Understanding the Mental Health Implications of Shopping Addiction and How to Address It
Mental Health
In today’s world, shopping is as easy as a tap on your phone or computer screen, making it convenient to buy anything you want. With the added allure of promotions from various apps, it’s no wonder that more people are turning to online shopping. However, some people have taken this convenience to the extreme, becoming addicted to online shopping. This raises the question: if we can’t stop shopping, could it be a sign of an underlying illness? Ticy City delved into this issue and found an insightful article by Dr. Ariyaporn Tangchiwinsirikul, a psychiatrist at BMHH-Bangkok Mental Health Hospital. Here’s what we discovered about the dangers of shopaholism.
Understanding Shopaholism
Shopping, whether online or offline, is a normal part of daily life. However, if you find yourself unable to stop, buying unnecessary items, accumulating debt, and experiencing strained family relationships, you might be suffering from shopaholism, a condition you may not even be aware of.
According to Dr. Ariyaporn Tangchiwinsirikul, shopaholism is a type of mental health disorder where individuals are addicted to shopping without regard to their financial status. They constantly crave shopping and can’t control themselves, leading to problems such as debt and family conflicts. In some cases, they might lie about their purchases or the prices to family members. This disorder can affect anyone from adolescence onwards, regardless of gender.
9 Behaviors Indicative of Shopaholism
- Constant desire to shop
- Buying unnecessary items
- Inability to control shopping behavior
- Feeling good only briefly after making a purchase
- Feeling guilty after shopping
- Not using what was bought
- Buying duplicate items
- Hiding or lying about purchases
- Facing problems such as debt and strained relationships
Causes of Shopaholism
Shopaholism can arise from personal and social factors. Personal factors include depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and poor self-control. Social factors include the ease of online shopping and the use of credit cards, which can encourage shopping addiction.
Treatment and Prevention
Shopaholism can be treated by changing behaviors and attitudes, such as limiting credit card use or stopping it altogether. Psychiatrists often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address the underlying causes of shopping addiction. This involves discussing the root issues and helping the person change their thoughts and behaviors. For example, if shopping is used to relieve stress, finding alternative stress-relief methods is essential. If depression is also present, it should be treated simultaneously.
Preventing shopaholism involves planning expenses, recording income and expenditures, avoiding overspending, finding alternative activities, practicing self-control, and avoiding advertisements that trigger shopping urges. If you or someone close to you shows signs of shopaholism, it’s crucial to consult a psychiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
By recognizing the signs and understanding the causes of shopaholism, we can take steps to prevent and treat this growing problem. Remember, healthy shopping habits lead to a healthier mind and life.
