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In this episode I chat with Sam, who speaks movingly about growing up with a mother who hoards. Now 28, Sam reflects on the claustrophobic environment, the impact on their self-esteem and organisation, and the ongoing journey to rebuild a relationship with food, space, and self-worth. Whether you're a hoarder, the child of somebody who hoards, or you know someone who is, Sam's story offers a vital perspective on living through - and beyond - the hoard.

Sam’s experience growing up in a hoarded home
Importance of understanding perspectives of those affected by hoarding
Sam’s Childhood Experience
Description of upbringing in a hoarded home
Emotional impact and feelings of claustrophobia and anxiety
Lack of emotional and physical space
Experiences of shame and comparison with peers
Coping Mechanisms and Effects on Daily Life
Sam's view of their home as an obstacle course
Impact of hoarding on family relationships
Lack of privacy and its influence on personal development
Impact on Self-Esteem and Mental Health
Struggle with self-esteem and self-care
Connection between environment and depression
Feelings of negativity and isolation
School and Social Interactions
Effect on academic performance and organisational skills
Challenges in completing schoolwork
Experiences with friends visiting the home and related anxieties
Adolescence and Growing Awareness
Anger and frustration during teenage years
Lack of external intervention and support
Missed opportunities for professional help
External Perception and Professional Insight
Outside family and societal perceptions of hoarding
Drip-feeding experiences to others and feeling of overwhelming others
Relationship with Food and Nutrition
Negative perceptions of food due to spoiling and smells
Ongoing struggle with eating certain foods, particularly fruit
Rebuilding a relationship with food as an adult
Leaving the Home and Independence
Sam’s experience and decision to move out at 20
Challenges and processes involved in leaving the parental hoarded home
Continued responsibilities in a second hoarded home
Long-term Effects on Sam’s Adult Life
Influence on career choice and support work with young carers
Ongoing challenges with personal organisation and self-care
Struggles with mental health and burnout
Sam’s Relationship with Family
Complex relationship dynamics with parents
Lack of understanding from parents regarding Sam’s struggles and decisions
Reflection on parental insight into hoarding and its effects on family
Current Relationship with Hoarding and Cleaning
Sam’s approach to possessions
Emotional responses to cleaning and organising tasks
Developing the skillset for maintaining an organised living space
Message for Others Experiencing Similar Situations
Encouragement for other young carers and children of hoarders
Importance of self-worth and identity outside of hoarding stigmas
Strategies for mental health and personal growth
Final Thoughts and Reflections
Reflections on how sharing and exploration helps understanding
Hope for the interview to be beneficial to listeners with similar experiences

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