Shopping therapy – get rid of the problem

When people are sad, depressed, disappointed, among other things, they are tempted to engage in shopping therapy.

In other words, they go out, and to fill that void, they end up buying things they never even thought they’d have one day.

A study carried out by Harvard and Columbia University in the United States showed that when people are sad, they tend to act less rationally, become vulnerable and tend to fall into financial traps more easily.

In this way, they try to solve their problems by buying and filling in on things they don’t even use.

Perhaps this is due to the culture we live in, where we need to be constantly happy and fulfilled.

Shopping therapy may even bring a moment of joy, but it’s fleeting, and soon the feeling of emptiness returns again.

On the other hand, the feelings we call negative make us think about life and look for changes.

The world we live in today is very immediate, as if everything has to happen quickly.

Decisions need to be made immediately, as they are valued more highly, says psychologist Simone Felipe.

As a result, we don’t know how to control our emotions, which are called bad, and we’re used to quick solutions.

We are tempted to give in to the pleasures of shopping, without thinking about the results of such an attitude.

The harm of shopping therapy

This is a resource that, as we’ve already said, brings momentary pleasure and doesn’t really fill the void that exists.

So, once the person has gone shopping, they give in to many appeals from salespeople who aren’t always sincere.

They end up regretting having spent more than they should have, and their wardrobe is overflowing with clothes.

In this way, they feel distressed, and the act that was supposed to solve a problem ends up causing more disappointment and sadness.

They can then become depressed because they can’t control themselves in the face of a consumerist impulse.

What’s worse, practitioners of shopping therapy can even develop a compulsion to shop, which masquerades as a comfort in difficult times.

Active consumption, or the reward system, leads to the release of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter.

Thus, this substance is seen as one of the hormones of happiness, and when it is released it causes a feeling of pleasure.

This is very good for our body, as long as it is used correctly, because every time this system is misused, it can become an addiction.

Well, it’s not just when people are feeling negative that they do this, there are also those who go shopping when they’re happy.

But in both cases, shopping therapy isn’t a good idea, because it’s an emotionally charged decision.

Other harm caused by shopping therapy

Just as people can become addicted to drugs, they can just as easily become addicted to the simple act of shopping.

In this way, addictions always have identical symptoms, one of which is compulsion.

This is an exaggerated, involuntary and frequently repeated action.

We live in a world where the use of credit cards and the stimulation of consumption are highly valued.

As such, it’s very easy to buy something, it can even be done at a click on the internet, and it’s possible to leave with huge debts.

There are a number of problems with shopping therapy, such as:

• Anguish;
• Social, professional and family damage;
• Frustration;
• Depression;
• Financial problems.

Psychologist Tatiana Filomensky, coordinator of Pro Amiti’s program for compulsive buyers in Brazil.

She says that people with this behavior account for 5% of the entire population, most of whom are women.

On the other hand, compulsive shopping was only diagnosed as a disease in 1990.

The causes are not yet known, but there are suspicions that it may be related to a history of family behavior.

So, if there is someone in the family who has difficulty controlling impulses such as drinking, gambling, drugs and sex.

It’s possible that some members of the family have the same behavior.

Another hypothesis is genetics. Research has shown that individuals who have alterations in the enzyme called Mao a. have a high gratification system.

They have a high gratification and reward system, and always seek the sensation of pleasure in shopping.

In other words, they don’t know how to deal with their emotions and always want to feel rewarded.

Treatment tips for shopping therapy users

Research carried out by Stanford University in the United States and published in the American Journal.

It says that 6% of American women have symptoms of the disorder, while men account for 5.5%.

Otherwise, if you know that this is a disorder and that you need treatment, the first step is to recognize that you have the problem.

When you recognize your condition, it’s easier to take the next steps, which is actually treatment.

Sometimes it’s not even necessary to take medication, as the case can be controlled with therapy, since no definitive cure has yet been found.

In this way, the person who resorts to shopping therapy undergoes a treatment that tries to show them other ways of obtaining reward.

The individual starts to feel loved and happy with what they have, without having to resort to compulsive consumption.

It’s worth noting that many people try on their own, don’t succeed, get frustrated and fall into the same traps.

There are also those who don’t admit they have the problem and need someone to help them recognize their condition.

Now, talking about yourself, do you consider yourself a compulsive shopper? Do you do shopping therapy?

If you have any questions, take a test and ask yourself the following question:

I’m going out now. How much can I spend? Will I earn enough to pay for it, and be relaxed for the month?

Otherwise, take courage and open your cupboards where you keep the things you buy all the time.

Other tips

There may still be packages that haven’t been opened. Open them, try them on, if they’re clothes, see if you don’t already have the same ones.

In this sense, count how many you have and ask yourself, do I really need more?

It’s always good to evaluate yourself, ask yourself questions and think that you already have more than enough.

And there are many people who need more and can’t get it, so they seek a sense of fulfillment by not buying more.

But be content with what you already have, and see that the simple gesture of swiping your card in a store won’t make you any happier.

Even so, if you do decide to go shopping, don’t practice shopping therapy, but define the amount of money you have in advance.

I also advise you to make a list of what you need, and list everything you’re going to buy, and try to buy with cash.

Then leave your credit card at home, so you don’t fall into temptation.

It may be that this alone won’t help you to change your behavior, and you may need to take medication.

In other words, there are drugs to control anxiety, which can often be the cause of the disorder.

It is therefore essential to seek help from a professional.

And remember, what makes you happy goes far beyond things and shopping.

Daniel 29 de April de 2024