Tonight, I placed an order on Amazon for an item that I needed and I noticed an ad for an item that was related to a previous purchase. When I bought that item, I really thought that I needed it and that it was a great reason to spend the money that I spent. I then turned my thoughts to an unopened package that I purchased a couple of weeks ago. I didn't need the item, but I thought that it would make a great present. I then began to reflect on the countless times that I've gone to see my T and agreed to return items that had been purchased out of compulsion.

What I've noticed about myself is that even when I tell myself that I don't need an item, or I really think that the purchase is justified, I don't see myself as being impulsive with my purchases. I can't recognize, in the moment, that my mood is elevated. A week later, I realize that I've spent money that I shouldn't have spent. I'm not quite sure how to protect myself from myself. I'm already working 2 jobs; however, my second job is in retail and I have managed to get a credit card and spend a couple of thousand dollars. I'm keeping the job because it helps me get though the month when my one paycheck runs out.

What do you do to keep from spending? How do you protect yourself from your hypomania?