Shopaholism is a disorder that involves compulsive shopping, or an addiction to excessive buying. It is a common problem among people who suffer from anxiety disorders or depression.
What is shopaholism? Definition of the term
Shopaholism is a set of behaviors in which a person has uncontrollable and irrational tendencies to buy products or services excessively or endlessly, regardless of his financial and emotional needs. A person suffering from shopaholism may experience strong emotions while shopping, such as excitement, euphoria or relief. All this adds up to a strong desire to buy, which is often uncontrollable.
What are the symptoms of shopaholism?
People suffering from shopaholism tend to excessively and frequently buy products or services that are not needed or are excessively expensive. They may also spend more money than is actually available. Those suffering from shopaholism may buy products that are not needed or used, and they are often thrown in the trash or stored in the basement or attic. A shopaholic may also spend too much money on gifts for others, pretending to be more wealthy than they actually are.
How to deal with shopaholicism?
The first step in treating shopaholism is to realize that there is a problem and admit to it. Next, it is important to determine the cause of the problem. It could be stress or depression, and sometimes people suffering from shopaholism have a lot of problems in their relationships with other people. Next, it is important to find the right support. This can be individual or group therapy to help the person suffering from shopaholism cope with the problem. It is also important for the person suffering from shopaholism to start keeping a shopping diary to control his or her spending and avoid falling into the trap of shopaholism again.
Stages of shopaholism
There are four stages of shopaholism that a person suffering from a shopping disorder may find themselves in:
- Imagination stage – this is the stage in which a person suffering from shopaholism plans what he or she wants to buy, often in the hope that this something will make him or her happy.
- The shopping stage – this is the stage when the person suffering from shopoholism makes purchases.
- Satisfaction stage – this is the stage when the person suffering from shopoholism experiences temporary satisfaction with the purchase.
- Regret stage – this is the stage when a person suffering from shopoholism experiences regret after making a purchase. This is the stage when a person shakes off excessive spending and tries to avoid falling into the trap of shopaholism again.