To have a serious shopping addiction?

[postingfortrafficabout]

I have a serious shopping addiction. It sounds trivial to some, but for me, it’s become a major part of my life—perhaps too major. I find shopping to be more enjoyable than almost anything else. Whether I’m happy or sad, I turn to shopping. When I’m happy, I buy things to celebrate. When I’m sad, I shop to cheer myself up. This cycle has led to some financial strain and put me in debt at times, though it's usually manageable.

I’m aware of the issue, and my husband is understandably fed up with it. He’s supportive but frustrated, and I can’t blame him. Despite knowing it’s a problem, shopping remains one of the few things that genuinely makes me happy. I also struggle with depression, and this makes it even harder to break away from my shopping habits.

I’m at a loss for how to tackle this. Has anyone else experienced something similar? How did you manage to get it under control? Any tips or strategies that helped you would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your advice and for reading this.

@Coppercup that's the funny thing I don't even really have enough places to go in them!

@keeptryinggirl 39

I don't recommend doing this at all!!! I say this as somebody who has experience of similar habits and doing this will likely make the habit worse as you're constantly trying to create new content or buy more to keep up with the online presence.

Maybe a blog which focuses on your journey towards recovery from a shopping addiction would be safer (although probably less fun).

How many items of clothing still have the labels attached?

It sounds like an addiction because you're trying to change how you feel whenever you give into it and go and buy something.

Initially, you'll feel high but shortly afterwards, you'll likely feel disgust with yourself.

I think the only way to cure it is to go cold turkey for at least a month and try and find other ways to resolve your sad feelings.

Instead of buying clothes, maybe learn to sew instead?

I used to waste money on pointless labels years ago when I was a high earner but then lost my job and couldn't afford to continue and I stopped clothes shopping completely. I now buy stuff only when I need it and from the cheaper end of the high street.