Being addicted to anything is disastrous. Even if we are talking about such a pleasant pastime, like shopping and buying warming things, soul-addiction can become dangerous and harm not only your wallet, but also your mental health. Psychologists have even come up with a word to describe such a condition - oniomania.
This is a term that comes from the Greek language and translates as "crazy consumption." Studies have shown that women are more prone to this pathology than men. It is estimated that for every man who is addicted to shopping, there are 3 women with the same addiction.
Age is also a factor to consider. Contrary to what Hollywood shows, young people are not as addicted to shopping as those who are older. Experts point out that oniomania wakes up in women at about 30 years old, while in men a dangerous age - after 40.
But wait a moment! Psychologists once assured us that shopping helps to get rid of stress and makes us happy. It is, but this is the trouble. Getting positive emotions, we want more. A vicious circle is forming. To enjoy a safe therapeutic effect, resorting to this "method" of treatment is as rare as possible. For example, if you have absolutely everything very badly.
But what is the difference between the necessary purchases for a normal life and oniomania? According to experts, there are several factors that help to establish addiction.
Mixed emotions
The onioman buyer is faced with a whole range of emotions when buying. First, he is emotionally weakened. The euphoria of the purchase is replaced by remorse. Not every shopaholic generally uses every new thing for its intended purpose, many things vegetate in the corners of cabinets.
The sane person thinks over expenses in advance. He does not experience dizzying emotions from the purchase, but also does not suffer, bringing her home.
Costs Exceed Income
Another feature of the onioman is that he usually makes purchases in excess of his income.
Loans and microloans are usually his best friends. Debts are growing, and this is already fraught not only with negative emotions, but also with much more dire consequences.
Feeling lonely causes suffering
Oniomanians often hide their destructive passion. They have no one to share their joy and grief with. They are usually loners.
And in order not to be criticized, they hide their purchased goods from prying eyes.
Under stress, they go to a shopping center, not to a psychologist
Everyone has their own ways of relieving stress. Someone writes to a psychologist, hoping that a specialist will help to cope with a difficult situation. Someone invites friends to visit. Someone walks alone in the park or goes on a camping trip.
Onioman has one way, and he leads to the shopping center.
If there is no way to go shopping, they suffer
When the shopaholic has already emptied his cards and cannot get another loan, he has no choice but to accept that there will be no purchases. This can cause serious physical discomfort, because a person cannot feed his obsessive habit.
Onioman in this phase is usually more irritable, nervous and impatient.
How to escape from addiction
Is there an antidote to oniomania? The doctor may suggest medications that significantly reduce anxiety. Of course, you should not prescribe any drugs to yourself.
And the only way to help end the addiction is self-control. How? Make a weekly and monthly list of what you should and can get. Promise yourself to stick to the list and learn to keep the word given to yourself.