How can I tell if I am addicted to shopping?
Shopping may be problematic for you if you find that you're repeatedly buying things you don't need, can't stop yourself from shopping, feel compelled to hide what you buy, or are experiencing financial and emotional issues as a result of your shopping. Most people make occasional impulse purchases. But it's more concerning when you feel out of control, shop to cope with bad feelings, or continue to shop despite the negative consequences.
Signs that shopping may be a problem
You might have a compulsive shopping problem if you don't seem able to control your shopping. Perhaps you find yourself spending a lot of time thinking about buying things, browsing online when you're bored or feeling down, or having a strong desire to buy something even though you've made up your mind that you shouldn't.
Some warning signs include:
- Purchasing unnecessary items that are beyond your financial means
- Anxiety, irritability, and restlessness when trying to refrain from shopping
- A short-lived sense of well-being after making the purchase followed by guilt or regret
- Keeping packages, receipts, debts, or spending hidden from others
- Breaking your spending rules over and over
- Shopping in order to forget your loneliness, stress, sadness, or anger
- Arguments, debt, and/or clutter from things you bought that weren't paid for
There's no one indicator of whether or not you're a shopping addict. What matters is whether it's hurting you and if you're able to modify your habits if you choose to do so. One person could spend hundreds on clothes and not have a compulsion to shop, while another person might spend relatively little and yet be unable to stop herself.
Just track your spending for 2 weeks. Track what you purchased, how you felt when you went into the store, how much you spent and how you felt when you left. Seeing your data on paper might give you insight you were otherwise missing.
If you're experiencing significant financial strain, relationship conflict or severe emotional pain as a result of your shopping, it might be a good idea to reach out for help from a therapist or financial advisor. This is particularly true if your excessive spending is associated with symptoms of depression or anxiety, unresolved trauma or signs of elevated mood and decreased need for sleep.