When does a Behavior become an Addiction?
By Joan Law
Feng Shui Joan’s Way
FengshuiJoansWay@gmail.com
According to Wikipedia, addiction is a biopsychosocial disorder characterized by repeated use of drugs, or repetitive engagement in a behavior such as gambling, despite harm to self and others. When we think of addiction, we think about such behaviors as compulsive eating disorders, alcoholism, opioid addiction, or even gambling and video game addiction. And, in last week’s blog, I talked about how clutter relates to depression and vice versa. But there is such a thing as a clutter addiction, or a psychological disorder more commonly referred to as hoarding.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions. When an individual experiences extreme distress, even fear at the thought of getting rid of possessions regardless of actual value or the excessive quantity of items, they may have a clutter addiction.
My work is all about helping people identify and combat clutter so that they can improve their quality of life. And I’ve worked with individuals and their loved ones to determine if more help than a basic clutter clearing is called for. If your space or a loved one’s space has become so cluttered it is unsafe to live in, it is time to consider assistance to map out a plan for a healthy tomorrow.
The other compulsive behavior I would like to focus on today is Social Media. And, I have a confession to make. I am a social media addict…well…WAS a social media addict.
I am actively working myself away from most of my social media dealers. Many of you might say that my determination to alter this particular obsessive behavior is extreme. But hear me out.
Funny how this past year has helped me identify, what most folks would say is normal behavior, as an addictive behavior. But if you look at all the descriptive words that define addiction such as obsession (constantly looking at my phone to view or post); FMO – actual fear of missing out if I don’t constantly look; even in the middle of other activities); FOA – fear of anonymity (if I’m not active on Social Media you all will forget me); extreme distress at all that these feelings create in my life.
As a Feng Shui expert, these are not feelings that generate good chi or energy. I had to laugh as I started to think about all the above. How did I not recognize this before!
So, I’m clearing clutter from my “social media” life and turning to my newsletter, website, and LinkedIn to connect with you. My focus will be people who bring light and positive energy into my world. I hope I can do the same for you. And even though we still need to be COVID focused, I am also striving to connect with folks one on one via phone or email.
Many of my social media friends have reached out and shared they will miss my community recommendations and family stories. Not to worry, I will include snippets and links in the newsletter each week for you.
And watch for a new “Ask Joan” page on my website. This will be a referral page so you can connect with my connections and all the great businesses I work with and can highly recommend.
As my tea bag from today reads – socialize with compassion, kindness and grace!
