Shopping disorder and its consequences in life

What is shopping addiction?

Are you an avid online shopper? If so, do you find yourself browsing for new clothes or shoes more often than purchasing them? Or perhaps you’re one of the many people who find it impossible to resist the allure of daily flash sales and other irresistible online shopping deals. Do you doubt that you have a shopping disorder?

If you’re like most people, then you probably enjoy shopping from time to time but not as much as your friends and family members. Recent studies have shown that up to 70% of adults in the U.S. view shopping as a source of stress. Why is that? Well, we can know that in a moment. For now, let’s take a look at why so many people see shopping as a stressful activity and what might be causing it.

There are so many ways to describe shopping: as a sport, an activity, a hobby, an art form, or even a mental illness. While that last one seems like a bit of an overstatement, it’s not too far from the truth. This is particularly because shopping can be extremely addictive and problematic for some people. It has been noted that some people have specific issues related to this behavior. It’s considered an impulse control disorder and is sometimes referred to as an oneristic buying disorder or compulsive buying disorder. Read on to learn more about how shopping becomes a disorder and what you can do to avoid falling into that trap in the future…

Do you think your regular shopping becomes a disorder?

Many people go to the store to buy things, but some people have problems with this behavior beyond just shopping. The name of this problem is oneristic buying disorder or compulsive buying disorder. Although this problem is not yet a recognized disorder, there have been many studies about it. This is particularly because of the problem’s high comorbidity with other disorders (meaning it is often found with other disorders). While most people who shop frequently or compulsively are not considered to have an actual disorder, some people struggle with it to the point of being a serious problem in their lives.

Social media addiction paves the way to online shopping addiction. Generally, introverts who don’t want to face people will get addicted to this online shopping. Anonymous viewing makes give you the comfort to do such shopping. If you are confused that your shopping is normal or addictive, please check the signs mentioned below. If you have all the signs, don’t panic. There are a lot of ways to get away from this negative feeling.

What causes you to do compulsive shopping?

• Feeling excited while shopping online or offline
• No apparent reason to buy things, just wanted to spend.
• A responsive reaction to anger, anxiety or disappointment.
• To show off your shopping habits to friends and family.
• Credit card habit
• Intolerance of negative feelings

• Longing inside – to fill the inner emptiness

Compulsive buying is the same as behavioral addiction and it occurs after age 30 when you get your financial freedom.

Signs you might have a problem with shopping

• You use shopping as a way to deal with negative emotions.
• You’re shopping more than you can afford.
• You feel guilty after shopping.
• You feel like you should stop shopping but can’t.

If you are experiencing two or more of these symptoms, it could be a sign that you have a problem with shopping. If so, you should talk to a mental health professional about it. They can help you get to the root of the problem so that you can begin to overcome it.

Strategies to avoid shopping becoming a disorder

• Be mindful of your spending. Keeping track of your spending can help you avoid compulsive shopping.
• Identify your triggers for shopping. What emotions or situations lead you to shop? Make a list of them and try to avoid these situations if possible.
• Avoid shopping alone. Some people use shopping as a way to spend time with friends. If you find yourself shopping to socialize, try finding other activities that can serve the same purpose. Get your mental health checked. If you’ve been struggling with compulsive shopping, it might be a sign of a deeper mental health issue.
• Be prepared. If you know you’re going to be in a situation that might lead to you shopping excessively, have a plan for what you’ll do instead.
• Don’t get into temptations
• Make lists before going to the store; purchase what you need
• Have a good companion who understands you
• Think twice before you purchase
• Do you want this or do you simply need it?
• Foster alternate ways to handle your feelings
• Foster other fun activities to do
• Figure out how to ride through urges and temptations
• Foster habits in stores

• Turn off notifications of advertisements

Final Word

If you’ve been struggling with shopping, you might have a problem with shopping. If you’re experiencing two or more of the signs above, it’s important to seek help. You can overcome compulsive shopping with the help of a mental health professional or support group. While you may need to take a break from shopping for a while, it can be a good thing in the long run. It can give you space to reflect on your purchases and how they fit into your life goals. With these tips, you can avoid shopping becoming a disorder and keep spending in check.

If you feel your shopping disorder is out of control, it is better to seek financial counselling as well, particularly if you are running out of money. This disorder or addiction can’t be controlled by any medicines, it is completely behavior oriented.

Understanding the emotional root cause of this shopping addiction is the only way to get rid of it. You may lose relationships due to this overspending tendency. It is better to contact a therapist to regain your lost relationship and to learn to connect with people in a soulful way.