Suffering from affluenza?

Bigger, better, more! If that’s the singular thought that haunts your waking moments 24/7, then pal, you’ve probably been hit by affluenza. A combination of ‘affluence’ and ‘influenza’, affluenza has been defined as ‘the bloated, sluggish and unfulfilled feeling that results from efforts to keep up with the Joneses’. And in this age of Paris-ification, how much can ever be enough?  

According to psychologists, affluenza rears its ugly head when an individual becomes obsessed with wealth, fame and all things material, which in turn causes ‘luxury fever’ – over-consumption, overwork, higher stress, etc. The ensuing result: depression, anxiety, substance abuse and personality disorders.  

“If you’re insecure, aspire to be accepted by a particular society or want to be noticed, then you’re bound to be taken in by something like this,” says jewellery designer, Farah Khan. “You usually find this amongst women who don’t work, are not famous or have no talent – for them, having the latest brand means everything! Besides, the constant celebrity endorsements that surround us also add to it.” 

Indeed, it also has to do with identity theft. With rampant consumerism at an all-time high, if you allow yourself to be replaced by a bunch of designer labels, who exactly are you then?  

“The pressure is a lot to keep up with what’s ‘in’ because you get constantly judged by the people you meet,” says model Sanea Shaikh. “And I have seen a lot of aspiring models who will do just about anything to be fashionable.” 

“There is a lack of understanding between happiness and success – success can buy you pleasure but it can’t buy you happiness,” explains psychotherapist Varkha Chulani, who comes across cases of affluenza practically everyday. “The answer simply lies in defining what we value and what brings us peace of mind.” 

So, still think Paris Hilton should run for President? Erm, help is at hand!

d_farhad@dnaindia.net