The link between hoarding and depression

Major depressive disorder (MDD) — often referred to as depression — is present in about 50% of people with hoarding disorder, making it one of the most frequently co-occurring conditions. One of the challenges in differentiating between these conditions is they can both cause depressive symptoms. For example, a person may wonder if they’re feeling depressed as a result of how their hoarding has impacted their life. Alternatively, someone might wonder if their depression has led to hoarding. 

These are complex questions best answered with the help of a mental health professional. However, learning more about how hoarding and depression interact can help you understand your experience and empower you to ask for help.

Is hoarding a symptom of depression?

Hoarding isn’t an officially recognized symptom of depression. But depressive symptoms might contribute to hoarding. For example, depression can lead to a loss of motivation, energy, and focus. These symptoms can make it difficult to stay organized, clean, and do other household chores. The result could be an accumulation of clutter and an unsafe living environment.

Depression can also cause periods of sadness or hopelessness. So, accumulating items might become a way to experience a temporary mood boost. These feelings could lead a person to repeatedly purchase things they don’t need. Over time, this can negatively affect their living environment and other important areas of their life.

Can hoarding disorder cause depression?

Depression occurs in about half of people with hoarding disorder. This might be due to a series of shared genetic, biological, and environmental risk factors. However, the depressive symptoms brought on by hoarding disorder aren’t identical to symptoms of major depressive disorder. This example can illustrate this important difference: 

Imagine a person who has been diagnosed with hoarding disorder. They’re able to see the problems their hoarding has caused, even though they struggle to control it. They wish they could deal with the clutter. But they say they feel depressed and anxious whenever loved ones ask them to throw things away. In this instance, their hoarding isn’t stemming from a loss of energy or motivation due to depression. For this person, their hoarding is due to a fear of getting rid of items they might need in the future.

Are there risks of living with depression and hoarding disorder?

Living with co-occurring depression and hoarding disorder can worsen symptoms of both conditions. 

If left untreated, hoarding and depression can seriously impact your mental health, physical well-being, and quality of life. One of the challenges with depression and hoarding is that they can both lead to isolation. People with these conditions may feel ashamed or embarrassed, and this can cause them to push other people away. 

While there’s no cure for depression or hoarding disorder, they can be managed with the right support. So if you or someone you care about is showing symptoms of these conditions, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

Recovering from hoarding and depressive disorders

Most people with co-occurring hoarding disorder and depression need professional help to manage their mental health. This typically involves integrated care addressing both conditions at the same time. 

While each person’s treatment experience will reflect their individual needs, those with co-occurring hoarding disorder and depression may benefit from: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is one of the most widely used treatments for hoarding disorder. It can help uncover and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, while helping you develop new coping skills. For example, CBT might encourage a person to examine their beliefs about their possessions. But it can also help interrupt negative thought patterns caused by depression.
• Family therapy: Both hoarding and depression can affect family and friends. So, in some cases, it can be helpful to come together to work on healing as a unit. Family therapy can help loved ones improve communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills. It can also create a safe environment where people can build empathy for each other. 
• Medication: There are currently no medications approved to treat hoarding disorder. However, there are several medications used to treat depression. If you have co-occurring depression and hoarding disorder, talk to your provider about whether this option is right for you.

In addition to seeking professional help for co-occurring hoarding and depression, here are five ways you can strengthen your mental health. 

• Start small. Trying to change your habits or routines all at once can lead to overwhelm and make it harder to achieve your goals. So, take small but meaningful steps each day to reduce hoarding and/or improve your mood. For example, instead of trying to organize an entire room, start with a closet or other smaller area. 
• Create a plan. Getting specific about what you want to accomplish can help you work toward positive change. For example, maybe you know that going for a walk after work helps you feel better. Adding that walk to your daily calendar ensures you always have that time reserved for yourself.
• Celebrate wins. Recovery from hoarding and depression is a lifelong process, and healing isn’t necessarily a linear process. But you can help keep yourself motivated by honoring your wins, no matter how small. Try to give yourself credit each time you prioritize yourself and your mental health.
• Try something new. Look for opportunities to try activities you might enjoy that don’t involve buying or saving things. For example, if you love animals, you can give back by volunteering at a shelter. Or, if you love nature, you could join a local hiking group.   
• Talk to someone. Both hoarding and depression can lead to social isolation. While it can be hard to start conversations about mental health, sharing your experiences with someone you trust can help you feel less alone. 

Find care with Rula

Hoarding disorder and depression are two different mental health conditions that frequently co-occur. They can also cause similar symptoms like social isolation, low mood, and a loss of motivation. The connection between these conditions is complex. But whether you’re struggling with hoarding, depression, or both, know that with the right support, you can manage your symptoms. 

When you need convenient, affordable mental health care, we invite you to explore Rula. With over 10,000 providers to choose from, you can quickly find an in-network provider who offers the specialized care you deserve. Check out our therapist-matching program today to find a provider who takes your insurance and schedules your first appointment for as soon as tomorrow.

Find a therapist with Rula