An addiction is when somebody becomes dependant on an activity, substance, behaviour or object . It can control someone’s life to the extent that it can harm them physically, emotionally, mentally or socially. Addictions can make people feel like they can escape from life and its problems and be in control but unfortunately this is not the case. Addictions can include absolutely anything e.g. shopping or spending, sexual activities, gambling, food, prescribed and illegal drugs and alcohol, amongst others.

Some of the characteristics or behaviours that addicts can have are: 

• constantly think about their object, substance or activity

• Repeating their obsession over and over again even if they do not want to or are told to stop

• Depression or other mental health issues

• Low self esteem, nervousness

• Lack of control over their actions

• Denying the problem

Shopping Obsession

Everyone enjoys going shopping, but some people like to shop a little 'too' much...How much is too much? Can it become an obsession/addiction? Is shopping sometimes an outlet for how we feel about what is going on in our lives?  Let's find out... 

WHAT IS A SHOPPING ADDICTION?

People who are addicted to shopping use shopping as a way of making themselves feel better about things going on emotionally in their everyday lives. However very often it has the reverse effect on them, the more they shop, the more debt they run up and the worse they begin to feel. Often people addicted to shopping do not budget so can not afford to shop, buy too many items they do not need and their relationships with family and friends can be put under pressure due to their addiction.

IF I AM A SHOPAHOLIC HOW CAN I CONTROL THE HABIT?

 Always pay for the goods you buy with cash, do not use your credit card if you have one

 Always make a shopping list and buy what’s on it

 Only window shop after hours, if your window shopping during the day then make sure you leave your money at home.

 Avoid shopping on the internet, television shopping and from catalogues.

 When you have the urge to shop DON’T! Instead, take a walk or do some other activities

Coming to terms with your addiction:

If you are able to admit that you have a problem and use shopping as more of a 'therapy' rather than a once in a while activity, that is the first step forward. Speak to a family member or your doctor and start off the healthy process of organizing your finances and yourself!

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

WHAT IS OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER?

We all worry at times about small things, whether it's about what we are going to have for dinner, what's happening at school or how much homework we have! But people who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) have greater worries than these. They worry about bad things happening to them  if they do not do things in a certain way or order, or if they do not complete a task. OCD is a mental health condition which affects 2% of the population.

WHAT IS AN OBSESSION AND WHAT IS A COMPULSION?

An obsession is where we have a worry that won’t go away however hard we try not to think about it,it seems to just stay with us.  With OCD the thoughts that are had are very often about upsetting and tragic things, such as, death, illness, or something bad happening to someone that is close to them. Not being able to deal with these obsessions in a normal way will then lead to the compulsions. Compulsions are actions, such as, constantly washing hands, the person suffering with OCD does this in order to try and stop the worrying thoughts that they are having. By doing these actions the person thinks that the bad thing will not happen to them and that the worry will go away. It is a vicious cycle which keeps on happening.

THE SIGNS

 There are a great number of signs that can be looked for if you think someone you know may have OCD. These are as follows:

• Washing hands, showering, bathing or brushing teeth or washing things in general  more than would be seen as necessary.

• Being overly neat and tidy and wanting things to be lined up perfectly straight

 • Fear that they may have been the cause of a tragic event such as a fatal fire or car accident. 

 • Checking things over and over again - i.e car doors to make sure they are locked, checking the oven is off, the hob is not turned on

• Counting obsessions. Needing to count a certain number of cars or street lights that you have passed before you get to where you are going

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE OCD?

 If you think that you have OCD the first thing that you should do is speak with a parent and visit your doctor in order to be properly diagnosed.  It is always much easier to have support from family and friends and not deal with things on your own.

WHERE TO GO FOR FURTHER HELP

The NHS: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk when you go into this site look for the health encyclopaedia and look under the letter “O” OCD Action: They provide information, support and advice to those with OCD can be found at www.ocdaction.org.uk Triumph Over Phobia Uk: Provides self help groups for those suffering with OCD. www.triumphoverphobia.com NHS direct click here or Young minds click here or Jewish Care 020 8922 2166 click here