.