What is oniomania, the new form of addiction that can cause anxiety, stress and debt? – The financial

“This disorder represents one of the most serious current problems we have.” in our society, since socially and culturally it is promoted to have material goods and a status that makes us feel like better people, even more attractive,” according to the academic from the UNAM.

As has been analyzed, this behavior occurs more frequently during the holiday season. However, with online shopping applications, it is now also easier to fall into this type of attitude, since everything is ‘just a click away’.

What is a compulsive buyer?

The UNAM also details that there is no one who is saved because in the case of women, they could buy clothes, shoes, jewelry, makeup and any other items; while men focus on gadgets, sporting goods or electronic devices.

According to the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission, compulsive buying could be compared to a form of addiction.

The reason has to do with the name of “impulsivity” and refers to a characteristic in which the person claims that he cannot stop or does so without thinking, without having any reason, which is why this type of behavior It is also related to anxietystress, depression and antisocial behaviors.

By feeling immediate gratification, they generate a neurotic profile because deep down they seek to obtain recognition, even if it is personal.

Instead, when you can’t get what you want to buyanxious thoughts arise such as: What if I can’t find it anymore? What if it’s no longer on sale? How am I going to pass up that opportunity?, among others.

According to the Mental Health America organizationthere are 4 stages of compulsive buying and they are:

1. Anticipation: When thoughts and needs begin.
2. Preparation: It is the moment when you begin to search for offers.
3. Buys: It happens when the purchase is made and generates a pleasant feeling.
4. Expense: Sometimes people feel sad that the purchase is over and then they are disappointed to see what they spent.

How are compulsive buying ‘cured’?

In reality it is not a cure as such, but rather a control this type of behavior And as part of the first steps are understanding and analyzing these behaviors.

For this it is necessary to take psychological therapy and in this way the specialist will decide if it is necessary to be referred to a psychiatrist. In any case, it is necessary to apply strategies that help reduce the need to buy.

If you identified any of these signs and consider that you can still control it, according to the BBVA bank, these are some Recommendations to avoid falling into compulsive purchases:

• Make a budget: The objective is that before buying or spending money on something, you analyze whether it is really enough for you or not.
• Investigation: If there is something you want very much, before buying it, look up its real price and identify if there is a offer that is more convenient.
• Compare prices: Research will help with this, as it will show you what the costs are and where it is best to purchase the products.
• Avoid last minute purchases: Having the feeling of buying something at the last minute also increases the need to buy, so it is better to do it calmly and also follow the previous steps.

The National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services (Condusef) recommends staying away from credit cards if you consider that you are a compulsive buyer and not going shopping if you have any emotions such as sadness, depression or anxiety.