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• Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ 

Hoarding disorder can feel deeply isolating, and finding genuine connection isn’t always straightforward.

In this episode, I talk about building community - both through hoarding-specific peer groups, online spaces, as well as simply nurturing friendships outside the home.

I share practical ways to reconnect, set boundaries, and remind yourself that you deserve care and companionship, whatever your home looks like.

• The Relationship Between Hoarding and Isolation


• How hoarding and isolation often accompany each other


• Feelings of shame and concern about being misunderstood


• Secrecy around hoarding, even from friends


• Impact of loneliness on motivation and self-worth


• The fundamental human need for connection


• Finding Community: Hoarding-Specific Support


• Benefits of speaking with others who “get” hoarding


• Relief and authenticity in hoarding-focused communities


• Misunderstandings and stigma around hoarding in general society


• Shared language and understanding in dedicated groups


• Types of Hoarding Communities


• Peer support groups (both for people who hoard and for their loved ones)


• Differences between in-person and online groups


• Dehoarding accountability Zoom groups run by the host


• Therapy groups led by professionals


• Online forums, social media groups, and subreddits


• Choosing a Support Group and Overcoming Barriers


• The process of finding the right group for your needs


• Not all groups will fit; trial and error is normal


• Common barriers: fear of judgment, privacy concerns, and feeling overwhelmed


• Exploring online versus in-person options based on comfort and access


• Managing triggers and emotional challenges when joining a group


• Broadening Community Beyond Hoarding


• Importance of connection outside of the hoarding context


• How hoarding can lead to progressive social isolation


• Ways to set boundaries while still building relationships


• Alternative Sources of Community & Connection


• Joining hobby or interest-based groups (gardening, book clubs, crafts, etc.)


• Attending classes and workshops (in-person or online)


• Volunteering for shared causes and the benefits it offers


• Engaging in outdoor activity groups for physical and mental health


• Involvement in faith communities (acknowledging varied experiences)


• Nurturing and Rekindling Friendships


• The value of maintaining and nurturing friendships


• Strategies for reconnecting with old friends (acknowledging awkwardness)


• Personal anecdotes demonstrating successful reconnection


• Maintaining and Deepening Existing Friendships


• Creative ways of keeping in touch (memes, postcards, regular outings)


• Showing care and interest without inviting people into your home


• Importance of honesty about personal limitations


• Navigating difficult moments with friends through gentle outreach


• Building New Friendships


• The importance of patience and consistent small efforts


• Transitioning from casual acquaintance to meaningful connection


• Reciprocity and mutual engagement as key to growing relationships


• Natural pace of friendship development


• The Value of Self-Compassion


• Being a good friend to yourself while seeking social connections


• Avoiding self-blame and catastrophic thinking


• Recognising your own worth despite challenges related to hoarding


• Taking Small Steps Toward Connection


• Encouragement to take actionable, manageable steps to build community


• Celebrating small efforts toward greater connection


• Realistic expectations about gradual progress


• Suggestions for relevant previous podcast episodes on loneliness, accountability, and community

Links

• Podcast ep 200: Things I wish I’d known: a letter to Episode One Me


• Podcast ep 130: Loneliness and hoarding with Vassia Sarantopoulou: build human connections and combat hoarding-related shame


• Podcast ep 138: The Accountability Effect: Accountability, encouragement and mutual support when tackling hoarding and dehoarding


• Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom session: Accountability Booking Form


• Website: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding


• Become a Dehoarding Darling


• Submit a topic for the podcast to cover


• Questions to ask when dehoarding: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podquestions


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