Shopping as a Coping Mechanism: Clinical Depression and Spending Sprees
In the face of depression, some people may find themselves turning to shopping as a form of self-care. However, this can often evolve into a more problematic behaviour known as depression shopping.
Melissa Kaekel, a licensed professional counselor from Fayetteville, North Carolina, explains that the allure of online shopping lies in the process of browsing items and picking out things one likes. This act triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure.
Janisha Mickens-Ingram, a licensed marriage and family therapist from Gardena, California, advises identifying budget-friendly self-care options instead. These can include exercise, meditation, bibliotherapy (reading books for therapeutic purposes), and reconnecting with other hobbies and passions one once enjoyed.
To manage the impulse to shop, Mickens-Ingram suggests strategies like maintaining a wish list, restricting credit lines, and focusing on other rewarding activities. Kaekel recommends making impulse buying difficult by not carrying credit cards, keeping only a small amount of cash on hand, and deleting store card numbers from devices.
If buying becomes unmanageable, you may be experiencing a mental health condition known as compulsive buying. Therapy options that may help include online therapy, virtual reality therapy, group therapy, online group therapy, self-help groups, face-to-face therapy, life coaching, and self-help strategies.
If you're looking for a therapist but are unsure where to start, Psych Central's resource on how to find mental health support can help. It's important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
There are no search results specifically naming experts who have spoken about the recognition of compulsive shopping as a distinct mental health disorder in the DSM-5. However, the understanding and treatment of compulsive shopping as a mental health issue continue to evolve, and seeking help from a mental health professional is the best step towards managing this behaviour.
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