Aside from cuttng up bank cards (already done), can anybody give any advice as to how to overcome it? Am worried about my sister, she has already got rid of her cards, but still spends so she can't eat!
Would appreciate own experiences, causes, tips, do & don'ts etc
2006-10-13 10:42:11 · 10 answers · asked by Contrary Mary 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I had the same problem to the tune of 30000 spent in 6 months and bankruptcy later. If she can get back to zero debt and start over-that is helpful because you do not want to mess up again. However, my psychiatrist made me promise to put things on hold until the next day. If I still felt like I needed the object the next day, I could buy it. Usually, you never go back. Impulsivity and trying to numb yourself from whatever feelings you are having and do not like are the drive for compulsive shopping.
2006-10-13 17:19:12 · answer #1 · answered by catzrme 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its all about the way of thinking. She obviously KNOWS there is a problem, since she has NO food.... So now, she needs to relate HAVING SAVED money as a positive reinforcement. She needs to BELIEVE that the more money she saves, the happier she will be, and not believe that she will be happier spending. There are many ways to reward this behavior, but most people use negative reinforcement, which works well too. She needs to make a list of the things she HAS to pay, and when she goes grocery shopping and personal shopping, she needs an assistant to go with her (at least for the first few times) then she needs to FOLLOW THE LIST. DO NOT DEVIATE... These are all scientifically proven methods so PLEASE try them, When she deviates from the list, she has to give something up. Something she loves. Like she cant watch TV or she cant have electricity. These kinds of things because they will reinforce WHY SHE NEEDS TO SAVE HER MONEY... Cause if she doesnt she will lose her electricity, or her phone, or cable and such. Good luck... Shopping addictions are HARD to deal with and its just as hard to be around them.
2006-10-13 10:49:44 · answer #2 · answered by Angel Eve 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a compulsive shopper too. I give myself an allowance which is 100 dollars that i can spend on what ever. I also had a financial adviser make all my bill prepaid from my account before i have access to the money. that way my bills are paid before i pay myself.
When i go into a store i can not leave without buying something even if it is a stick of gum. however, i don't spend over my 100 bucks. that is to include meals outside of the home. coffee's etc.
also a prepaid debit card works great, it is like a prepaid phone, if you don't make deposits, you cant make withdrawls.
i hope this helps. but the first step to getting help is to admit that there is a real problem. when she admits that she need help she will be more willing to get and accept help.
2006-10-13 10:48:25 · answer #3 · answered by dee-dee 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If she is truly "addicted" to shopping and not just living outside her means then she should consider checking into a rehab... there are places where people can go to learn not only the cause of the addiction but also how to stop it. Most insurances cover this, but if she does not have insurance, the cost of rehab will be worth the money she will save by stopping the compulsive shopping. Talk to Her!! Let her know that you are worried, but do not be surprised by a negative response. She is like an alcoholic, but her drug is shopping. Be persistant and do not give up on her!! Good luck and best wishes to your sister!
2006-10-13 10:50:44 · answer #4 · answered by MissMonk 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
this may sound off base, but does your sister have manic states (high energy, very happy)? Are there any depressive states (deep sadness, crying or sleeping jags)?
She may be bi-polar. I was a compulsive shopper. It was awful. My roommate would say she needed a pair of socks and I would come home with 50 (all different colors, styles). When I was diagnosed with Bi-Polar disorder and treated my shopping stopped, now I can keep $20 in my wallet for 2 months and not touch it (now that drives my roommate crazy).
That is something to think about. Bi-polar disorder is not always a mix of manic and depressive states, some people are constantly manic or hyper-manic. Try reading up on it and see of any of this fits your sister.
Good luck.
2006-10-13 11:13:00 · answer #5 · answered by TriviaBuff 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Make a budget by storing some notes and coins in a jar and when you use them all up, you know you have spent enough. So with the rest of the money, spend it on important things like food, or put it in the bank. Don't worry I used to have the same problem!
2006-10-13 11:24:28 · answer #6 · answered by Alex 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know others who have the same problem. Nothing seems to work. One was in debt more than she made a year and got an inheritance and paid it off and started all over again.
2006-10-13 10:44:31 · answer #7 · answered by Gone fishin' 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Really the only way to resolve this is counseling and/or medication. This is impulsive behavior and cannot be stopped without behavior modification or medication!
2006-10-13 10:46:19 · answer #8 · answered by blondambition 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
see a counsellor. Could be an underlying psychological problem
2006-10-13 10:45:45 · answer #9 · answered by sexgod 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just stop being so fking greedy.
2006-10-13 10:45:27 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋