Ep 7. No One Would Choose This

As the title suggests, episode 7 of season 1 of Hoarding: Buried Alive, "No One Would Choose This," delves into the lives of individuals whose hoarding behaviors have spiraled out of control to the point of unlivable conditions. This episode features two individuals, each with their own unique circumstances contributing to their hoarding tendencies.

The first individual is Sandy, a single mother struggling to raise her two children in a hoard that has taken over her entire home. Sandy's hoarding behaviors began after her father's sudden death, but they escalated when she suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident. Sandy's hoarding has affected every aspect of her life, including her children's ability to enjoy a healthy and safe home environment. Sandy's children are forced to brave the clutter and filth just to get to their beds at night. Sandy's family and friends have tried to intervene, but their attempts have been met with resistance. Sandy's hoarding has caused her to become isolated, and she feels as though she has no one to turn to for help.

The second individual featured in this episode is Mary, a 64-year-old woman who has been hoarding for over 30 years. Mary's home is a maze of clutter, with narrow walkways leading to the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. Her hoard has not only taken over her house but also her yard, where she has accumulated old cars, furniture, and other discarded items. Mary's hoarding has isolated her from her family and friends, as her shame and embarrassment over her living conditions have caused her to withdraw from social interactions. Her family has attempted to intervene, but Mary insists that she needs to keep everything in case she needs it in the future.

In both cases, the hoarders' attachment to their possessions and reluctance to part with them is a key barrier to their recovery. The hoarders in this episode also struggle with mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, which contribute to their hoarding behaviors. The mental health issues coupled with the trauma of losing loved ones make it difficult to part with any of their possessions, no matter how insignificant the items may seem to others.

Throughout the episode, we see the hoarders work with a team of professionals to begin the difficult process of decluttering and cleaning their homes. The process is emotional and challenging, but it is ultimately necessary for the hoarders' well-being and safety. The team must navigate the hoarders' emotional attachment to their possessions and slowly convince them to let go of items that are no longer useful or necessary.

The episode concludes with Sandy and Mary's homes transformed into more livable environments, with the clutter and filth cleared away. Although their journeys toward a healthier lifestyle are not complete, they have taken the first step toward recovery. The episode highlights the devastating impact hoarding can have on an individual's life and the importance of seeking help to overcome its grip.