Retail Therapy Can Be Dangerous

Retail Therapy Can Be Dangerous

Marie Miguel 17/02/2021 5
Retail Therapy Can Be Dangerous

The term “retail therapy” is a popular one. If you have a bad day, it’s socially acceptable to go out to a store and buy a cute dress or T-shirt.

When you have a fight with your partner, it’s all right to go on Amazon and get something for yourself. Unfortunately, it’s not so healthy to engage in “retail therapy “for some people. Those with addictive personalities can get to the point where they’re compulsive shopping. As it turns out, retail is not therapeutic for those individuals. Here’s how shopping can become a problem for some, and some ways that you can help yourself if you are one of those individuals.

Is Shopping a Problem for You?

Mark Up Shopping

Ask yourself a question: do you want to spend money the minute that you get it? Let’s say that you get your paycheck on Friday, and the first thing that comes to mind is, “how do I get rid of this money?” A lot of people have that thought. Don’t be ashamed if that sounds like you. Some people get their check, and before they pay their bills or rent, they buy things for themselves. Some individuals prioritize buying items over paying their bills and get into debt or risk getting evicted from their homes. For those individuals, retail shopping is not therapy; it’s a liability. Shopping can be a dangerous addiction. Some people are fine with budgeting their money, occasionally treating themselves to a small item. But, if you find that you are using your money to buy things that you don’t necessarily need, then you may have a compulsive spending problem.

What Can You Do If You Have a Shopping Addiction?

It’s difficult to cope with a shopping addiction for many reasons. Some people love to shop, and it’s a social experience for them. Buying things is normalized in our society. It can be an activity that you do with friends. Going to the mall can be a lot of fun. But, for those with a shopping addiction, it can result in negative consequences. Think of someone who has an alcohol problem. If they’re a recovering addict, they won’t go to a bar because of the temptation to drink. For those with a shopping addiction, they need to stay away from retail outlets and stores. If you feel that you have a shopping problem, it’s important to discuss these issues with a mental health professional to get help. The thing that prevents people from getting help is the shame of their addiction.

Shame and Addictions  

In many ways, addictions are all similar to one another. It’s just the substance that changes. With a shopping addiction, you have the same psychological issues as those who are addicted to a substance. You think about shopping a lot, do it in secret so that you don’t let other people know about your problem, hide your cards so that your partner doesn’t see you where your money is going, and are secretive about your purchases. You hide your addiction because you feel shame. It’s crucial to address these compulsive shopping problems so that it doesn’t get worse and affect your finances to the point where you are broke. You don’t want to get to the point where you’re having trouble affording your place to live. You may have found yourself in a situation where you’ve taken loans from other people, and those individuals are tired of giving you money to get out of debt. The truth is: it’s up to you to deal with your addiction. The first way to do that is to talk to a mental health professional such as a therapist.

Getting Help in Therapy for Shopping Addiction

Shopping left Number

Online therapy is an excellent place to get help for shopping addictions. You can talk to a therapist in the privacy of your own home. Companies like BetterHelp offer a variety of different clinicians who specialize in addictions. You don’t have to be afraid to talk about what you’re going through because therapists are not judgmental. They’re compassionate people who want to help you. Online therapists want to see you recover from your addiction and find ways to cope with your emotional pain. If you are ashamed of your shopping problem, a therapist is here to help you learn the reasons that you’re engaging in this behavior and find ways for you to get through this. You may feel helpless, but you can reach out for help and get the support that you need so that you don’t keep engaging in “retail therapy “that is harming you. Reach out for help, and you will not be disappointed. A therapist is there to show you help yourself manage your compulsions and start feeling better.

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  • Victoria Tipton

    Shopping is an addiction that I can't remove. I am not the only woman that loves shopping. It's the best cure against depression.

  • Tommy Judge

    I don't know why some persons are obsessed with shopping.....

  • Brian Wheatley

    Don't care if others are shopping, buy ethical products !!!

  • Tom Keegan

    Spending large amounts of money during shopping sprees is a sign of depression.

  • Lisa Connell

    Nailed it Marie

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Marie Miguel

Mental Health Expert

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.

 
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