Part 5/12:
She describes her mother’s inability—or refusal—to see the chaos. Amanda sensed she couldn't confront her mother directly about her condition; it was too painful and dark a reality for her mother to face. This denial served as a defense mechanism, shielding her from confronting her own mental health struggles.
Trauma, Defense, and the Role of the Hoard
Amanda suggests that her mother’s hoarding likely served as a form of protection—a "womb" built from accumulated possessions that kept others at bay. The hoard became a barrier against emotional trauma and vulnerability, and a way to prevent outsiders from intruding on a deeply private, shameful reality.