If you find yourself constantly adding new items to your online shopping cart or buying things you don’t need, you’re not alone. Compulsive buying can be a common problem.
As Susan Albers, a psychologist with a doctorate, explains, this has a lot to do with mental health.
“Compulsive buying goes hand in hand with emotions and mental health. It is often a way to cope with stress, anxiety and depression,” said Dr. Albers. “By spending money, we can fill the emotional void, escape negative emotions and temporarily bring a sense of joy into our lives.”
Dr. Albers said when you buy something, the neurotransmitter dopamine is released in your brain, which makes you feel good.
The joy you feel comes from the experience and not so much from the object.
She said that compulsive buying can be reduced through simple behavioral changes, such as pausing before shopping.
Ask yourself if you really need this item. What value will it add to your life? You should also focus on how you feel.
Do you buy something to escape negative emotions? Other tips include deleting shopping apps on your phone and setting a budget.
“The difference between compulsive spending and healthy shopping is the intention and the consequences. With healthy shopping, we buy the things we need calmly and with planned intent,” says Dr. Albers. “Compulsive shopping, on the other hand, happens with a sense of urgency. There is an emotional trigger and it often leads to emotional or financial stress.”
She said feelings of guilt after a purchase are a telltale sign of compulsive buying.
She recommends taking a step back and thinking about the decision. You may also want to talk to a psychologist about it.
