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I totally have a shopping addiction. I really have no idea why I am buy all this stuff. Yes it is amazing and I am getting it at amazing deal... but it just not practical. I know it is not a good idea. I know I can't possibly use all of it.... but I just can't stop.
The bigger issue is I know this is bad ... but I dont really want to stop. I think I am totally going nuts. I am divided between thinking this is just a passion for shopping and fashion .... or just an addiction.
It is not an addiction. There is no addiction to shopping. It is simply a choice. And ultimately it is a character problem and a failure of self-control. You know it would be rational and correct to stop it. But you fail to exert the self-control to carry out the decision you know is correct. The key to ultimately stopping it is learning self control. It is a skill that you do not currently possess, but it certainly can be learned if you want to and are sufficiently motivated.
Or, you can choose to remain weak and out of control and give in to irrational urges to acquire things that you do not need. Either way, it is a choice, and it is subject to personal volition, and it is your responsibility to make the choice to stop it, or not.
It doesn't sound like she's addicted in the sense that it's ruining her life. Sounds more like she shops too much and chooses to focus on the savings instead of the cost. I think you should just tell yourself that 75% off something you don't need is still 25% off. My grandma was like you. It was all about the OOP cost high instead of the fact that you don't need another pair of black shoes that look like 10 other pairs you have.
I used to be into couponing and I was really good at it but I would be obsessed with it. One day, I just looked at the cabinet that had enough toiletries for 20 years and I was over it.
Are you getting good feedback on the gifts you give? I learned people would rather have one $50 item they truly want than 10 awesome $5 deals I got. Then again, I'm mostly related to aholes. Lol
I totally have a shopping addiction. I really have no idea why I am buy all this stuff. Yes it is amazing and I am getting it at amazing deal... but it just not practical. I know it is not a good idea. I know I can't possibly use all of it.... but I just can't stop.
The bigger issue is I know this is bad ... but I dont really want to stop. I think I am totally going nuts. I am divided between thinking this is just a passion for shopping and fashion .... or just an addiction.
You have posted about this SO many times....and I'm going to say it again. You need therapy. You think your shopping is a problem. If you didn't think there was problem, you wouldn't be here asking other people constantly.
Upon reading your post I am at a total loss. The only thing I can say is that on a very basic level, addictions are all the same. At least you admit you have a problem, and that is the very first step.
I think what you should do is totally clear. You should immediately seek help from a professional mental healthcare professional. I suggest you should begin counseling with a psychologist with a Psy.D degree, one who specializes in addictions if you can find one, although most perhaps all accredited clinical psychologists would be able to handle your treatment.
To locate such a psychologist either ask your M.D. for a referral or use your healthcare insurance website to locate those near you. And my own advice: not all psychologists are the same. It is perfectly reasonable to interview with 2-3 before picking one to stick with, and perfectly reasonable to switch at any point if you believe your needs would be better served by another.
I do not see this as a problem that our "forum psychologists" would be able to help you with, although the opinions, comments and suggestions may make for interesting reading.
Completely agree I feel counseling can be over-used, but in such cases they really can be of benefit. I also agree to choose carefully. Some counselors do more harm than good, many are just inept. I also agree to find a psychologist with a PhD, not just someone with an MA in counseling. You might also ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a psychiatrist, who can place you on meds targeted to addictions, OCB, etc. Good Luck!
Also, I found this website you could try. They have a zipcode search for psychologists who deal with shopping addiction
Completely agree I feel counseling can be over-used, but in such cases they really can be of benefit. I also agree to choose carefully. Some counselors do more harm than good, many are just inept. I also agree to find a psychologist with a PhD, not just someone with an MA in counseling. You might also ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a psychiatrist, who can place you on meds targeted to addictions, OCB, etc. Good Luck!
I may be a bit extreme, but I believe even people without mental health problems might benefit from counseling. But of course if you are perfectly happy with your life there is nothing to fix.
The correct degree for a clinical psychologist is Psy.D. A counselor can practice with a M.A. degree but IMO I'd recommend going with the Psy.D. as best choice.
It is not an addiction. There is no addiction to shopping. It is simply a choice. And ultimately it is a character problem and a failure of self-control. You know it would be rational and correct to stop it. But you fail to exert the self-control to carry out the decision you know is correct. The key to ultimately stopping it is learning self control. It is a skill that you do not currently possess, but it certainly can be learned if you want to and are sufficiently motivated.
Or, you can choose to remain weak and out of control and give in to irrational urges to acquire things that you do not need. Either way, it is a choice, and it is subject to personal volition, and it is your responsibility to make the choice to stop it, or not.
This could be said about any behaviour that could be classified as an addiction.
You have posted about this SO many times....and I'm going to say it again. You need therapy. You think your shopping is a problem. If you didn't think there was problem, you wouldn't be here asking other people constantly.
Actually I posted it twice... but once in the fashion area and now here. SO many times is an exagerations.
Also I am not a dumb as I might seem. Both area offer access to different temperments and have a different focus. One area highlights an interest in fashion. Info gained that area helped me determine if other people who really enjoy fashion has similar challanges. The current area highlights psyhchology... ex why we do what we do.
I honestly view psychologist as another person trying to make a buck off of me. From a business perspective it is not actually "heal me"... the more dependent I become on them to help me resolve my issues ... the more money they make.
Regardless ... I am finding hearing other people's views on this thought provoking and beneficial.
So regarding seeing a therapist ... thanks ... but no thanks.
I am trying to understand my problem myself. I guess I take DYI to a whole new level !
Okay I am not sure I am on the same page with some of you guys when it comes to this .....
In the scale of problems if this were an injury it is a cut... not a decapitation. If I had a cut I would try and deal with it myself at home... I would not rush to the emergency ward to get medical assitance.
The cut is not that deep....
I have no credit card debts. I can pay my bills. My store space is getting over full though. I am also self aware enough to recognize it is getting close to becoming a problem. I don't think I am at a point yet where I have to be locked in a padded room in a straight jacket.
Yeah I love a deal but I either buy it because I know I will 1.use it or 2. resell it
There can be a good business in buying and selling. We do it with houses, vehicles and shipping containers. I stick with the small things like books
As long as you are not in debt and able to save go for it. Just be careful it doesn't turn into an obsession that cannot be controlled.
I think I need to figure out a way to use this skill to make a profit.
I love deal hunting....
So doing something I love make a profit seems like a good idea.
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I feel counseling can be over-used, but in such cases they really can be of benefit. I also agree to choose carefully. Some counselors do more harm than good, many are just inept. I also agree to find a psychologist with a PhD, not just someone with an MA in counseling. You might also ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a psychiatrist, who can place you on meds targeted to addictions, OCB, etc. Good Luck!
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