A stroll through the city will always be a challenge for Nadine because she is addicted to shopping. The IT specialist is married and a mother. The excessive shopping thing started decades ago. The 48-year-old says: “I bought what I liked. The money is no longer in the account, you end up in the red, but the bank accepts it and if it no longer works, you get a loan again. ”
Secrets and debts
No matter whether it was home accessories, clothes for the children or for herself – although she earned well, her purchases constantly caused her to slip into debt. Nadine noticed from time to time that this couldn’t be normal, but she glossed it over.
“I secretly took out a loan for 10,000 euros and my husband found out about it. Today I’m happy about it. But only then did it click!” Nadine
Purchase shopping disorder
Scientists currently assume that almost five percent of people in Germany are at risk of shopping addiction – and the trend is rising. The so-called shopping disorder is now the most common behavioral addiction, says Dr. Catherine Georgiadou. The senior psychologist at the Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the Nuremberg Clinic looks after patients with shopping addictions – who, in her experience, usually seek help far too late.
Shopping cannot be avoided
Their ordeal is often very long and dominated by shame, secrecy and financial pressure. The problem with therapy: In our consumer society, shopping cannot be avoided and the internet, which is available around the clock, is full of purchasing incentives and financing offers – this increases the risk of becoming addicted to shopping, according to the psychologist.
High level of suffering
And the level of suffering among patients is high. Buying is nice at first and is associated with pleasant feelings. There are compliments from colleagues or friends – or you have the greatest tool as a neighbor, explains Dr. Katherina Georgiadou.
“But even though I resolve not to buy, I can’t do it. I constantly have to keep something secret – which of course puts a strain on the patients.” Dr. Katherina Georgiadou, senior psychologist at the Nuremberg Clinic
Internet as a risk factor
And like many of her fellow sufferers, the constant availability of the Internet became Nadine’s downfall – an increasing problem, especially for younger shopaholics, according to Dr. Katharina Georgiadou. “If you can’t sleep at night or feel lonely, you can browse the sites and order anonymously. And then there are completely different payment options, such as paying on account, loans, installment payments – all of which tempt you to overbuy. “
Mental toolbox
Excessive use of the Internet is certainly one reason why people with shopping disorder are getting younger and younger. The aim of therapy is to ensure that patients, who are getting younger and younger, understand that consumption cannot satisfy their existential needs. With individual conversations, group therapy and sometimes supervised shopping, a mental toolbox is put together to help you resist buying attacks. Because shopping disorder accompanies patients throughout their lives.
The goal: not buy
With Nadine there are no more secrets since the therapy. And when she sees something she likes while strolling through town – she simply “can’t buy” it now – and that’s a victory for her.
2023-11-20 04:29:05
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