Compulsive Shopping

There are many people in the world who, without realising it, may be addicted to compulsive shopping; this becomes evident after spending money in a shop or shopping centre on things they do not need.

It is a behaviour that needs to be addressed in order to change, with the help of family, friends and experts in the field who can provide the tools needed to control this disorder, which affects not only mental health but also financial health.

What is a compulsive shopping addict?

It is a person characterised by an excessive need to acquire products in order to satisfy a feeling of anxiety. This provides only momentary satisfaction and, after a while, causes negative effects such as depression.

Compulsive shoppers often cannot resist buying shoes, clothes, household and technology items, and above all they cannot see a sale or a promotion without buying.

For example: if they already have two red suitcases, a compulsive shopper keeps buying suitcases identical in colour to the ones they already have at home.

Compulsive buying develops in two ways: the first is a habit acquired by repeating a behaviour that is pleasurable and then becomes compulsive; in others it is described as a way of avoiding having to face personal problems.

Shopping addiction harms financial health

Misusing one's income affects personal finances and debts multiply, leading to over-indebtedness. Any debt taken on that exceeds one's limits or a certain percentage of monthly income can end up hurting the wallet.

Drawing up a monthly budget is a tool that will be a great help in controlling the purchase of unnecessary items, products or services.

Contacting a specialist who provides financial advice will be enough to change and positively correct the problem of financial health.

Often, applying for a personal loan is an option to clear off outstanding accounts, along with the interest and fees they generate, and to prevent debts from accumulating.

Some compulsive people not only buy things for themselves but for others, such as the mother who justifies her constant purchases of gifts for her children.

There is also the possibility that what they buy is never even unwrapped or used, the reason being that the purchased product is no longer useful.

Compulsive buying is linked to other conditions

The need to spend and buy things of little use is a symptom of a psychological disorder; it is very common in hypomanic people when they are in a euphoric state.

Specialists state that a compulsive shopper is a depressive person, and this can often be accompanied by eating disorders such as bulimia and, on some occasions, kleptomania (taking something that belongs to someone else).

What to do and treatment for compulsive shopping

Experts offer some recommendations for this behaviour; these are:

Stay calm

Staying calm, breathing deeply and preventing anxiety and stress from appearing is important, since you should not buy the same product several times, especially if it is not necessary.

Keeping control of the situation will prevent compulsive buying and harm to mental health.

Shop with judgement

Asking yourself what you need to buy is important; the main thing is to meet the basic needs that are covered by certain items when you go shopping.

A list of what you need to fill the wardrobe or pantry will not go amiss when going to the shopping centre or supermarket.

Do not spend more than you have

People addicted to compulsive shopping exceed the limit of the money they have; it is important to buy according to your needs and the income you have.

There is no need to buy everything at once

There are times when they buy everything that is not needed and leave others without the product they actually use.

You should buy only what you require, and if you can go shopping once a week that is much better.

Is it really necessary?

This is a question you should think about and reason through before making a purchase; if this happens, you have found the solution to the behaviour.

Among other recommendations or treatments for compulsive shopping disorder is to seek support from family, friends and a professional.

The latter can apply self-control strategies that reduce anxiety and over-consumption, lower credit card limits and, in some cases, begin specialised therapies such as the one we offer at Reconectar.