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RD Advice When Clutter Goes Out of Control Saving stuff is normal. Sometimes, though, it can go too far By Deborah Branscum A fresh-faced young music teacher at 29, Jane Kellaway had no idea that her new husband Graham, an accountant, had a problem with hoarding. But after they married in 1975, their Midlands home soon became stuffed with packaging, newspapers, old letters and cards that Graham refused to throw away. Items that he felt might come in useful one day began to pile up on the landing.
Moving house ten years later made little difference; the clutter simply moved with them. “Several rooms became inaccessible,” says Jane. “I was embarrassed if anyone came into the house. My social life—and the children’s—ground to a halt.” Only when the Kelloways’ young son Simon was referred for treatment for behavioural problems did a psychiatrist finally diagnose Graham as suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). But he refused to accept it. Seven years ago, after suffering a breakdown, Jane threatened to leave Graham if he did not seek help. At last he agreed.
Now husband and wife are receiving psychological treatment from a private doctor. Jane says therapy has helped her understand her husband’s disorder and what drives it. He, in turn, is beginning to respond. With the help of their daughter, he has cleared out a spare bedroom crammed full of old furniture and books so that their grandson can now come to stay. Page 1 of 7 |
