Today’s generation increasingly turns to shopping as a means to cope with anxiety and social pressures, leading to a concerning trend known as Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBD). This condition involves spending significantly more than necessary, often resulting in financial strain and emotional distress. The England Healthcare Group has classified compulsive shopping as a disorder that requires treatment. According to a 2015 survey, it is estimated that one in every twenty people, especially in developing countries, is affected by this disorder.
Difference Between Normal Shopping and Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBD)
- Normal shopping is a routine activity done with control due to a need, whereas, shopping addiction is an impulsive and often uncontrollable behaviour driven by emotional needs. Therefore, normal shopping is a need-based and calculated decision.
- It leads to negative consequences, including financial problems and emotional distress, distinguishing it clearly from typical shopping behaviour.
- Addicted persons spend a lot of time, money and mental energy on it without realising. They may frequently think about shopping, plan their next purchases and even feel restless if they are not able to shop.
- Individuals may be in denial about the extent of their problem or unaware of the underlying emotional triggers driving their behaviour. They may rationalise or justify their excessive shopping as normal.
- CBD is often followed by feelings of guilt, shame, or regret. It is also known as ‘Buyer’s Remorse’. In the long term, negative emotional aftermath can perpetuate a cycle of compulsive buying as a way to seek relief from these feelings.
Root cause of shopping Addiction
- Social media plays a significant role in fueling compulsive buying addiction, as individuals are often easily influenced by celebrities or other influential personalities.
- The platforms provide easy access to credit card use and online shopping, making it convenient for victims to spend their leisure time shopping for unnecessary items.
- Additionally, individuals experiencing anxiety, stress or relationship issues may turn to shopping as a way to cope and seek temporary happiness.
Consequences
- Individuals suffering from buying addiction often experience a loss of self-esteem and can fall into a cycle of debt, which can be difficult to escape.
- This addiction can sometimes lead to legal issues and significantly strain relationships and families, potentially causing long-term damage.
- Shopping addiction is a serious issue that can negatively impact a person’s emotional, financial and mental well-being. It is crucial to take necessary precautions to address this problem, as failure to do so can lead to significant harm and potentially destroy one’s life.
Overcome Shopping Addiction By The Grace of God
The only way to overcome compulsive buying addiction is by taking Naam Diksha (initiation) from Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj as He is the only Complete Saint in this world Who provides authentic devotion (Sat Bhakti) of the Supreme God Kabir.
Sant Rampal Ji’s worship has transformed the lives of countless disciples, after taking initiation. We are given this precious human life to attain salvation, but we often get caught up in unnecessary distractions in society, forgetting the importance of God. If this human life is not utilised for seeking God, along with other worldly pursuits, then it ensures our rebirth in 84 lakh different species, pushing us back into the unending cycle of birth and death. It is crucial not to get lost solely in materialistic pursuits but to worship the Supreme God Kabir, as He is the ultimate saviour of everyone.
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- Website: www.jagatgururampalji.org
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