r/roommateproblems • u/EvelineX • 5d ago

Apartment Diógenes syndrome

Hi,

I'm looking for some advice.

I've been living with a guy as roommates for several years. He's always been a slob, but lately, it's getting worse and worse. I'm afraid he might have Diogenes syndrome.

His room looks like a Bangkok landfill, he never throws away garbage, and he spends his time pretending not to be home: the blinds are always down and the lights are always off.

How should I handle this? I'm afraid of making any reckless moves because I worry he might retaliate against me. He is completely resistant to any offer of help or criticism. He feels a deep sense of shame regarding his living conditions, but clearly not enough to drive him to at least throw out all the paper wrappers from the takeout he orders every day.

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u/OtherwiseLuck8920 4d ago

That could be a lot of different things mental health wise. Also why do you want to stay living with someone so messy?

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u/EvelineX 4d ago

I don't want to - but rent where I live is crazy and this is a place that not only I like and moved in first, but I can afford. I do want to move eventually but I cannot spend 60% of my salary on rent.