I Am A Shopaholic. Illness Or Vocation? - Quality Of Life, Self-development, Society

You like buying new, you are aware of all the fashion collections and seasonal discounts. You sincerely believe that no new items should be missed. Friends affectionately call you "shopaholic" and sometimes gently ask: "Why do you need this?"

Your loved ones frankly disapprove of your passion for acquisition and make reasonable arguments. And you feel that it is "yours", here you can do everything. Sometimes, however, you are surprised to find that with an overflowing wardrobe you have nothing to wear again, and you feel an irresistible desire to buy a new one. Go ahead and buy. You are a shopaholic. Just a hobby or already a frustration?

Oniomania is an irresistible desire to buy something unnecessarily, for the pleasure of the buying process itself. Shopping is becoming both leisure and entertainment, and an independent meaning

The usual slang name for oniomania "shopaholism" has spread relatively recently. And the term itself was voiced by the psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin at the end of the 19th century. Oniomania began to be studied as a psychological disorder with certain symptoms. Currently, it is not recognized as an independent nosological unit. Perhaps because this disorder is controversial in its etiology.

In various cases, it can be rest, and pathological passion, and a sign of mental illness. It is important to understand that oniomania is an irresistible urge to acquire and enjoy the fact of a purchase, not a thing. More often women suffer (enjoy?) Oniomania, although there are also male examples in practice.

Why is this happening?

It is generally accepted that this dependence is formed for a number of reasons. First of all, these are attention deficit, loneliness and emotional burnout. Childhood dislikes, teenage trauma, toxic relationships can all lead to oniomania.

Oniomania is compensatory behavior. In the act of buying, compensation occurs and a feeling of satisfaction comes

What do you want?

Definitely not things. A lot can be mixed here: the thirst for freedom, omnipotence, adrenaline hunger, new sensations. Making his own (as it seems) buying decision, the shopaholic is sure that this is freedom of choice. He is filled with an illusory sense of power and power.

Feelings of anxiety and emptiness disappear. Note that this is perfectly used on marketplaces: obtrusively polite staff, following on the heels, flattery, professional marketing and a system of "discounts".

When should a shopaholic worry?

Cycling oniomania is very similar to compulsive disorder. There is a purchase, then regret comes about. Feelings of guilt and depressive mood develop. The release of dopamine is urgently needed, and it is possible only with the act of acquisition. The circle is closed.

So, the symptoms that can alert you:

• itchy urge to buy everything;
• there is no interest in something specific, all the goods are attractive (shampoo, summer bucket - it doesn't matter);
• desire to buy a thing unnecessarily;
• feeling powerful relief after making a purchase;
• obsessive discussion of a newly purchased product;
• a jump in mood when visiting a store - all problems recede into the background;
• a store (any) is the best place to calm down after a conflict situation.

At first glance, all of the above signs do not pose any particularly serious danger and may be present in eight out of ten women. Who among us, being in a disgusting mood, did not go into a shining store to please ourselves with something so beautiful and unnecessary?

The consequences of oniomania can be much more serious:

• gradual accumulation of debt - you may not remember why you borrowed such a large amount;
• petty theft - usually from loved ones, justifying themselves with the arguments "all their own", "I will give it up soon, and they will not notice";
• family problems, often leading to a complete breakup;
• psychosomatic health problems - a permanent feeling of anxiety, nervousness often leads to gastrointestinal diseases and a decrease in the general tone of the body.

Oniomania, not being a disease in itself, can be a manifestation of mental pathologies:

• OCD compulsions
• symbolic delusional behavior;
• deep clinical depression, when the body, trying to escape, looks for possible sources of dopamine;
• bipolar personality disorder in the manic phase.

We're leaving, we're leaving, we're leaving

If you feel that there is a problem, you can and should seek psychological help. But in no case can we talk about the treatment of shopaholism until it has been established that this is really a consequence of pathology. And only a specialist can do this.

There are voluntary organizations to help "shopaholics anonymous". It is important to understand what oniomania is related to. A disturbed emotional background, a desire to calm down, experiencing a breakdown in relationships or loss - the reason can be found out with a psychologist.

If oniomania is not a consequence of pathology, then you can independently draw up a constructive plan and follow it:

• careful study of the pricing policy for the product of interest;
• the rationale behind the purchase (even to yourself);
• a clear rule "a discount or promotion is not a reason to buy";
• preference for cash, minimizing credit cards;
• shopping list;
• expanding the range of interests: visiting open free (there are many of them!) master classes; lectures and events in libraries; holidays and festivals in parks.

You can draw up a clear plan for the next month and follow it - time management perfectly copes with nervousness and anxiety.

In the case of oniomania as a manifestation of the disease, the help of a psychotherapist, and in some cases, a psychiatrist is needed. Disorders with symptoms of shopaholism are easily corrected with medication and psychotherapy.