Maybe ridiculous but, shopping addiction?!

[Bobbielee91]

Hi,

I had my LO 15 months ago and have recently been diagnosed with PND and PTSD from the pregnancy.

I take antidepressants and have been told to seek counselling however, I don’t feel ready for that step yet.

My partner is fab, really understanding and helpful and is a hard worker. He recently had a promotion at work with a substantial pay rise however, we are no better off as I have recently turned to shopping all the time!

I go to sleep thinking about what I can but for our boy, I wake up thinking the same - I’ve spent a fortune this month online.

I start looking initially because I’m feeling down, I get excited when I find something and going through the process of buying it. As soon as the payment goes through, I feel terrible again. Then in a few days time when the item arrives, I’m happy again...

It’s a never ending cycle.

I’m not sure how to stop. Fortunately, we are not in any financial difficulties but we would have so much more money if I stopped.. help 🤞🏼

I dunno if i can be much help but my mum use to be like this, she got the same feeling when she bought clothes and then the guilt after and then repeat.

She was diagnosed with OCD a few years ago (I am not saying that is what you have though). I would speak to your doctor about it, it could be linked to your PTSD or PND and if like my mums, can get way out of control in the long run.

I think this is way more common than people admit to.. shopping online is so easy and marketing messages are Everywhere.
I actually think counselling in the form of CBT would help you stop these urges.
In the meantime, can you keep busy/indulge in other things you love to keep away from online shopping? Try gardening, reading, cooking.. whatever you enjoy. Happiness is not at the bottom of that online basket

Don't be hard on yourself - acknowledging you have a problem is part of the way towards doing something about it.

Shopping addiction is a recognised issue Priory advice.

I've known someone with similar issues post-. Shopping addiction is definitely a 'thing', and you should've take it seriously and get help: probably CBT.

Sorry, "post-natally". Somehow that deleted itself!

I have just posted the same and I feel exactly the same as you

I have been through very similar ie diagnosed with PND and PTSD following my daughter's birth. Prescribed antidepressants and talk therapy. Developed crazy shopping addiction. I was terribly anxious about being a parent and thought that at least if I bought every conceivable garment, contraption, educational toy then at least she's have the right gear. But of course all they really need are the basics and lots of time.

It wasn't u til much later I learned that addiction often follows trauma. So whoever is helping you with your trauma needs to know that you are struggling with your spending habits.