Understanding and Addressing Shopping Addiction

Shopping addiction, also called compulsive buying disorder (CBD) or oniomania, is a behavioral addiction marked by an uncontrollable urge to shop, often at the expense of personal well-being and financial security. This condition has gained increasing attention in recent years due to the rise of online shopping, which has made impulsive purchases more accessible than ever.

Signs and Symptoms of Shopping Addiction
The primary indicator of shopping addiction is the compulsive need to shop, even in the absence of necessity. Many individuals feel a temporary sense of euphoria or relief when buying items, only to be followed by guilt, regret, or shame. These purchases often result in financial difficulties, such as maxed-out credit cards and mounting debt.

Another hallmark of this disorder is a persistent preoccupation with shopping. Those affected frequently spend hours planning shopping trips, browsing online stores, or fixating on future purchases. This preoccupation can disrupt work, family obligations, and social relationships, as shopping becomes a central focus of their lives.

Additionally, secrecy is a common behavior among shopping addicts. They may hide purchases, falsify financial details, or lie to loved ones about their spending habits. Such actions stem from embarrassment or fear of criticism. Withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, or even depression when unable to shop, further underscore the addictive nature of this behavior.

Consequences and Need for Intervention
Unchecked shopping addiction can lead to severe consequences. Financial instability is a significant risk, often accompanied by strained relationships and deteriorating mental health. Chronic stress over debt and regret can contribute to anxiety disorders or depression. In extreme cases, it may lead to bankruptcy or legal troubles.

Recognizing these signs is critical for early intervention. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), has shown promise in treating shopping addiction by addressing underlying emotional triggers and building healthier coping mechanisms. Support groups and financial counseling can also aid in recovery.

As awareness grows about the impacts of shopping addiction, individuals are encouraged to seek help early to regain control over their lives, protect their finances, and improve their overall well-being.
Understanding and Addressing Shopping Addiction

What is social anxiety disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is a common type of anxiety disorder. People with social anxiety disorder or social phobia experience intense fear and anxiety when they feel that they are the subject of attention. They may understand that their fears are irrational or unreasonable, but feel powerless to overcome them.

For such people, everyday social situations such as attending a conference or meeting at work, making a presentation, attending a wedding or a party, or going out for a meal with friends, can trigger severe anxiety. Doing everyday things, such as eating or drinking in front of others or using a public restroom, also may cause anxiety or fear due to concerns about being humiliated, judged, and rejected.

In some people with social anxiety disorder, the fear is limited to one or two particular situations, like speaking in public or initiating a conversation. Others are very anxious and afraid of any social situation.

Social interaction may cause the following physical symptoms:
*Blush or tremble
*Feelings of shyness or discomfort
*Excessive sweating
*Rapid heart rate
*Feel their “mind going blank,” or feel sick to their stomach
*Have a rigid body posture, or speak with an overly soft voice
*Feel self-consciousness or fear that people will judge them negatively
*Dizziness or lightheadedness
*Avoid places where there are other people
*Find it difficult to make eye contact
*Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers

In social anxiety disorder, fear and anxiety lead to avoidance that can disrupt patient’s life. Severe stress can affect his relationships, daily routines, work, school or other activities.

Some of the factors that can cause social anxiety disorder are:
*Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
*Family history
*Past experiences
*Bullying or teasing by peers
*Childhood traits
*Maternal stress during pregnancy or infancy
What is social anxiety disorder?

Kalervo Oberg (1901 -1973) – anthropologist who introduced the term ‘culture shock’

Kalervo Oberg (1901 -1973) – anthropologist who introduced the term ‘culture shock’
He was born in British Columbia to Finnish parents in 1901. Kalervo Oberg was known as a world renowned anthropologist. He was a civil servant and a teacher.

He graduated from University of British Columbia with Bachelor of Economics before proceed to Master of Economics from University of Pittsburgh. He earned his doctorate from University of Chicago with dissertation, the Social Economy of the Tlingit Indians of Alaska.

He loved with his fieldwork and his extensive and wide ranging fieldwork was his biggest accomplishment. Oberg then worked in various government postings overseas, including the Institute of Inter-American Affairs, forerunner of the U.S. Agency for International Development, with assignments including Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and Surinam.

He traveled the world and wrote about the experiences so others could enjoy them as well. He was a world-renowned applied anthropologist. He was the first to introduce the term "Culture shock" and he was the best known coined for the idea in 1954. He found that all human beings experience the same feelings when they travel to or live in a different country or culture.

He found that culture shock is almost like a disease: it has a cause, symptoms and a cure. Kalervo Oberg died in 1973.
Kalervo Oberg (1901 -1973) – anthropologist who introduced the term ‘culture shock’