E60: The Emotional Domain of Stuff

Emotional attachments to possessions can be deeply ingrained, sometimes leading to behaviors like hoarding, which affects approximately 2-6% of the population and is recognized as a mental disorder. Hoarding can impact an individual's quality of life, resulting in cluttered living spaces, strained relationships, and increased stress and anxiety.

In a heartfelt conversation, Ivy Bauers, a self-identified hoarder, candidly shares her personal experiences and struggles with accumulating possessions. She offers insight into how her attachment to "stuff" has affected various aspects of her life, including relationships and daily functioning.

Kirtly Jones, MD, also speaks with Tyler Durns, MD, a forensic and clinical psychiatrist, about the psychological underpinnings of hoarding. They explore how and why some people develop intense emotional connections to their belongings, what differentiates hoarding from ordinary collecting, and the mental and emotional challenges associated with the disorder.