Shopaholism as a diagnosis: where does the craving for purchases come from and how to overcome it

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

If only shopping trips bring you true joy, if you no longer care about real life and it seems that everything around is hopelessly dull, but only in stores you will find peace and comfort, it's time to sound the alarm!

It's no secret that modern society is a consumer society. We follow the release of brand new gadgets, all kinds of gadgets, clothing collections. Shopping is okay when the moral limit is not exceeded. It seems that there is money - you have to spend, there is no need to put it in a box, as grandmothers do.

The line is very thin. The usual desire to buy the most necessary things (food, shoes for the season, re-glue the wallpaper, because the old ones look a little old) can easily turn into mania. And then help will be needed not only for your wallet and yourself, but also for your loved ones.

How to recognize a shopaholic

“God, what shoes! What a sole! - and that's it, a person can be lost. When you are next to him, you roll your eyes, reminding him that he even already has a special room in which he stores the purchased shoes. In response, you hear excuses like “But it hasn’t been on such a sole yet” or “Okay, okay, these are the last ones,” and often in a rude, irritated form.

The next day you find out that he still went for that very shoe alone, because you did not share his joy.

Maybe you recognized yourself in this description? Think hard.

Everything is sadder than it seems. Yes, there are many examples of celebrity shopaholics who are, in principle, happy (Paris Hilton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Victoria Beckham and others), but they spend money that will not make them feel good. Your wallet and brain can be seriously damaged if the problem is not addressed as early as possible.

Shopaholism is the same diagnosis as migraine or asthma

Oniomania (from the Greek onios - "for sale" and mania - "madness"), or shopaholism, is a phenomenon akin to mental illness, addiction. It sounds bad already. Emil Kraepelin, a famous German psychiatrist who worked on this problem with Eugen Bleuler, first suggested Vijaya Murali, Rajashree Ray, Mohammed Shaffiullha. … this term at the end of the 19th century.

Together they figured out the signs of such a common disease today. They rank oniomania in the same list of addictions: alcohol, drugs, smoking. That is, at first it is a simple hobby, then getting almost physical pleasure from shopping, and then deep remorse and reproaches in their favor.

American professors also turned to the study of the problem. For example, Ruth Engs of Indiana says Prof. Ruth Engs. … that people like the sensations they experience when buying this or that thing.

At such moments, endorphins and dopamine speak for us, it is they that allow us to fill the void and lack of something more important than a new sweater. Engs estimates that 10-15% of the population is prone to shopaholism.

Interestingly, both men and women are inclined to shopaholism equally and regardless of age. Stanford University estimates that 6% are women and 5.5% are men.

The causes of oniomania are in the head

There can be a lot of reasons for shopaholism: a lack of attention or its excess in childhood, an overwhelming feeling of loneliness, stress after an experienced breakup, an illusion of power and wealth, a lack of happiness, or even sexual dissatisfaction. Here you will have to delve into yourself.

Donald Black of Iowa State University noted in his Esperanza magazine that about two-thirds of people who suffer from a shopaholic problem are prone to depression and neuroses.

Why you should overcome your addiction to unnecessary spending

Now, surrounded by bags with logos of fashion brands, you can not see further than your nose. Think about what time of year it is. Walk through the park, stepping on the yellow leaves that rustle so pleasantly under the soles. After all, feed the ducks in the pond to bring joy to the wonderful creatures. Pay attention to the songs of street musicians, they create a magical atmosphere of the city.

But this is all true happiness!

Indeed, life is like a flea market: who knows when real treasures will turn up.

x / f "Shopaholic"

Nature and surroundings help us cope with all the difficulties that fate throws at us.

Use these tips and you will feel the mania receding

1. Start spending your money for useful purposes. The money you have is hardly superfluous. If so, do some charity work! You will notice that the feeling of your own satisfaction will be much stronger than if you buy the hundredth bag in a row.

2. Refer to items already purchased. Do not rush to throw away everything you bought during the "eclipse". Finally, try to use all those things that you managed to get your hands on. Experiment with outfits, makeup, read the instructions for use of a particular device, use it.

3. Make a list of the food and items you need. Thanks to him, you will think a hundred times before throwing money down the drain again, without receiving, in fact, real satisfaction. You will feel that, without deviating from the items on the list, you begin to change for the better. This is a good saving, and also a step towards getting rid of shopaholism.

4. Talk to your shopping cravings.

Why did I come here? What exactly do I need in this store? What if I don't buy it right now? Does the price match the quality?

And also ask yourself how much money will remain in your wallet, how the purchase will affect the family budget, where will you put the purchased item, when you can use it, if you have similar items.

All these questions will help you come to the conclusion: "I have nothing to do here, let others spend their money on it."

5. Don't be afraid to talk about your problem. If you think you've gone too far, share your thoughts with loved ones, ask what they think about it, ask for advice. If this does not help, contact a specialist. There is nothing wrong with taking care of your mental health.

Literary assistance

Try reading books that address this issue, such as The Consumer Society by Jean Baudrillard or Buyology by Martin Lindstrom. They will show how humanity is turned into a mass of consumers who can spend a fortune on purchases. You probably won't want to keep giving your hard-earned money to insatiable corporations.

Breathe in the feeling of freedom

Think about what makes you a rash shopping lover. Look around: billboards sparkle with advertisements for new collections, new smartphones are released every month. It is difficult to resist, especially if you have the means.

But the world is full of colors, and you are its artist.

And if you saw your friend in this article, help him by all means. He needs you more than ever.