Spring is time for shopping: how to cope with bouts of shopaholism

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

With the arrival of spring, depression, vitamin deficiency and exacerbation of mental disorders creep up to us. So you are tempted to go on a shopping tour for new things? Wait, isn't this just another bout of shopaholism? Today, shopaholism is called the disease of the 21st century. It is spreading at a rapid pace - in the United States alone, about 60 million people suffer from shopaholism, and in Europe - 27 million. In Russia, this disease affects about 3% of the population.

Shopaholism is indeed a disease comparable to alcoholism or gambling. The consequences of such a hobby, which seems harmless to many, can seriously affect a person's mental health.

Psychologists, having studied the problem of shopaholism, were able to draw up a psychological portrait of the patient. In 90% of cases, a shopaholic is a woman of 20-30 years old, writes RIA Novosti. It is highly likely that a shopaholic is not in demand in the profession and experiences setbacks in his personal life. Among the patients, there are often people who occupy "nervous" positions.

One way or another, people who make regular raids on shops have some kind of psychological flaw - whether it is dissatisfaction with life, partner, work, children or themselves. True, not so long ago, scientists suggested that the lack of the hormone serotonin, which is responsible for mood changes, is to blame for shopaholism. Lack of it leads to mood swings, low self-esteem and depression.

People with low self-esteem are at risk of becoming a shopaholic. This is why their bags often contain things that they think should help them look their best - clothes, shoes, cosmetics, jewelry, etc.

How not to lose your head from shopping?

Sometimes, people have to turn to specialists to cope with their addiction to shopping. In some cases, only certified psychologists can solve the problem of a shopaholic. However, for most people, a number of tips on how to control their expenses can be an excellent prevention of shopaholism.

1. Plan and research the market. Rigorous calculation does not correspond to the main idea of shopping - to go shopping in search of a spontaneous purchase. Experts advise you to analyze in advance, even before going to the store, what item you need to buy. In the store, you should not rush to the first thing that comes across, but it is better to first compare the design, colors and prices. At the same time, you should not even think about buying something else in addition to a new thing - a handbag, belt, shoes, etc.

2. It is not worth buying a thing just because during the sale it began to cost several times less. Chances are good that such a wardrobe detail will remain hanging in the closet all season.

3. Avoid new collections. You should never buy something on the very first day a new collection hits the shelves. Over time, sellers will reduce prices, and besides, you can always wait for the sales season.

4. Get rid of credit cards. The habit of paying with plastic cards leaves nothing to shopaholics, except for a heap of debts. By using cash, a person has a better sense of the connection between spending money and actually buying different things.

5. List of expenses. By keeping receipts and writing down everything that is purchased, a person can more easily assess the real picture of their spending and understand what measures to take.

6. Avoid shopping at least for a while if you feel you cannot control your spending. Sometimes you should give yourself a little time to think if the purchase is really that important.