Ep 9. Are You Serious?

In Hoarding: Buried Alive season 4 episode 9, titled "Are You Serious?", we are introduced to a woman named Gaye who has been hoarding for over 20 years. She lives in a large, cluttered house with her husband, daughter and granddaughter. The episode starts with Gaye and her family giving a tour of their home, highlighting the different areas where Gaye has accumulated piles of stuff. Everywhere you look, there are piles of clothes, papers, and even stacks of furniture. The family is aware of the severity of the situation, but despite their efforts to clean up, they haven't been able to make much progress.

The episode then takes us through Gaye's backstory, delving into her childhood and revealing some of the reasons behind her hoarding. Gaye grew up in a home with an alcoholic father, and her mother would use shopping as a way to cope with the stress of the situation. This led to Gaye growing up with a mindset that she needed to hold onto everything in order to feel secure. As she got older, this mentality became more extreme and led to her hoarding.

Throughout the episode, we see Gaye struggle with letting go of her possessions. She becomes visibly anxious and upset when the team tries to dispose of some of her items, and there are times when she breaks down in tears. One of the most powerful scenes in the episode is when Gaye's granddaughter asks her why she holds onto so much stuff, and Gaye can't even come up with an answer.

The Hoarding: Buried Alive team works with Gaye to help her let go of some of her possessions, and to create a more livable environment in her home. They bring in a therapist to help Gaye work through her anxiety, and they create a plan to slowly clear out the clutter. One of the most challenging aspects of Gaye's hoarding is that she believes that she is holding onto valuable items that she could potentially sell in the future. The team works with her to categorize her items and to help her realize that most of them are not worth keeping.

The episode is a powerful reminder of the impact that hoarding can have on individuals and their families. It shows that hoarding is not just a physical problem, but a mental one as well. The emotional toll that hoarding takes on Gaye and her family is palpable throughout the episode. However, it also shows that with the right support and resources, individuals can work towards improving their situation.

Overall, Hoarding: Buried Alive season 4 episode 9 provides a compelling look into the world of hoarding and the challenges that individuals face when trying to change their behavior. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in mental health and psychology, as it highlights the complexities of hoarding and the importance of compassion and understanding.