The disorder is characterized by an incessant urge to buy, often without real or financial justification.
THE Black Fridayevent which takes place every year in November, is awaited by many consumers, who take advantage of the offers and promotions to purchase products provided throughout the year. However, for some people, promotions can become a real challenge. Instead of strategically taking advantage of offers, they find themselves overwhelmed by an uncontrollable buying impulse, a condition known as Oniomaniaor Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBT).
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Oniomania is characterized by a incessant need to buyoften without real or financial justification. Sufferers of this disorder experience momentary relief or pleasure when purchasing new items, but feelings of regret, guilt, and loss of control emerge soon after.
This is explained by psychologist Tatiana Filomensky, coordinator of the support group for compulsive buyers at the Institute of Psychiatry of the Hospital das Clínicas de SP Earth that the main difference between normal and compulsive drinking is not just the amount spent, but the emotional and personal consequences that the behavior brings to the individual.
“People end up not evaluating between the desire to buy and the possibilities. It is a need for excessive acquisition in which you often end up putting your finances and relationships at risk because it ends up involving lies, you start hiding what you bought and end up impacting the family. It’s a problem that will somehow affect the people you live with and they will notice your lack of control over the amount of things you consume. In the general population, there is no significant difference between the genders, people look for treatment after the age of 30 or 40, when the effects of the disorder begin to have a stronger impact on the person’s financial and emotional life”, comments the expert.
Furthermore, TCC does not occur in isolation and is often associated with other disorders. “It is quite common for the disorder to be related to aa depressionespecially due to frustrated attempts to control the impulse to purchase, which generates a feeling of anguish and frustration. THE anxiety there is also concern about the financial consequences, the fear of being discovered or not being able to pay off one’s debts,” he explains.
Tatiana Filomensky also points out that compulsive shopping is not related to a person’s purchasing power. That is, the disorder has no direct relationship with how much the person earns and can affect individuals of different social classes.
First described in the 1990s, compulsive buying disorder is now increasingly studied due to the ease of shopping with the use of technology. There is an increasing tendency to classify it as a behavioral disorder, similar to gambling addiction, and to include it in future editions of the ICD (International Classification of Diseases), as the specialist explains.
For those suffering from TCC, Black Friday can represent an extra challenge. “It is a delicate moment, where the desire to buy more products can intensify. For those who have difficulty controlling it, the sense of urgency and the fear of missing out on an offer can be risk factors. But this does not mean that Black Friday is the villain of the story,” added the psychologist.
To help compulsive shoppers cope better with promotions, Tatiana recommends making a plan, e.g. conduct pricing research, create a wish list and set a budget they are essential to avoid impulse purchases. And, if possible, avoid exposing yourself to the stimulus of promotions, deactivate notifications from applications and social networks that can increase anxiety.
The psychologist also suggests that people in treatment or who already recognize the disorder in their behavior seek support. “If you feel like you’re losing control, it’s crucial to seek help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for support. Treatment can help you better understand the emotions that lead to binge eating and offer tools for greater awareness of eating. “, he emphasizes.
The Integrated Outpatient Program for Impulsive Disorders (Pro-AmitiI) is located in Rua Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos, 785, Cerqueira César, at the Hospital das Clínicas of the Faculty of Medicine of São Paulo, open Monday to Friday from 10am :00 to 16:00.
Black Friday can be enjoyed in a healthy way, as long as you are aware of your limits and plan ahead. You can enjoy this week of promotions without stress or unnecessary debt. And it is always good to underline that consumption must not be an escape from negative emotions, but a conscious and thoughtful choice.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
