Shopping can be a common activity, but when this habit becomes a addiction, it starts affecting life. Shopping addiction is also called “Oniomania”, and it can come out as a mental disorder, which can have a serious effect on the mental, physical and financial health of the person.
In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms and measures to deal with it so that you can identify it in time and take the right steps.
Due to shopping addiction
- Mental pressure and stress
Many people resort to shopping while feeling mental pressure, stress or loneliness. This gives a feeling of a temporary prosperity, but in a long time it can worsen mental state.
- Emotional weakness
When a person feels emotionally weak, shopping becomes a way to relax and feel happy. It is a kind of 'emotional shopping', which can later be mentally harmful.
- social pressure
Under the influence of today's social media and advertisements, people start shopping excessively to make themselves look better than others. It becomes a social pressure, which can cause shopping addiction.
- Excessive availability
The increasing trend of internet and online shopping has made shopping very easy. The facility of shopping at any time and from any place motivates people towards indiscriminate shopping, which can later take the form of an addiction.
- Economic status and habits
Some people make a habit of shopping without planning, without thinking. This can also worsen their financial condition. This habit increases even more due to economic pressure.
Symptoms of shopping addiction
- Regret after shopping
If you regret it after shopping or feel that you have unnecessarily spent money, it may be a sign of shopping addiction.
- Shopping without planning
When you shop just to shop without any need, it can also be a symptom of shopping addiction. You buy items without thinking, which you really do not need.
- Financial crisis
Shopping addiction can reduce your bank balance and you can feel troublesome in your monthly budget. If you spend more than your needs, it can become a matter of concern.
- Social and family problems
This may be a sign of shopping when you are unable to spend time with your family or friends due to shopping habit, or affect the social responsibilities associated with you.
- Excessive consideration towards shopping
If you constantly think about shopping, it can be another sign of addiction. Your mind constantly thinks what to buy next time, and you are not able to get out of it.
How to deal with shopping addiction?
- Identify emotional shopping
First of all you have to understand why you are shopping. Is this to overcome your stress or loneliness? If this is the case, find a solution and manage your feelings correctly.
- Budget and follow
Create a budget for your shopping and follow it strictly. This will help you avoid unnecessary expenses.
- Limit online shopping
If online shopping has become a part of your addiction, then the solution may be that you limit your online shopping. Only buy essential items and avoid breathtaking advertisements.
- Join healthy activities
Instead of shopping, be involved in other activities for your mental and physical health, such as yoga, exercise, and attention. This will give you mental peace and shopping addiction will be controlled.
- Take help
If you feel that your shopping addiction has become serious and you are not able to control it alone, then seek help from a mental health professional. Counseling and therapy can help you get out of your addiction.
Shopping addiction can be a serious mental state, which can negatively affect your financial condition and mental health. It is necessary to identify it and bring it under timely control. Maintain shopping a simple activity, not a addiction, and balance between your needs and desires.
Not only shopping, but it is necessary to understand and deal with any habit before becoming addicted. If you recognize it in time, you can overcome it and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
