[Little Jay]

I think I have a problem, I think I'm a shopaholic. I buy things to cheer me up.

I know people make jokes about being shopaholics, but this is serious. It comes back alongside my depression, when I'm miserable I buy things. I order countless things online, buy expensive beauty products and clothes I don't even need, all for that moment it makes me feel a bit better. I mean, we should feel happy when we buy things - we all work freaking hard for our money. But using it to get a few seconds uplift sounds so pathetic and its only now I'm starting at my actually negative bank balance on just the 10th of the month that I'm realising what a problem this has become.

I get my wages at the end of each month and within a week or less any disposable income that isn't needed for bills and stuff will be gone. I suppose you could say waiting to come home from work to find a small present to myself gives me something to live for for the next 3 to 5 working days...

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do about this? Is it something I speak to my doc about? I end up bringing myself down so much because then I have no money the rest of the month to enjoy myself with!

[glok]

Hello, Little Jay. Yes, talking to you doctor seems to me to be the best course of action.

I wish you well.

[ThisWayOut]

I do the same thing. It gets worse with my depression, though I hadn't done it this badly in a few months. There's that little high that comes from buying something, but then I get a crushing guilt when I check my account and realize all the money that was marked for bills is now gone. Definitely talk to your doc about it, or t if you have one. For me it comes down to finding yet another coping skill to help deal with the depression. (Hugs)

[Joey32225]

Sad. We just work to pay bills, groceries and gas to get back and forth to work. When you do spend a little money on yourself or go out with a friend or something, it comes back to bite you in the ***.

[Little Jay]

Originally Posted by Joey32225

Sad. We just work to pay bills, groceries and gas to get back and forth to work. When you do spend a little money on yourself or go out with a friend or something, it comes back to bite you in the ***.

I know I don't know how everyone else my age can afford to go out so much. But then most people my age are still living with their parents I suppose!

[hvert]

Yes, I would bring this up. I would also just stay out of stores. I have a similar issue -- it doesn't affect my budget as much as it affects my living space being full of clutter. I try to go for a hike or find something to do that isn't wandering around a store looking for stuff I don't really need.

I am not sure how to replace the reward aspect -- shopping for me is more of a boredom thing...

[Blue_Bird]

I don't have any advice because I have the same problem, I fill up amazon carts online and blow all my money, I hope you're able to get some help

[TheOriginalMe]

I have spent a small fortune this week, just because I was at a show and a lot of the retailers I'd normally only view online were there with goods I could touch and feel and try. I bought clothes that are too small with the excuse that I will diet. I bought jewellery that I'll put away and not wear. I bought a handbag even though I have dozens that I don't use. Like hvert the clutter in my home is a big problem, half the stuff I bought will migrate to the bottom of the pile and I'll forget it is there.

I also use food as a reward with the obvious consequences.

I really want to change this aspect of my behaviour but without a therapist that isn't going to happen.

[GenCat]

I think, if it makes you happy in the moment its ok. Just don't go crazy and go broke