簡瑜蓓
It』s a depressing world. The population being attacked by depression is
getting bigger and bigger. What will you do when you feel down? Some
people overeat, but some people don』t eat; some people sleep
continuously while some just can』t fall asleep. Famous writers create
when they are depressed, but nowadays many people shop to find a way to
relieve the pressure.
Shopping as a pleasure is a product of this modern time. This is a time
of abundance: lots and lots of department stores and shopping malls lie
waiting for the consumers. And credit cards speed up the process of
transaction so that consumers can enjoy the merchandise before really
paying for it. The feeling of power that comes with shopping and owning
things is a direct compensation for the feeling of powerlessness that
many depression patients suffer from. They don』t necessarily need those
products, but holding them makes people feel powerful. And as the
patients will never be satisfied, the ball will roll on endlessly.
And there is anther kind of shopaholics. To desire to own as many
things as possible as the lowest price possible makes them lose control
over themselves. They can』t help but buy many products which they might
never use simply because of the sale. Shopping for bargains is like
drugs to which they are addicted. Most of those who are unsatisfied
won』t feel better after their big shopping. On the contrary, they are
more depressed and regretful when they get the bill.
It』s a vicious circle that shopaholics shop because of feeling depressed
and feel depressed for their unreasonable shopping. When you notice
some big shoppers in the department stores next time, don』t envy them
for their richness. They might be those who are suffering from
depression.