According to the International OCD Foundation, approximately 2% to 6% of people suffer from hoarding disorder. And one version of that is stocking up on food
Many people love to see their cupboards full of food for themselves and their families. However, when the amount of food is excessive, the person hides the food on hand, or considers it too valuable to throw away when it spoils, it may be related to food hoarding or hoarding disorder. , experts say.
According to the International OCD Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports people with OCD, approximately 2% to 6% of people suffer from hoarding disorder. And one version of that is stocking up on food.
About 75% of these people have another mental health condition in addition to the hoarding disorder, such as major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder, the agency says.
It’s natural to have an emotional connection to food, and it makes you feel good to be there, Kate Daigle, a mental health counselor who specializes in eating disorders, tells CNN. Psychologist Alexis Jonason notes that for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder, malnutrition or other trauma, having a food supply can weaken their desire.
What is hoarding disorder?
A food hoarding disorder can vary depending on a person’s access to the market.
For young children, this may mean hiding food in their room or cupboard from their parents or carers – sometimes they eat and sometimes they don’t.
“It’s just there as a form of emotional safety because you feel deprived somewhere,” Daigle explains. “Not necessarily physically deprived of food, but maybe emotionally,” she says.
For adults or children who can afford it, this may mean going out and buying large amounts of food that they sometimes store in landfills.
What’s wrong with hoarding food?
When a person spends all their money on food and can’t afford other basic needs, the obsession with food hoarding can take a financial toll.
There may also be sanitary issues (cleanliness, food safety, etc.) or health issues if food spoils.
There are also concerns about mental health and social relationships, the expert says. People with hoarding tendencies may isolate themselves due to embarrassment or feel more comfortable around food than elsewhere.
Why do people collect food?
Professor of Neurology at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. Erin Rhinehart says that stockpiling more food than we need at a given time is a somewhat strategic move and a common occurrence in nature.
Many animals have evolved food storage mechanisms to survive, he says.
“In animals, this behavior increases if they go really short without food,” Rhinehart said.
“It’s basically a safety valve or a way to make sure you never run out of food,” he said.
Many people with these behaviors may have experienced severe childhood trauma (including during the Occupation in Greek reality). Fearing that there really was no food and that there would be a shortage again as adults, they continued to gather food.
However, other deficiencies or limitations may lead to food hoarding behaviors later in life. Perhaps food was missing or the child’s emotional needs were not being met.
The expert says that sense of security is not provided in families with addiction, physical or emotional abuse or neglect.
This can serve as a breeding ground for the development of various comfort-seeking object hoarding disorders, be it food or other objects of emotional value.
It’s common for hoarding to shame and isolate people, so approach any loved one you think may be hoarding with understanding and non-judgment, says Daigle.
Instead of focusing on his behavior, ask him to talk about his emotional experience.
If you see this behavior in yourself, know that there are ways to feel better, she notes. The next step is to seek the support of a professional to heal any deep wounds and unmet needs, so you can replace food hoarding with healthier coping mechanisms.