This activity may also be called comfort buying, stress shopping, or compensative buying.
Retail therapy doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure, though.
It can be a relaxing, empowering experience on occasion.
Oscar Wong / Getty Images
But it is also important to understand how this happy habit can become problematic.
It is a way to ease distress or enjoy doing and having something different.
Shopping addiction makes you want to keep buying things, even if you know you shouldnt.
Buyer’s remorsea sense of regret after making a purchaseusually follows an episode of overshopping.
About 6%8% of shoppers are compulsive buyers.
Signs of Shopping Addiction
There is a fine line between retail therapy and shopping addiction.
Risk Factors
Certain behaviors can indicate a shopping addiction.
Celebrities and social media often celebrate or joke about overspending.
Atherapistcan help you uncover your emotional causes and equip you with more helpful coping skills.
Is Retail Therapy Good for You?
Whether retail therapy is good for you depends on your financial and emotional situation.
An occasional indulgence within your means is not normally a problem.
If shopping triggers more anxiety or endangers your finances or relationships, retail therapy is hurting you.
Healthier Alternatives
Boosting your mood doesn’t always require more shopping.
It is a way to ease distress or enjoy doing and having something different.
It may activate neurotransmitters such as dopamine and endorphins that improve your mood.
However, it is easy to get hooked on the rush that comes with shopping for new items.
Be aware of unreasonable urges to shop constantly in spite of negative consequences.
If you are concerned about your spending habits, talking to amental health professionalcan help.
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