Episode # 401, “Are you a prepper or a hoarder? Does it make you anxious?”
You may be new to prepping. You may have heard some call it “hoarding”, but is prepping really hoarding? You may have prepped a little bit in the past and now you see a need to kick it up a notch. You might even be trying to get ready for when the “Stuff hits the fan”; will that happen next week, or next month, or next year? Possibly, but not likely.
Hoarding is characterized by a strong desire to save items, a persistent difficulty discarding possessions, regardless of their actual value, and an excessive accumulation of items.
It leads to cluttered living spaces and significant distress or impairment in daily functioning.
It can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Hoarding is recognized as a mental illness. It is classified as a distinct disorder called "hoarding disorder" in Manual of Mental Disorders.
It can range from a cluttered environment to an extremely filthy, unhealthy home filled floor to ceiling with filth, decay, mold, even human and/or pet waste. Some authorities have been forced to condemn properties because of hoarding disorder.
Hoarding disorder may require professional intervention for effective management.
Prepping, is short for "preparing," and refers to the practice of actively preparing for potential emergencies or disasters.
Prepping is not considered a mental illness, nor is it considered to be paranoia.
It is a personal choice and can be seen as a responsible approach to ensuring one's safety and well-being in challenging situations.
It involves taking proactive steps to ensure one's safety, well-being, and survival in the face of unforeseen events such as natural disasters, power outages, or societal disruptions.
Prepping can include activities like: stockpiling food, water, and other essential supplies, learning survival skills, creating emergency plans, and securing necessary equipment.
For some it is a hobby or for peace of mind
Others may have specific concerns or experiences that cause them to prep, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, ice/snow storms, or supply shortages.
It is important to approach prepping with a balanced mindset and consider individual needs and circumstances.
The main difference between hoarding and prepping lies in the underlying motivations and behaviors associated with each practice.
Hoarding is characterized by an excessive accumulation of possessions, often driven by a difficulty in discarding items and a perceived need to save them, regardless of their value or usefulness.
On the other hand, prepping involves actively preparing for potential emergencies or disasters.
It focuses on taking proactive steps to ensure one's safety, well-being, and survival in the face of unforeseen events.
The goal of prepping is to be prepared for emergencies and to have the resources and knowledge needed to navigate challenging situations.
Some people experience anxiety and worry thinking about prepping, or become overwhelmed with prepping.
Anxiety can come from too much thinking and worrying about prepping, too much information, info overload, or too much news coverage. They always give the worst side of stories
Too much time on prepper sites, groups, & forums
Too many are viewing time "left to prep" as short, but people have been prepping for End Of Time almost since Beginning Of Time
We are seeing too many statements such as, if you haven’t started prepping, its too late. Some people are convinced "the end is near." It’s NEVER too late to start prepping.
Social media critics have both labeled preppers as hoarders, and have even called upon the public to “rat out” anyone who is prepping food, water, and other resources. It’s a low-level intimidation game meant to keep folks dependent on government for EVERYTHING. Bad idea.
People eventually wind up believing everything we read or hear. It is a constant dripping of info, a constant reinforcing of info. It is often used as a political tactic, because it works
Are you feeling overwhelmed with prepping?
You may be trying to do too much too quickly. Sure, there is lots to do. Our suggestion is to make a plan and work your plan. Dont over think it. Start with water and shelf stable food to start.
Make it a hobby, it becomes a lifestyle.
You may be trying to "catch up" to others, or comparing ourselves to others in their preps. Don’t do that. Prep at your own pace. Everyone started at the same level.
You may be trying to get ready for TEOTWAWKI – NOW, a society ending or society changing event. You can’t do it all at once, and the odds of that type of event are very low.
You may weed to be taking breaks, at least mentally. Country wisdom says that 95% of the things we worry about never happens.
Maybe you are being unrealistic in your expectations.
Krista & I don't expect to survive everything that COULD happen.
Total nuclear war and CME/EMP may be two of those events, as is a total societal collapse
We'll hold out for a while
We'll give 'em a good run
Eventually but eventually WE WILL run out
We DO expect to survive & thrive through weather related power outages, food shortages, economic down turns, job loss, injury, and illness...
Hopefully, we’ll survive my retirement and being underfoot for Krista
Stuff happens. Stay prepared.
If you find value in the podcast, would you be willing to give back by buying us a cup of coffee?
Buy Us A Cup of Coffee
buymeacoffee.com/practicalprep
Contact us:
Practical Prepping
Website: www.practicalprepping.info
Email at info@practicalprepping.info
Our Sponsors:
ProOne Water Filters - gravity water filters for prepping and everyday use.
Visit ProOne website
4Patriots - your go-to for long-term emergency food and gear. Use the code "prepper" at checkout for a 10% discount on your first order.
ProLine Digital Group
https://www.prolinedesigns.us
Email: info@prolinedesigns.us
AURA - is your total online protection against identity theft , and for VPN.
Jim Curtis Knives
https://www.facebook.com/Jimcurtisknives
Email Jim: j.curtis7mm@yahoo.com
Check out our sponsors. They are all linked from our website. Let them know you heard about them on Practical Prepping Podcast. If you can do business with them, please do. These are all people we do business with, and we trust them. Otherwise, we would not be recommending them to our listeners.
Join us on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for new episodes.