COMPULSIVE SHOPPING - AN EMOTIONAL ADDICTION

Statistics show that more women than men are affected by compulsive shopping.  But whatever the gender, the root cause of the problem is basically the same.  It is an emotional addiction, which, like most other addictions, is used to mask some kind of hidden negative feeling. 

Is it too early to talk about Christmas shopping?  Well, maybe eight or ten years ago, yes, but certainly not in 2004!  “The spirit” is already catching on.  Just look at the commercial signposts and you’ll have no doubts.   The ads and similar messages are already providing teasers for the buyers’ pockets. Perhaps one of the most pathetic victims of the Yuletide commercialisation is the compulsive shopper.  Mind you, the case of the compulsive shopper is always a pathetic one, but this is more pronounced during the heavily seductive Christmas season. Certainly, Christmas in its biblical sense, involving celebration of the birth of Christ, with healthy socialising, is not bad.  The issue is not Christmas, per se.  It’s a human attitude or perhaps more precisely, a mental and emotional state that contributes to a kind of human captivity. People who manifest the trait of uncontrolled buying, may be either the binge shoppers who are “held captive” for a brief, seasonal spell, or the compulsive buyer that “shop ‘till they drop”, all year round.  The real problem of compulsive buying is considered a type of disorder.  Actually, it signals the manifestation of a deeper problem.

The fact of the matter is, compulsive spenders feel as though they are helpless to a compelling urge to shop.  They will testify that the behaviour seems irresistible, and although to a particular part of their mind, much of their actions may not appear to make sense, they are certain that the wasteful exercise brings a good, satisfying feeling.  They just feel better, they claim. To some of them, the act of shopping provides a soothing, if not healing balm, temporary or seasonal, though it may be.  This is particularly the case with those who may be lonely, anxious or depressed for a brief period, or during the Yuletide season, for instance. Compulsive buyers may also use their shopping habit to numb feelings of anger, hurt and similar emotions.  But, the fact remains, that numb is close to dumb! Very soon the pile-up of bills makes sure to remind the lavish, injudicious spender that somebody did something dumb!  The sad results more financial stress, depression and even relational problems. The Journal of Clinical Psychology  (2003 edition) says that binge shopping or compulsive buying affects some 15 million households in the US.  The problem is obviously bigger than the average person may think.

As Santa Claus begins to chant his ho! ho! ho! or rather, before he even begins to do so, those who are prone to binge or compulsive shopping, should take precautionary measures.  Begin to practise restraint and discipline in spending and make yourself accountable to someone in this regard.  Also, seek the help of the Lord through the Holy Spirit.  The fruit of the Spirit is self-control (Gal. 5:23). A practical exercise which can prove quite helpful in the battle against compulsive shopping urges, is to substitute other activities to counteract the craving to shop.  You may engage in sporting, social or church activities.  You may also look at a healthy amount of television or just take up a good book or the newspaper and read. Pay closer attention to warning signs and don’t try to rationalise your behaviour or make excuses for it.  If you find yourself shopping mainly when you are upset, or you feel out of control while you are shopping, or maybe you argue with people over your spending sprees, then you may well be tested positive.  Quite likely, you’ll be a victim of the so-called “Compulsive Shoppers Syndrome.” 

What do you do with all the stuff you buy?  Haven’t you realised that much of what your buy, you don’t use? Statistics show that more women than men are affected by compulsive shopping.  But whatever the gender, the root cause of the problem is basically the same.  It is an emotional addiction, which, like most other addictions, is used to mask some kind of hidden negative feeling. Sometimes this addiction, and related mood disorders, can be deep and a bit strange in their effects on the mind and behaviour of the buyer. Some people have fervently insisted that they have seen items in their shopping bags after they have arrived home, that they honestly did not remember buying.  This is usually referred to as a moment of emotional or mental “blackout”, which takes place during the shopping spree. People who are affected by compulsive shopping behaviour, must wake up and responsibly face the fact that this emotional addiction will never fill the lacunae in their heart and soul.  Only a genuine, intimate relationship with the Lord will permanently address this problem.  Jesus Christ is waiting to draw you into this relationship now.