Shopping addiction grows at Christmas

• May 10, 2024

With holiday season discounts, both online and in stores, it is very easy to fall into the trap of spending too much, especially if you have a problem with your impulse control.

According to information published by CNN Mexico , beyond an oversight in finance, the compulsive buying is a disorder mental that is recognized by psychologists, although it has not been studied extensively.

For compulsive shoppers, acquiring the items creates a feeling similar to the euphoria that causes alcohol he said Bonny Forrest , San Diego psychologist . As with alcoholics, it is difficult to stay away from that feeling of pleasure .

According to a study by the Stanford University in the American Journal of Psychiatry, around 6% of women and 5.5% of men in the United States are compulsive buyers.

In the following video, the characteristics of a compulsive buyer are explained:

Why do purchases generate addiction?

Sometimes, people acquire objects as a way to deal with chaos. In addition, compulsive purchases can be related to the childhood , that is, the parents could have given gifts instead of time and attention, so the child grows up wanting to get more material goods.

Meanwhile, other people who grew up with great emotional or financial deprivation, when they are able to afford the purchases for themselves, buy in excess.

Learn to control impulses

1. A strategy that helps compulsive buyers to stop their habits , is to pay in cash, so they can see how much they are spending, said Forrest.
2. Go shopping with other people who act as a control, it may be a good idea.
3. Specialists recommend waiting 24 hours before buying something you really do not need, to have time to reconsider.
4. An online support group can be very supportive for the addicts to shopping.
5. When you go shopping, make a list of what you need and respect it as much as you can

It is very important that you identify the situations or conflicts that generate you anxiety to acquire something and look for some complementary activity that covers the need to visit shopping centers. And you, are you addicted to shopping?

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