Obessesive Shopping Disorder

I had a thought over my spending habit lately & am questioning myself whether am I suffering from Obsessive Shopping Disorder (OSD)?

OSD aka Compulsive Shopping is a form of process addiction in which someone feels compelled to shop. This type of process addiction results in the expenditure of large amounts of money. While it might seem laughable to be “addicted to shopping,” compulsive shopping is actually a serious problem!! Compulsive shoppers are actually out of control, which means that they are unable to stop spending money. They believe that if they shop they will feel better.

Compulsive shopping and spending generally makes a person feel worse. It can be a seasonal balm for the depression, anxiety and loneliness. It also can occur when a person feels depressed, lonely and angry. A chronic compulsive shopper shops constantly to feel better, becoming addicted to the process of shopping and spending money. Some may become compulsive in response to stress, failing relationships, or problems at work.

Shopaholics, basically go out and buy, to get a high, or get a "rush" just like a drug or alcohol addict. According to research, shopping addiction tends to affect more women than men. They often buy things they do not need. Women suffering from OSD often have racks of clothes and possessions with the price tags still attached which have never been used. They will go to a shopping mall with the intention of buying one or two items and come home with bags and bags of purchases. Does this sound familiar to you?!

Well, below are some tips to prevent shopping binges:

• Pay your purchases by cash or debit card
• Make a shopping list & only buy what is on the list
• Avoid discount warehouses. Allocate only a certain amount of cash to spend if you do visit one
• Talk a walk or exercise when the urge to shop comes on
• If you feel out of control, you probably are. Seek help from support group!!
  

Shopping and spending will not assure more love, bolster self-esteem, or heal the hurts, regrets, stress, and the problems of daily living. While many of us have treated ourselves to something special in response to depression or unsettling events (I do that often), bear in mind that there is a difference between setting a budget for a special treat instead of going on a spending spree which spirals out of control!
I will spend some time to curb my spending habit & am thankful that I am not a chronic shopaholic! =)