SAN DIEGO, Aug. 11 /EMWNews/ -- The piles of dusty camping gear,

tools and holiday decorations in your garage may simply be an annoyance you

are waiting to organize, but for the estimated two million Americans who

suffer from compulsive hoarding, those spare items are just a glimpse of

what lays inside their homes.



    Compulsive hoarders are characterized by a strong compulsion to collect

unneeded or useless items. They are often unable to discard items for the

fear that they may be needed or have value in the future. Every surface in

their homes, from countertops to stairs, may be covered in piles of junk.

When the stacks of old newspapers and food containers threaten to overwhelm

them, it can spread to their vehicles, backyards and garages. While some

may poke fun at hoarders, the condition can lead to unsanitary living

environments, fire hazards and even risk of injury from falling objects.



    How can you find out if you are a hoarder or just disorganized? Ask

yourself these questions to find out how serious your problem is:






    -- Do you become anxious at the thought of throwing away your things?

    -- Is your home so cluttered you are unable to use spaces for their

       original purpose?

    -- Do everyday tasks take longer because of the clutter?

    -- Does the clutter affect your ability to maintain relationships or

       socialize?

    -- Are loved ones distressed by the condition of your home and encouraging

       you to seek help?



    If you answered yes to any of the questions above and believe you are a

hoarder, the California Association Marriage and Family Therapists

encourages you to seek help from a licensed therapist to:






    -- Discover why you feel the need to hoard

    -- Learn how to organize your possessions so that you know what to discard

    -- Utilize relaxation skills to avoid nervous collecting

    -- Develop and maintain healthy habits



    Do not let hoarding take over your home or your life. If you believe

you are affected by compulsive hoarding, and it affects your ability to

lead a normal life, consider seeking professional consultation. A licensed

therapist can help you identify the underlying issues behind hoarding and

assist you on your way to recovery.



    For more information about Marriage and Family Therapists, or to locate

a therapist in your area, please visit http://www.TherapistFinder.com.

    About CAMFT



    The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, with 27

chapters throughout the state, is an independent professional organization,

representing the interests of licensed marriage and family therapists.

CAMFT provides TherapistFinder.com as a resource to the public looking for

marriage and family therapists located in California. For more information

about CAMFT, please call (858) 292-2638 or visit http://www.camft.org.