Hoarders Buried Alive: Media Analysis

The Perception of Mental Illnesses as Portrayed by the Television Show “Hoarders” Mental illnesses have been a subject matter of various media outlets for a number of years, ranging from controversial topics in the news such as its involvement in gun violence/control to the focus of blockbuster hit movies. Often times, the media may portray mental illnesses incorrectly, which can lead to stigmas on this topic, and may play a role in the deterrence of people from seeking the help they need (Tartakovsky, 2013). I chose to focus my media paper on the hit popular reality TV show “Hoarders” featured on A&E. There is also a similar version of this show on the TLC network titled “Hoarders: Buried Alive.” “Hoarders” provides a look into the life of

It may show the most extreme cases of the disorder, but nonetheless, truthfully depicts the behaviors and actions carried out by someone affected by it. Hoarding disorder is characterized by a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them, which causes distressed thoughts for those experiencing it (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). People who often hoard do not see it as a problem, making treatment more difficult, which was demonstrated in Dee’s experience (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). All of the thoughts, behaviors, and moods expressed in this episode of “Hoarders” are consistent with issues of this disorder. Both Jan and Dee have limited or no social interaction; shame or embarrassment; difficulty organizing items; acquiring unneeded or seemingly useless items; letting food or trash build up; cluttered living spaces; excessive attachment to possessions; and persistent inability to part with any possessions, which are all signs/symptoms of hoarding disorder (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). I feel that most media outlets that utilize mental illnesses as their topic bring attention in some way to it, but sometimes it does more harm than good. For instance, with “Hoarders” it brings awareness to how serious hoarding disorder can be, and that people suffer with it everyday, but can receive the help they need. However, this disorder is represented on a reality TV show for audiences entertainment, something to watch to pass the time. I think the myths or stigmas surrounding mental illnesses are all about perception. People suffering from a mental illness can see their condition portrayed on TV, and either feel they are being mocked or realize there are others like them, and that help is available for them. In the case with “Hoarders,” the information represented on the show is very consistent with the literature, and someone with the