2 Your health: how to stop compulsive buying

If you’re constantly adding new items to your online cart or buying things you don’t need, you’re not alone. Compulsive buying can be a common problem.

As PsyD psychologist Susan Albers explains, mental health has a lot to do with it.

“Compulsive buying goes hand in hand with emotions and mental health. It’s often a way to cope with stress, anxiety and depression,” Dr. Albers said. “Spending is a way to fill the emotional void, escape negative emotions, and give us a temporary boost of pleasure in our lives.”

Dr. Albers said that when you buy something, the neurotransmitter dopamine is released in your brain, making you feel good.

The pleasure you get comes from the experience and not so much from the object.

She said you can help reduce compulsive buying with a simple behavior modification, like taking a break before a purchase.

Ask yourself if you really need this item. How will this add value to your life? You also need to focus on how you feel.

Do you buy something to escape negative emotions? Other tips include deleting shopping apps on your phone and setting a budget.

“The difference between compulsive spending and healthy shopping is the intention and the consequences. With healthy shopping, we buy the things we need in a calm and planned way,” said Dr. Albers. “Compulsive purchases, on the other hand, are made with a sense of urgency. There is an emotional trigger that often results in emotional or financial distress.

She said that feeling guilty after buying something is a telltale sign that you’re engaging in compulsive shopping.

She recommends taking a step back and thinking about the decision. You may also want to consider talking to a mental health professional.