Kalmselor Stories: Why Do Some People Become Shopaholics?

KALMers, how much do you like shopping? What do you usually buy? If you shop according to your needs and ability, of course there is no problem. But what if this shopping behavior becomes out of control? Do you know there is such a thing called Oniomania or Shopaholic? What causes this? Well, in this article, Kalmselor Dwi wants to share the story and information about Shopaholic or Oniomania. Let’s check!

What Does Shopaholics Look Like?

Here is a case study by Kalmselor Dwi:

“Hello, my name is A. I’m a student majoring in Biology. I really like shopping, every time there is a new trend I will definitely buy it. I feel I need to always be up-to-date about fashion. Having something trendy like the latest branded shoes, bags with the most “happening” models, new clothes, and also accessories makes me happy. I really like to follow the dress styles of the celebgrams that are hits in social media. I will also immediately replace my damaged item even if the item is only slightly damaged and can be repaired. Especially if there are discounted items, I will immediately buy as many as possible. It cost me all of my money in an instant.”

What do you think, KALMers? Can you see the problem she is having? Or are you even experiencing it, too?

What is Oniomania or Shopaholics?

Oniomania or shopaholic is a psychological condition that causes a person to become addicted to shopping that causes social and financial problems. This term is also known as Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBD). This condition makes a person have a habit of compulsive shopping, both in quantity and frequency. They buy things not because they need it, but just because they want and like to do it. They believe shopping can help improve their self-esteem and reputation. Based on research, women made up 90% of people with oniomania.

Why Does It happen?

Research says people who are addicted (to anything), tend to have low levels of serotonin (commonly called the happiness hormone). In normal amounts, serotonin can trigger feelings of pleasure. But when the body is under stress, it needs more serotonin to compensate. And so shopping is often used as a source of satisfaction to relieve anxiety due to negative emotions or distress.

What Are the Symptoms?

A shopaholics usually does not realize this is happening to them. To identify whether you are a person who is addicted to shopping or not, here are the signs/symptoms you need to know:

1. Often spend a lot of time scrolling through e-commerce sites.
2. Obsessed to buy things every week or even every day.
3. Shopping just to relieve stress.
4. Always buy things that end up not being used.
5. Feeling guilty after buying a lot of things but keep on going back to shopping again the next day.
6. Spending money beyond the nominal limit of a credit card or financial capacity.
7. Experiencing financial difficulties due to wasteful shopping.

In addition, another dominant sign of shopaholics are that they prefer to shop alone rather than with friends or family. This is so they will not be embarrassed when buying a lot of stuff.

How To Help This Condition?

You can counsel with a mental health professional if you think you have this condition. Psychologists will usually recommend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which may be more effective for treating Oniomania. KALMers can start your counseling with Kalmselor Dwi on the KALM App (download here) by entering the Kalmselor code DWI-888.

In addition, for financial problems, you also recommended having assistance from a financial planner. Just in case this condition has greatly impacted your financial condition.

So that is all about Oniomania, see you in the next articles!

Read Cinderella Complex… What Is It? by Kamselor Dwi

Written by: Kalmselor Dwi Purwanti

Translated by: Rachma Fitria

Edited by: Rachma Fitria & Lukas Limanjaya

References:

Parapuan. (2011). Anda Gila Belanja? Awas Ini Gangguan Psikologis. Retrieved from: https://www.tribunnews.com/lifestyle/2011/06/22/anda-gila-belanjaawas-ini-gangguan-psikologis.

Woman. (2018). Menurut Ahli, Kecanduan Berbelanja Tergolong Sebagai Gangguan Mental. Retrieved from: https://kumparan.com/kumparanstyle/menurut-ahli-kecanduan-berbelanja-tergolong-sebagai-gangguan-mental-1533698913039004048/full.

Tiara Putri. (2018). Gila Belanja Tergolong sebagai Gangguan Mental?. Retrieved from: https://lifestyle.okezone.com/read/2018/08/08/194/1933469/gila-belanja-tergolong-sebagai-gangguan-mental