Ep 8. Everything is at Stake

Hoarding: Buried Alive is an American reality television series that revolves around people who suffer from compulsive hoarding disorder. The show follows the stories of individuals who have a deep emotional attachment to objects, leading them to accumulate an excessive amount of items in their homes and destroying their lives in the process. Each episode takes viewers through the journey of the hoarder, the impact on their family and friends, and the interventions aimed at helping them recover.

Season 1 Episode 8, titled "Everything is at Stake," depicts the life of Eileen, a woman who has been hoarding for over 20 years and whose life has been taken over by her possessions. Her home is so cluttered that she can hardly move around without tripping over something. The situation is so bad that her landlord has threatened to evict her if she doesn't get rid of the hoard. The eviction notice is the wake-up call she needs to finally confront her problem.

Eileen is 57 years old and lives alone in a small apartment in Chicago. She grew up in a large house with her family and describes herself as a "collector" who has always had a hard time letting go of things. Over the years, her hoarding has spiraled out of control, and she has filled every room with items ranging from clothes, toys, and appliances to old newspapers and boxes. Eileen's apartment is now a hazardous and unsanitary environment that has led to her losing her job, her social life, and her dignity.

Eileen's daughter, Patricia, is worried about her mother's living conditions and comes to her aid. Patricia reaches out to Matt Paxton, a professional hoarding expert, to help her mother and salvage their relationship. Matt and his team visit Eileen's apartment and are shocked by the amount of clutter and filth. They find that Eileen has rats and other vermin living among her belongings, which pose a significant health threat to her and anyone who comes into contact with her.

The intervention begins with Matt and his team using protective gear to enter Eileen's apartment and start sorting through the clutter. Eileen is initially defensive, and the process is slow and painful, but eventually, she begins to see the gravity of her situation. Each item she comes across holds a story, a memory or a hope, and she struggles to let go of them.

The team uses a systematic approach to go through each item and sort them into keep, donate and trash. They also clean the apartment, fumigate the space, and make necessary repairs. Patricia is supportive of her mom's efforts and is happy to see her mother take control of her addiction.

The episode also explores the psychological roots of Eileen's hoarding. She opens up to the team about her childhood and how her upbringing may have contributed to her problem. Her mother passed away when she was young, and her father was an abusive alcoholic, which led her to seek comfort in her belongings. She also suffered from depression and anxiety, which made it difficult for her to seek help.

Through the intervention, Eileen is able to confront her pain and begin the journey to healing. She slowly learns to let go of her possessions and focus on the present. The intervention is a success, and the apartment is transformed into a livable and safe space. Eileen now has a chance to rebuild her life, reconnect with her daughter, and regain her independence.

In conclusion, the show Hoarding: Buried Alive season 1 episode 8 "Everything is at Stake," is an emotional and touching portrayal of the devastating effects of hoarding on individuals and their families. The episode highlights the importance of facing our demons, seeking help, and letting go of our past to move towards a brighter future. The episode is a must-watch for anyone struggling with compulsive hoarding or knows someone who does.