Did you know the economy needs us to shop to for things to be I a good state?
A little shopping they say is therapeutic for some people. But what happens when you are out of control and don’t even know it.
Confession: Once upon a time I thought sales and clearance was created for me when I went to the mall. When I went into my favorite store and say the word SALE in bold letters, it felt like the Fashion Gods were smiling on me and wanted me to be happy.
As time went on I discovered we could be addicted to shopping and the feeling that we experience in that moment. Just to be transparent, I am a recovered shopaholic about fifteen plus years.
Definition: Shopping addiction is a behavioral addiction that involves compulsive buying as a way to feel good and avoid negative feelings, such as anxiety and depression. Like other behavioral addictions, shopping addiction can take over as a preoccupation that leads to problems in other areas of your life.1 http://www.verywellminded.com
Here is the tea on how this all works just incase you want to join me by breaking out of the consumers high and begin to walk in freedom.
We must identify if we are guilty of being a shopaholic, so I will share a list I found on http://www.verywellminded.com
5 Things to Know About Shopping Addiction
- Although widespread consumerism has escalated in recent years, shopping addiction is not a new disorder. It was recognized as far back as the early nineteenth century and was cited as a psychiatric disorder in the early twentieth century.3
- As with other addictions, shopping addiction is usually a way of coping with the emotional pain and difficulty of life, and it tends to make things worse rather than better for the shopper.
- Despite its long history, shopping addiction is controversial, and experts, as well as the public, disagree about whether shopping addiction is a real addiction.4
- People who struggle with shopping addiction typically spend more time and money on shopping than they can afford, and many get into financial problems as a result of their overspending.
- Shopping addiction can involve both impulsive and compulsive spending, which produce a temporary high. That said, people who are addicted to shopping are often left feeling empty and unsatisfied with their purchases when they get home.5
Is It Normal Shopping or an Addiction?
So what is the difference between normal shopping, occasional splurges, and shopping addiction? As with all addictions, what sets shopping addiction apart from other types of shopping is that the behavior becomes the person’s main way of coping with stress,6 to the point where they continue to shop excessively even when it is clearly having a negative impact on other areas of their
As with other addictions, money problems can develop and relationships can become damaged, yet people with shopping addiction (sometimes called “shopaholics”) feel unable to stop or even control their spending.
This difficulty in controlling the desire to shop emerges from a personality pattern that shopaholics share, and that differentiates them from most other people. Often low in self-esteem,7 they are easily influenced, and are often kindhearted, sympathetic, and polite to others, although they are often lonely and isolated. Shopping gives them a way to seek out contact with others.
People with shopping addiction tend to be more materialistic than other shoppers and try to prop themselves up by seeking status through material objects and seeking approval from others. They engage in fantasy more than other people, and—as with other people with addictions—have a hard time resisting their impulses.
As a result, they are more susceptible to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://marketing and advertising messages that surround us on a daily basis.
Although it made me uncomfortable at first to face myself and my spending addiction I am grateful for knowledge and understanding on how to deal with my emotions in a healthy way.
Personal: It was on my heart to inform you of the a personal addiction I had that was acceptable. If what I share resonates with you go check out the website shared for more information. Learn more on https://www.verywellmind.com/shopping-addiction-4157288
During this year I want all of us to win, increase and have financial freedom. A major step in the process is always facing facts and acknowledging what needs to change.
Let me know if you were like me and shopping 🛍 was your hobby. How did you stop being seduced by the sale and clearance gods?
Happy Friday!✌🏿😊
Just Appetizers 