chryssy83 Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 I feel pretty certain that my father has OCD--his hoarding has filled every spare inch of the house my parents share with stuff that no one wants or needs. He just keeps buying more... I'm a professional school student and I live many hours away. However, I am still in close contact with my family and I visit for holidays. So here we are, it's Thanksgiving, and it makes me nervous to be in their home. It's so full of stuff, and my mom is really down about how she can't buy anything new or decorate because his collections are in the way. His own family (parents, siblings) doesn't really talk to him anymore because he was driving them nuts, and I'm not going to lie--he probably is depressed much of the time. He sleeps a ton, even though he's a productive person and has a really good job. When I was younger and living at home, he was pretty verbally abusive. He doesn't act like that anymore with me, because he knows I will just leave but he does with my mother. So here's my question--I want him to get treatment. I've asked him to a million times, and tried to tell him that his behaviors aren't normal and I think he should talk to someone. He thinks we are the ones with the problems, the stuff he collects is super-valuable, and the stuff we like is worthless because "people sell those jeans at garage sales all the time for nothing." Is there anyone on here who has advice for me? I'm particularly looking for someone who had a family member who dealt with something like this but was convinced to get help. As for me, I've been to counseling. I was told to just stay away as much as possible and stop worrying about everyone else in my family. The problem is that I don't have fulfilling relationships with them like I would want and when I avoid them because of this they get hurt and make me feel guilty. Since they help me financially while I'm in school I feel like I'm taking more than I give to this family situation. I could go on for hours, but for now....any help?? Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 You can't help a person who doesn't want to be fixed. You could try pointing him to the Messies and Hoarders forum (something like that - you'll have to search for it) or show him the story of the Collyer Brothers (Wiki has it). Past that, there's nothing you can do for people who won't help themselves. And there's nothing to be guilty about - you aren't forcing them to behave the way they're behaving. You've done your best. Link to post Share on other sites
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