Strategies For Controlling Trading Mania

Controlling shopping mania is very challenging for some people. Those who like to shop sometimes have difficulty controlling the impulse to buy things they do not need. They act because it helps them control their anxiety. Thus, action mania becomes a very unhealthy coping mechanism.

Almost immediately after the relief that was triggered by the purchase, a person with a shopping disorder usually experiences intense guilt and discomfort. Consequently, anxiety returns in full, and sometimes worse than before. This is a vicious circle that can harm the individual and those close to them, which is why we want to share some strategies for dealing with it.

Controlling shopping mania: Characteristics

Acting mania tends to be related to an impulse control disorder. Shopping mania is also known as oniomania and can be related to mood disorders, eating disorders and personality disorders. The most important characteristics of shopping mania are the following:

• To buy superfluous and unnecessary items.
• Feeling anxious and worried about being able to own the item.
• Insomnia triggered by obsessions to buy the item.
• The uncontrollable desire to act.
• Feel instant gratification and relief from unpleasant symptoms when you buy something.
• Feelings of guilt and dissatisfaction.

Having the desired products gives immediate satisfaction. As we mentioned above, a person with shopping mania often feels embarrassed or guilty that they could not control the impulse to buy something they did not need. This guilt is increased when the purchase was not in the budget, or does not match the idea they have about themselves (self-concept dissonance).

The feeling that they are doing something wrong makes them hide their behavior. Sometimes they lie about where the item came from and how much it cost. The resulting feelings of shame of hiding this can trigger anxiety and lead to even more shopping. The desire for relief they feel when they buy something is overwhelming and overshadows subsequent guilt and shame. It is a vicious circle that is difficult to break.

Emotions related to shopping and long-term consequences

Before they buy, people with oniomania feel extremely uncomfortable. Buying items is the only thing that provides relief. As a result, they are considering acting as the “magic” solution to their problems.

However, as you have seen, this “magic potion” has consequences. On the one hand, shopping mania causes a lot of guilt in the long run, which triggers more shopping. These vicious cycles are present in every addiction. Impulsive shoppers also build up a tolerance over time, which means they have to buy more each time to get the same feeling of relief. Another factor is that those who suffer from shopping mania can quickly end up in financial difficulties. They may need to take out a loan or sell some of their assets to get enough money to continue trading.

Strategies for controlling action mania

Above all, psychological therapy is the key to helping the individual control their habits. A professional may pay special attention during periods of increased risk, such as when someone with shopping mania spends a lot of time at home with internet access. It is much more difficult to control online shopping mania due to the availability and diversity of goods. Paying for things online is also a contributing factor because it is easy to forget that you are spending real money.

It is also important for family members to understand the symptoms of this disorder. They can play a very important role in helping their loved ones cope with the addiction. Otherwise, there is a risk that the family itself becomes a source of unpleasant feelings and experiences. For example, if you find that your partner spends a lot over budget, it is difficult not to blame them for the family’s financial problems. Correcting guilt is not helpful at all, and can be a trigger for more purchases.

Here are some guidelines for controlling shopping mania:

Controlling shopping mania: Avoid bringing credit and debit cards with you

Paying with real money helps raise awareness of how much you are spending. It is more difficult to hand over a pile of money than a credit card. An immediate solution to shopping mania is to only have access to gift cards. That way, you can only use what you plan to spend while still enjoying the convenience of not carrying cash with you.

Calculate a maximum for monthly expenses

Set a budget for purchases. Avoid rewarding yourself by increasing this amount. It’s great to celebrate when you reach your goals. But if you have a shopping addiction, the celebration should not involve buying more. Rather, share your goals with another person and enjoy the recognition they give you when you reach them.

If you are going to a mall, take public transportation

This makes you think twice before you buy too much. If you feel the impulse to make purchases you need to invest more time and it becomes less comfortable. The idea of ​​carrying heavy and standing with all your goods on a full bus may be enough to avoid making unnecessary purchases.

Keep track of your expenses

Track your expenses at the end of the week (or month). This can help you become more aware of how much money you are spending on unnecessary items. You will also notice what kind of things you buy when you feel down.

Go out with just enough money to get what you need

Allow yourself to include only exactly how much you need for necessary things. That way, you will not be able to buy anything extra. Reflecting on what is important and not always helpful. Think about the fact that when you are in a bad mood, it is easy to feel that the things you want to buy are “essential”.

It is not easy to control shopping mania. However, if you do not try to solve the problem, it can control your life. It can also affect your relationship with those around you. Psychological therapy can help you get out of this vicious cycle.