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Mommy's Filthy Obsession

Tuesday, July 22, 2008
filed under: first person

Whether it's Jimmy Choo shoes, antique clothing or even old copies of their favorite magazine, most women will admit to collecting something in their lifetime. But when does it turn from hobby into hoarding--a life-altering obsession--and mental illness?

In Part One of our two-part series, we'll meet Jennifer, a wife and mother of two, who says says that the thousands of things she has amassed from flea markets, thrift stores and the streets are treasures. Her 13-year-old daughter, Betty, disagrees and thinks her mother's obsession is just plain embarrassing.

Tomorrow, in Part Two of our series, we get a more in depth look at how debilitating hoarding can really be--sometimes resulting in serious mental illness. We'll meet a young woman whose mother collected so much stuff that she was literally pushed out and became homeless due to her severe case of compulsive hoarding disorder. Things got so bad that the city threatened to take her mother's home away, so she and her brothers stepped in. What happened next was something no one expected. Also tomorrow, an expert clues us in on what's really happening in the lives of hoarders. How can you tell if someone you love is just obsessed with collecting--or if they are suffering from a very real case of compulsive hoarding disorder?

hoarder_gallery.jpg
next: Mom, What's a Lesbian?

filed under: first person

6 comments so far | Post a comment now >>

 
This makes me feel sorry for my girlfriend. I’m addicted to garage sales and antique/thrift shops. I can see this being me one day. :\
- M
Posted 07/22/08 02:08 PM
 
Seems normal to me!
- Putti
Posted 07/22/08 02:49 PM
 
WHERE can I get some of her STUFF!!!!
- angela
Posted 07/22/08 05:26 PM
 
her place is trashed and filled to the limit - her kids shouldn’t have to live like that. nobody is into a packrat.
- foxymama
Posted 07/22/08 05:40 PM
 
Lord, this woman needs help in the way. I fell so sorry for her husband and daughter
- PATTY
Posted 07/23/08 02:33 PM
 
Jennifer, If you want to work on relieving some of your load I am taking donations for purses, clothes and shoes that would be beneficial to teenage girls with little resources for these items. All donations in these categories would be greatly appreciated and would go to well deserving teenage girls who strive to be strong, independent women. I am looking for items that are in good condition but do not have to be new and preferably high end products that underprivileged teen girls could only dream of possessing. If you are interested in making any donations you can e-mail me at dekama3@hotmail.com for shipping details or answers to any questions you might have. Thank you so much…This also apply s to any readers who are willing to take a chance on a stay at home moms project of bettering the lives of these girls.
- Deana
Posted 07/25/08 09:35 PM
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