Shopping addiction
@Crazycatperson
Hi, cat!
I wouldn't call it an addiction, but I used to struggle massively with impulse spending related to bipolar disorder. One time I blew an entire paycheck on DVDs which feels even more reckless nowadays.
Can you share more about what your experience is like?
Happy to have you here!
@Crazycatperson More than you know. My addiction first began with makeup. I would buy all the pretty ones just because I liked the way it looked. Lol. Then I joined a direct sales company so I could sell makeup, get paid, just to turn around and spend my commission buying more makeup. Then I fell into the worm hole on direct sales for years and years. Joining companies to get the starter kits to hoard. It was a passion of my at that stage of life but I realized even making spending money can be an addiction when it's all you do. I have spent frivulously on jewelry, ds items, craft supplies, purses, etc. None of it ever filled my void inside or bought me joy. I was the type that would buy just to buy. Pull it out every now and then just to admire how pretty it is and then put it away until the next time I wanted to look at it. I am in a much better place now and it took years of working on myself. Don't get me wrong, I still love to shop... but now if I want I just buy cute cheap stuff on Amazon or buy stuff from small businesses or friends to support their business and show support. I look it as a win-win. Anything can be an addiction but please know addictions can be broken, especially shopping ones. It begins with a will to want to change. No shopping addiction should be hurting others or yourself nor should it come before paying bills. Adult and taking care of responsibilities always come first.
Hi there! Fortunately during most episodes (usually during hypomanic or manic episodes) I have been able to reign in the spending by not clicking the "buy" button. During these last 3 years of covid my income has dropped significantly, and that has helped. I also don't keep credit cards handy, or the information saved online. It usually stops me..... I end up "window shopping" online, filling the cart and signing out without purchasing. Then when I come back I'm usually in a better head space and I can empty the cart, or save things for later...
@Crazycatperson
I kinda have fear of missing out and shiny objects problems
