Resources  email page print page Basic Information Introduction to Obsessive-Compulsive DisorderObsessive-Compulsive Disorder OrganizationsObsessive-Compulsive Disorder WebsitesSymptoms - Obsessive-Compulsive DisorderTreatment - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder More Information Facts about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Latest News Classification of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder DebatableHealth Tip: Signs That You May Have Obsessive-Compulsive DisorderImplanted Device Approved for Severe Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Questions and Answers Is it Anxiety? Is it Normal to Be Like That?Not NormalPlease help fix my mom. - Kenny Frightening thoughts - fear losing control - please help!OCD?Saving my SonScary thoughts, dark feelings, help?Violent/murderous sexual fantasiesCounting ritual - Zami - Aug 30th 2008OCD Blog Entries An Interview with Gail Steketee, PhD, on Hoarding and OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)It's Not Me, It's the OCDNew A&E Series Explores Anxiety DisordersRaising awareness: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder may be more prevalent than you thinkStuff, Why Is It So Difficult to Part With?Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Plagued by DoubtOn Being A PerfectionistDavid Beckham has OCDGenetic contribution to OCD may have been identified Videos Anxiety and OCD VideoPET Scans for OCDObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Video Links [1] Articles[1] Associations[3] Government[7] Information[3] Videos Book Reviews Compulsive ActsDevil in the DetailsDirty Filthy Love DVDEverything In Its PlaceGetting ControlJust CheckingOvercoming Compulsive CheckingOvercoming Compulsive HoardingOvercoming Obsessive ThoughtsPassing for NormalRewind, Replay, RepeatThe OCD WorkbookThe Thought that CountsWashing My Life Away

Community Talk about this issue in our mental health support community

Therapist Search Find a Therapist:  (USA/CAN only) Use our Advanced Search to locate a therapist outside of North America.

Related Topics Mental Disorders Treatments & Interventions Mental Disorders Autism ADHD Alcohol & Substance Abuse Anxiety Disorders Bipolar Disorder Conversion Disorders Depression (Unipolar) Depression Primer Disorders of Childhood Eating Disorders Dissociative Disorders Impulse Control Disorders Internet Addiction Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Personality Disorders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Schizophrenia Sexual Disorders Suicide & Self-Harm Tourettes and other Tic Disorders Medical Disorders Alzheimers And Other Dementias Cancer Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Colds and Flu Crohns Disease / Irritable Bowel Diabetes Epilepsy Heart Disease High Blood Pressure Memory Problems Men's Health Multiple Sclerosis Sexually Transmitted Diseases Sleep Disorders Stroke Women's Health Wellness Anger Management Emotional Resilience Exercise Smoking Stress Reduction Weight Loss Life Issues Abuse Adoption Child Care Dating Disabilities Disasters Divorce Domestic Violence and Rape Elder Care Family & Relationship Issues Grief & Bereavement Issues Pain Management Parenting Parenting Child & Adolescent Development Overview Child Development and Parenting: Infants Child Development and Parenting: Early Childhood Pregnancy Infertility Child Care Relationship Problems Self Esteem Sexuality & Sexual Problems Speech Problems Terrorism & War Healthcare Health Insurance Health Policy & Advocacy Health Sciences Mental Health Professions Treatments & Interventions Alternative Medicine Assessment Medications Psychotherapy Lifespan Development Pregnancy Child & Adolescent Development Overview Child Development and Parenting: Infants Child Development and Parenting: Early Childhood Sexuality & Sexual Problems Homosexuality & Bisexuality Aging & Geriatrics Death & Dying

	Ask Dr. Schwartz: Psychotherapy and Mental Health questions
Archive · Ask a Question · Read the Disclaimer · Biographical Statement · RSS Feed

I'm really worried about my mom. She just can't let ANYTHING go. This problem has always had the potential to be a major issue, but now that I have become independent, it is spiraling out of control. I'm an only child, and I think she is trying to compensate for the fact that I am no longer in the nest. The magazines, greeting cards, and old newspapers have always been a problem. Now she's progressed to a level that is starting to scare me. She has over 2,000 beanie babies. Every time a fast food restaurant gives some little piece of chunk away with their food she will take it and save it. She'll buy their kid's meals until she has the entire collection. She'll save every little trinket from a cereal box. I could go on and on but I think you get the picture. I've tried to talk to her about it, but she always gets angry and says she doesn't want to talk about it. Or she'll call herself a collector and scream, " it's my stuff", and then storm off. I really am not sure how to tackle this problem. I just found this site and thought it might not be a bad place to start. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank You for your time. KB

advertisement

THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION WILL NOT BE DISPLAYED UNTIL YOU HAVE INDICATED YOUR AGREEMENT WITH THE DISCLAIMER PRINTED JUST BELOW. CLICK THE 'I AGREE' BUTTON TO AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND SEE THE RESPONSE.

Disclaimer

• Dr. Schwartz responds to questions about psychotherapy and mental health problems, from the perspective of his training in clinical psychology.
• Dr. Schwartz intends his responses to provide general educational information to the readership of this website; answers should not be understood to be specific advice intended for any particular individual(s).
• Questions submitted to this column are not guaranteed to receive responses.
• No correspondence takes place.
• No ongoing relationship of any sort (including but not limited to any form of professional relationship) is implied or offered by Dr. Schwartz to people submitting questions.
• Dr. Schwartz, Mental Help Net and CenterSite, LLC make no warranties, express or implied, about the information presented in this column. Dr. Schwartz and Mental Help Net disclaim any and all merchantability or warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or liability in connection with the use or misuse of this service.
• Always consult with your psychotherapist, physician, or psychiatrist first before changing any aspect of your treatment regimen. Do not stop your medication or change the dose of your medication without first consulting with your physician.