Ep 1. Debra & Patty

Debra & Patty is the first episode of the sixth season of the critically acclaimed show Hoarders which was released in 2014. This episode, like every other episode of the show, shows the life of two people whose extreme hoarding habits have caused them to fall into severe neglect and struggle both mentally and physically.

Debra and Patty are two cousins who have been living together for several years, and both of them are hoarders. The house that they share is no less than a dumping ground, and they haven't thrown away anything in decades. There are rotting food items, animal feces, piles of clothing, and other household items everywhere that make it impossible to walk through some parts of the house.

The house is smelly, dirty, and infested with rats, which are the actual residents of the house, and both Debra and Patty are completely oblivious to the unsanitary conditions. The clutter had turned the once charming family home into a scene that bordered on negligence. Debra & Patty have developed an emotional attachment to everything they have and cannot bear to see anything removed. They feel that throwing anything away dishonors their loved ones and that the objects they own have sentimental value.

The cousins are emotionally and socially cut off from their families, and very few people, if any, have visited them over the years. Their hoarding has made it hard for them to keep up their hygiene, which has had adverse effects on their health. They are both obese, have developed breathing problems, arthritis, and they seldom go out. It's abundantly clear that their living conditions are a health hazard, and they're not able to see it.

The episode showcases the lives of Debra & Patty, how their effective hoarding has taken a toll on their physical and emotional health, and the intervention by clinicians and professional organizers who try to break through their emotional attachment to the objects they possess. A significant emphasis has been laid on their relationship with each other as they are the only constant companionship they have.

The hoarding clean-up process is an emotionally and mentally taxing experience for Debra & Patty. The professional organizers visit their house and work through the piles of objects, sifting through and deciding which items must go. The hoarders are actively involved in this process, and at times, it's challenging for them to part with their possessions. The organizers and clinicians work with them through their feelings and anxiety in this process.

The episode ends on a positive note, with the house being transformed from a dirty and filthy place to a clean and livable environment. The work done by the organizers and clinicians is commendable, and the hoarders are happy with the transformation themselves. It's no longer difficult for anyone to walk through the house, and there is proper sanitation.

Debra and Patty's emotional bond is strong, and throughout the episode, they support each other through the difficult process of hoarding clean-up. They are proud of their achievement and grateful for the help they received.

Overall, the first episode of season six of Hoarders is an emotionally charged and inspiring account of the devastating effects of hoarding. It highlights the arduous journey taken by the hoarders, the intervention by professionals, and the ultimate transformation of the hoarders' living space into a clean and healthy environment.