Shopping can be an emotional release for many people. Lots of consumers shop to reduce stress. Shopping out of boredom or to cope with life’s woes can lead to much bigger problems. Consumerism can become a bad habit, even an addiction.
Shop-a-holics show signs that are similar to other addicts. You think that shopping and buying things, even little things like make-up or gifts for others, is going to make you feel better and forget about your problems. Actually, it makes you feel worse, compounding guilt, financial hardship and anxiety on top of whatever was wrong to begin with. Finding yourself in a financial struggle or deep in debt can strain relationships with your friends and family. Living beyond your means stretches your sanity as well as your wallet. If your bank account has been taking a beating due to over purchasing, you might have a compulsion to shop.