Indian culture has always emphasised maximising resource utilisation and minimising wastage. Historically, generations have been encouraged to save for difficult times, leading to behaviours associated with the need and obsession with items. While these habits stem from practical causes like economic instability and resource scarcity in the past, they can sometimes become problematic in the contemporary world.

Dr Arvind Otta, Senior Psychologist & Mental Health Activist, explains that cultural tendencies toward hoarding and cluttering, though not inherently weaknesses, can exacerbate mental health conditions in individuals with underlying risk factors.

He says: "Different social, cultural, and economic reasons explain the excessive hoarding and cluttering in the Indian context. In Indian culture, it is extremely important to maintain and store things primarily based on their emotional, religious, or folklore significance.

For example, items like clothes from wedding ceremonies, photograph albums, or family heirlooms are rarely disposed of due to beliefs that such actions might invite bad luck. This practice is deeply rooted in a culture that values embracing familial roots and history."

Dr Otta also points out how historical shortages contribute to this mentality: "The tendency to stockpile items 'for a rainy day' stems from generational memories of material scarcity. However, with urbanisation and compact living spaces, such habits have created conspicuous household clutter, especially in apartments where storage is limited."

Adding to the issue is the growing culture of consumerism. "Increased access to commodities has fostered a habit of acquiring more products, often without the practice of discarding older ones. This results in households valuing physical possessions more than the comfort or well-being of their inhabitants," Dr Otta says.

While saving and repurposing align with cultural norms, Dr Otta warns of the psychological impacts of excessive accumulation: "Clutter leads to anxiety, reduces concentration, and can escalate into clutter hoarding, where even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Additionally, disorganised spaces accumulate dust and pests, posing physical health risks, particularly in urban areas."

Dr Otta further elaborates: "Extreme hoarding often leads to social isolation, as individuals may avoid inviting guests due to embarrassment over their living conditions. This contributes to a significant decline in quality of life and highlights the need for a balanced understanding of cultural practices and mental health concerns."

Dr Otta lists practical strategies rooted in Indian culture to manage hoarding tendencies:

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Mental Health, Health and around the world.