Beware of Shopping as a Way of Coping with Financial Stress

As ironic as it may seem, sometimes stress - even financial stress - can make shopping and spending money that much more appealing. So called “retail therapy” has become more common among purchasers today as it offers a quick and fast mood elevation when you run buy a new outfit or pay for something new. However, spending cash to alleviate stress can rapidly turn into a real issue that could effect other areas of your life.

A downward spiral is what this type of shopping addiction is referred to. That’s due to the fact that you get a high the 1st time you do something like buy a new skirt or a new plasma TV, but you never get that very same high again. Instead, you end up doing more and more of the “drug” but you never feel quite as good as did the time. Let’s face it - it’s exhilarating to buy something impulsively when you know you can’t really afford it. Throwing caution to the wind feels exciting and fun… at first.

In general, people are typically talking about drugs or alcohol when they discuss addiction, these guidelines apply to other obsessions like betting and even shopping. If you find that you have a shopping addiction, you will eventually find yourself with a mountain of debt that you’ll need help getting out of. When debt gets beyond control and you match that with a failing economy, you have a real recipe for financial disaster.

If you are spending money to alleviate stress, it is time to have a look at your habits and get control of them now. A good place to start is to uncover what issues are making you stressed in the first place. Most of the time, the is the easiest way to conquer your problem will be to resolve the issues that drive you towards the shopping and over-spending behaviors.

Unfortunately, some stressors simply cannot be eliminated entirely. In that case, you’ll need to look for alternatives way to cope with whatever is stressing you out and causing you to turn to shopping. For instance, rather than shopping you might consider spending more time with family and friends doing fun (and distracting) activities like game night, going to the museum (they offer free nights), or even going to the park for a picnic. You may also consider using your time to serve others. Volunteering and helping others can give you a feeling of worth without emptying your wallet.

For more serious situations, or if you consider your spending completeyin unmanageable and beyond control, you may need to seek help and try talking to a counselor to help conquer your shopping addiction. You may not know it, but there are twelve step programs available through groups like “SA” or Shopaholics Anonymous. Shopaholics Anonymous is a group that can provide you with the support you need and help you find a way to overcome your spending habits.

There’s also a group called Debtors Anonymous. This group is for people who are dealing with serious debt problems, which many people with serious shopping addictions also face. First and foremost, be courageous, face your problem head on, and do not be embarrassed about your problem. There are many people who have these types of issues with shopping to alleviate stress so you are not alone. When you get control over this problem, you will feel just like your life is your own again.

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