I grew up in a hoarders' household (single mother), it disrupted my natural progression in life to such an extent that it made me alienate people and made me professionally inadequate. Having an absent father obviously played a substantial part in my underdevelopment, but living in fear, anxiety and shame also made me extremely depressive and isolated.

There is something screwed up about a parent doing this to their own kid and taking years to admit to their fault. I have to highlight that hoarding coupled with narcissism is a very neglecting combination that will reduce your existence even in spatial terms. You are not allowed to exist. It becomes a zero-sum game. To have to fight for your existence with your mother did a number on me that I will never fully be able to put into words. So much anger, so much accumulated frustration, so much numbness and suicidal ideation, so much failure and inadequacy...

Hoarding, specially when you are not like that, makes you feel disgusted with yourself. It's corroding.


As you can see in these words, this is an experience that creeps you out. But that doesn't mean one should not strive to improve one's situation. Nothing lasts forever after all. Be strong, and "rage against the dying of the light." Never give up, always protect your core that you know deserves to live a life worth living. Fight for it, hold it. Take matters into your own hands.

This is my testimony and hope it serves you so you can avoid this or help your parent stop this behavior altogether. I wish you the best.

Never give up.


© 2025 by Rafael Serra, All Rights Reserved