The late televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker famously joked, “I always say shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist.” It’s easy to laugh, but there’s truth—and science—behind it. Who hasn’t felt a lift in their mood after picking up a new pair of shoes or the latest gadget, not out of necessity, but just to brighten the day?
“When you’re feeling low, shopping—from looking at nice things to spotting an item that you like, holding it, trying it, and paying for it—releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter and ‘feel-good’ hormone associated with pleasurable experiences like eating, sex, and, yes, shopping,” explains Jon Edward B. Jurilla, MD from the Section of Psychiatry of top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed).
“Retail therapy can be a healthy way to cope with stress as it can help improve your mood when things aren’t going your way. It can also be a form of self-motivation, a reward system to celebrate personal wins,” Dr. Jurilla adds.
While retail therapy’s “high” lasts beyond the act of purchasing an item, it’s only temporary. Trouble begins once shopping becomes an insatiable salve to issues you don’t want to face. “The excitement and empowering feeling of buying something ‘just because’ can be addictive,” warns Dr. Jurilla. “This can potentially lead to compulsive shopping disorder, especially if you’re turning to shopping to escape stress and low self-confidence.”
Is your shopping retail therapy—or a compulsive disorder? The difference lies in your behavior. “Occasional shopping sprees are normal and acceptable. But if you find yourself accumulating things you never get to use, hiding your purchases, and experiencing financial and relationship strains because of your spending, then it’s likely that you’re a compulsive shopper,” says Dr. Jurilla. “Beyond losing control over your spending habits, compulsive shopping disorder can leave you feeling guilty or remorseful about your purchases.”
With more reasons to shop and add to cart this 11.11 and other yearend sale events, MakatiMed offers tips to help compulsive shoppers mark themselves “safe” from all the overspending.
Stick to a budget and a list. If you have the urge to shop, create a clear limit for impulse purchases.
“Opt for something practical and useful, like groceries or food, instead of items that may lead to buyer’s remorse,” reminds Dr. Jurilla. “If you haven’t cleared credit card balances or debts from buy now, pay later schemes, prioritize those payments and other essentials. Only allot whatever’s left for extra purchases and pay in cash.”
Just look. Window shopping, shares Dr. Jurilla, can be just as satisfying an activity as shopping—and it won’t cost you a centavo. “Take time to walk around a store. Admire a bag or piece of jewelry or even try on a pair of jeans. Bring a friend to make the activity more fun. You can exchange shopping tips and help keep you in check.”
Learn to wait. Love an item from your window shopping? Think about it for at least two days, says Dr. Jurilla. “Sometimes, distancing yourself from the object of your desire gives you time to carefully consider if it’s truly a necessary purchase. This can help you develop mindfulness and manage your shopping urges more effectively.”
Undergo therapy—for real. Compulsive shopping disorder can be caused by psychological and social factors. When you’re ready to face the problem head-on, it’s best to reach out to a professional whom you can trust and be open with. “The sooner you realize that shopping won’t fix your unresolved issues—and may even exacerbate them—the better you’ll feel about yourself and your situation,” says Dr. Jurilla. “In this case, going to a psychiatrist will be the best option for your long-term mental wellness.”
For more information, contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.
