Take Control of Your Wallet: Shopping Addiction
With social media and sales galore, the ever growing presence of shopping is being felt. Everyone with a high street brand or smaller business is turning online as well as having physical stores which makes buying easier for the masses. But with shopping and sales everywhere we turn, it is becoming ever harder to say no and keep our wallets out of sight.
At New Leaf, we understand that shopping can become a habit for many people, but for others, it can become a vicious cycle that is harder to break. If you feel yourself needing support with your shopping habits, get in touch with our team today.
What is Shopping Addiction?
Many people throw around the term ‘shopaholic’ for those who spend large amounts of money often; however, shopping addiction is a very real and serious problem that many people can face.
Shopping addiction can sometimes be better known as compulsive buying disorder. It is a behavioural addiction that can be as damaging and dangerous as substances, impacting people both mentally and physically.
Much like substance abuse, shopping addiction can develop for a number of reasons, including people trying to fill a void in their lives, or trying to cope with some form of underlying health problems. When the purchase of items gives a temporary high, it can very quickly make you fall flat, and the cycle begins again. This is how shopping addiction is often developed.
If you are struggling with your spending habits, get in touch with our team at New Leaf today. We are here to support you and help you find a healthier lifestyle.
The Impacts of Shopping Addiction
Shopping addiction in itself can have an impact of a person’s life, from mentally to financially, but it can also impact the lives of those around a person struggling and those relationships.
When someone struggles with shopping addiction, the financial burden of this can become too much sometimes, leading to financial concerns and struggles. When this begins to happen, it can have a detrimental impact on someone mental health and wellbeing, as well as their relationships. From hiding purchases to lying about the amount spent, this can all lead to someone become isolated and in debt very quickly.
At New Leaf, we aim to help every client find a better way to cope with their problems and find new ways to seek the thrill they chase. With our holistic therapies and approach, we are able to help you understand the root cause of your problem and find a better, healthier way to manage this without breaking the bank.
Signs That Someone is Becoming A Shopaholic
Shopping Addiction can be harder to identify as it can be hidden a little easier than that of substance abuse. Some of the typical signs to look out for within those around you include:
- Someone always thinking about their next purchase.
- Struggling to stop themselves buying.
- Experiencing a rush or temporary high following a purchase.
- Regret or shame after buying something.
- Taking out more credit cards or accounts.
- Lying about money spent or how much things cost.
- Feeling the urge to spend when it can’t be afforded.
- A home full of items that are still new and unused.
- Frequently returning items that have been recently purchased.
Although some of these can be harder to spot, if you have noticed a change in a loved one’s behaviour or you feel this is becoming more and more like yourself, don’t hesitate to seek support from our team at New Leaf today.
How to Help Someone Struggling with Shopping
Firstly, if you know someone that is struggling with shopping addiction, or is finding themselves more and more in debt, get in touch with New Leaf today.
If they refuse to seek additional help, why not try some of these tips to help reduce their need to spend:
- Try to avoid taking them to shopping outlets or high streets.
- Cut down on social media or online use to avoid exposure to sales or online buying.
- Unsubscribe from mailing lists – this helps reduce the tempting emails!
- Close down, hide or cut up credit accounts and cards to prevent the use of them.
- Find a new habit that is a healthier replacement for shopping.
- Re-organise and re-invigorate your existing wardrobe and discover new styles in what you already have!
There are a number of ways in which you can try and reduce the shopping and spending that you do, or help others to move away from this, but it is also important to remember that this doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Speak to our team today to seek further professional support.
Ask for Guidance Today
New Leaf Can Help & Support You
Whether for yourself, or a loved one, seeking support for shopping addiction can help break the cycle and find better ways to cope with life’s challenges and struggles. Contact our team today by giving us a call or complete the form below and let us take you on a journey towards a brighter future.
Our holistic therapies help to encourage every client to open up and get to the core of their struggles, understanding that they are not alone, and they can find better ways of managing their struggles alongside others. From art therapy to group therapy and 1-2-1 sessions, we offer a wide range of treatments and services to suit everyone. We also offer stays at New Leaf from 7 to 28 days. We understand that for some, these week-by-week stays are not ideal; please get in touch with our team today as we offer flexible stays to suit your needs.
Turn over your new leaf today and break the cycles of shopping addiction.