Habits Worth Breaking…Before You Breakdown
Words by Katherine C. Eustaquio
Published in Action & Fitness Magazine May 2009 issue
I grew up reading Archie Comics and over the years I’ve developed what I fondly call the “Veronica Lodge Syndrome.” In other words, I shop like a maniac: I find myself buying things, particularly shoes, on impulse especially when I feel extremely upbeat or depressed. While my shopping habit amuses most of my friends, impulse shopping kills my budget in one go and I would bleed until the next pay day.
The more technical term, according to psychologists, is “compulsive shopping” or “oniomania”. It’s an impulse control habit characterized by a strong desire to purchase an item that would bring about personal satisfaction. It can be triggered by certain emotions like anger, annoyance, joy, and even stress. While addiction to shopping is not hazardous to one’s health (it can be deadly to your bank account, though), it adds up to more pressing financial problems in the future, especially if you buy with plastic (read: credit cards).
Impulse control disorders are described by psychologists as the “inability to resist the impulse to perform an action”. Some habits do not cause harm to you or others, but they can be extremely annoying in the long run. They are also subconscious and automatic, but they are not entirely impossible to break. Here are a few of those habits worth breaking—that is, if you don’t want to end up with broken bones, have a major breakdown, or end up broke.
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)
It’s a more technical term for “hotheadedness”. Common among men, it is characterized by aggressive outbursts that can lead to physical assaults. IED can be set off by simply construing and/or misinterpreting another’s behavior or motive to be specifically against your own and putting the blame on another for provoking your violence.
How to kick it: IED can be treated through therapies and medications. Controlling outbursts can be tough as first, especially for men who are consumed by the “macho syndrome”, the term used to describe men who pose themselves as “supermen” to compensate for their hidden insecurities. Save yourself from emotional stress and possible physical injuries by simply curbing your anger. Avoid miscommunication by learning how to converse effectively. Count one to ten before talking back or lifting a finger. Choose your battles wisely. Not all arguments should end in a fist fight.
Pathological Gambling
A disorder characterized by the desire to gamble despite back-to-back losses, insufficient funds, and monetary setbacks. People suffering from pathological gambling are often competitive, restless, and generous. They usually turn to gambling to relieve stress, escape personal problems, or simply bask in the thrill of winning.
How to kick it: Quitting the habit in one sitting can be frustrating, especially if gambling kicks your adrenaline level into high gear. The solution is simple: Do something else. Distract yourself by doing other activities like strolling at the mall, watching television, or going to the gym. If the urge is too strong, set a once-a-week schedule for gambling. You can ask a family member or a friend to handle your money for a certain period of time until you’re far from the brink of bankruptcy.
Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling)
An impulse-control disorder described as the repetitive pulling out of one’s hair that often leads to hair loss. People with trichotillomania often feel contentment and relief when pulling out their hair but the disorder often causes distress in their social and corporate lives.
How to kick it: Extreme cases of trichotillomania can be treated through therapy and medication. Increased awareness of hair pulling can help patients learn a structured method on how to reverse the habit. Early stages of trichotillomania can be controlled easily. Tying your hair in a precise ponytail or getting an elaborate hairdo can help you avoid pulling out your hair in public. Getting a crew cut or a close shave may also stop the impulsive habit.
Pyromania
This disorder is defined as the “uncontrollable impulse to repeatedly set fires with no obvious motive.” Common among men, pyromania in adults can be due to the following reasons: antisocial behavior, sensation, and attention seeking, and limited knowledge about fire hazards. It is also associated with the inability to cope with stress, depression, recurring tension in interpersonal relationships, and suicidal thoughts.
How to kick it: Pyromania in adults is more difficult to treat due to most patients’ lack of cooperation. But just the same, pyromania can be treated with the combination of medication and therapy where the patients’ action are analyzed to better understand their situation and come up with the best way to help them get rid of the disorder.
