Do you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through online shopping websites, frequently indulging in retail therapy? Are impulse purchases a regular occurrence for you? If so, then it might be worth considering if excessive shopping is actually a sign of depression.

This can be especially true when feelings of guilt and regret follow shortly after buying something new. By exploring the correlation between depression and excessive spending habits, this blog post will address the query “Is excessive shopping a sign of depression” and guide readers towards understanding why depressive tendencies often lead to out-of-control purchasing behaviour.

But we’ll also delve into the other side of the picture by presenting the arguments that make shopping a stress reliever and has its benefits. But the reality is that with knowledge comes power; learn how to address your mental health needs before they manifest into unbridled materialism!

4 Arguments in Favor of Excessive Shopping

When it comes to excessive shopping, there are both arguments in favor of it and against it. On one hand, some people claim that when we indulge in too much shopping, this is a sign of an underlying mental health issue like depression.

On the other hand, others argue that excessive shopping can benefit those dealing with mental health issues. They believe it can be a way to take their minds off the challenges they face.

1. Stress Relief Theory

Shopping can be a temporary form of stress relief for those suffering from depression. Below are a few other relevant points of this theory:

1. Distract oneself from negative emotions or thoughts: Shopping can be used as a distraction from negative thoughts or feelings associated with depression.
2. Release of Endorphins: Spending money and shopping can create a positive sensation, often generating endorphins that bring about an overall feeling of happiness.
3. Temporary Pleasure: Shopping can offer short-term satisfaction when the person is not able to attain it through other means.
4. Social Interaction: Going out shopping can provide an opportunity for social interaction, which may be beneficial for those with depression.
5. Sense of Accomplishment: Buying something new can give a person a sense of accomplishment, which they may not otherwise find in their daily life activities.

2. Coping Mechanism Theory

People who are struggling with depression may engage in excessive shopping as a coping mechanism to avoid their negative emotions. Below are a few other relevant points of this theory:

1. Self-Medication: Excessive shopping can provide a sense of comfort or escape, which may be used as a form of self-medication by those suffering from depression.
2. Regain Control: Shopping can help those with depression regain a sense of control in their lives.
3. Self-Care and Nurturing: Shopping can provide an opportunity for people to treat themselves, which may be necessary for those who are feeling low and defeated.
4. Distraction from Negative Thoughts or Emotions: Shopping is often used as a distraction from negative thoughts or emotions.
5. Feelings of Accomplishment: Making purchases can give a person with depression a sense of accomplishment, which they may not otherwise find in other activities.

3. Cognitive Distraction Theory

Shopping can provide a mental distraction from depressive thoughts and feelings. Below are a few other relevant points of this theory:

1. Distraction from Negative Emotions: Shopping can provide a mental distraction from negative thoughts and emotions associated with depression.
2. Temporary Pleasure: Buying something new can give those suffering from depression a temporary pleasure that they may not otherwise experience.
3. Use of Money as an Analgesic: People with depression may use money as an analgesic to temporarily cover up their feelings of sadness or emptiness.
4. Stress Relief: Shopping can provide a form of stress relief for those with depression, as it provides a distraction from their problems.
5. Positive Thinking: Shopping can lead to positive thoughts, as it allows people to focus on something other than their depression and its associated symptoms.

4. Reward Seeking Theory

People with depression may seek a reward or sense of accomplishment when they engage in excessive shopping. Below are a few other relevant points of this theory:

1. Reward-Seeking Behavior: Those with depression may be more likely to engage in reward-seeking behavior such as shopping, in order to feel better.
2. Self-Validation: Shopping can be used as a means of self-validation, providing those with depression the feeling that they are doing something positive to improve their mood.
3. Affirmation of Self-Worth: Making purchases may affirm a person’s self-worth, as it can be seen as an accomplishment or sign of success.
4. Temporary Boost in Mood: Shopping can provide a temporary boost in mood for those with depression, as they may feel good after acquiring something new.
5. Sense of Control: Making purchases gives people with depression a sense of control over their lives, which can be beneficial for managing symptoms.

5 Arguments For a Link Between Excessive Shopping and Depression

Depression is a serious mental health condition that can have profoundly negative effects on a person’s life. Research has suggested that excessive shopping may be a symptom of depression, as those suffering from the disorder often engage in this behavior as a way to cope and improve their mood.

The following are 5 arguments for why there is likely an underlying link between excessive shopping and depression.

1. Financial Cost

Shopping can be expensive and may lead to financial difficulty, which could further worsen someone’s depression. Below are a few more related features of this stance:

1. Debt: Shopping can lead to debt, which can be a major source of stress for those suffering from depression.
2. Financial Struggles: Engaging in excessive spending may lead to financial struggles that can worsen the symptoms of depression.
3. Unnecessary Purchases: Making unnecessary purchases may result in wasting money and resources that could otherwise be used to help a person’s mental health.
4. Limited Resources: Shopping can deplete a person’s limited financial resources, which can further limit their ability to seek out effective treatments for depression.
5. Difficulty Budgeting: Excessive shopping may lead to difficulty budgeting and managing finances, which can worsen a person’s depression.
6. Sense of Failure: Making too many purchases may lead to feelings of failure or guilt, which can further exacerbate feelings associated with depression.

2. Self-Destructive Behavior

Buying too much without the means to pay for it could be seen as a self-destructive behavior hindering recovery from depression. Below are a few more related features of this stance:

1. Impulsive Behavior: Shopping impulsively can be seen as a form of self-destructive behavior, which could further worsen symptoms of depression.
2. Poor Decision-Making: Excessive shopping may lead to poor decision-making, which can have a negative effect on one’s mental health.
3. Unhealthy Coping Mechanism: Shopping can be an unhealthy coping mechanism for those with depression, which may further hinder recovery.
4. Increasing Stress Levels: Spending too much money can lead to increased stress levels in the short and long-term, which can worsen depression.
5. Worsening Mental Health: Engaging in too much shopping can worsen mental health by leading to financial difficulties, feelings of guilt and failure, or increased stress levels.
6. Altering Priorities: Shopping may alter one’s priorities away from activities that could be beneficial for managing symptoms of depression, such as pursuing therapy or finding hobbies.

3. Mental Health Impacts

Shopping may have a negative impact on someone’s mental health by causing stress, guilt, or feelings of failure. Below are a few more related features of this stance:

1. Stress: Engaging in too much shopping can lead to stress due to the financial burden of purchases or feeling overwhelmed with new items.
2. Guilt: Making purchases may result in feelings of guilt, as someone may feel they have failed at managing their finances responsibly.
3. Feelings of Failure: Excessive spending may lead to feelings of failure, as someone may feel they are not in control of their finances or life.
4. Low Self-Esteem: Shopping too much can lead to low self-esteem due to a sense of wasting money, feeling inadequate, or failing to manage one’s finances.
5. Negative Thoughts: Making too many purchases may lead to negative thoughts about one’s ability or worth as an individual.
6. Anxiety: Shopping can cause anxiety due to the fear of being unable to pay for items purchased or not having enough money in the future.

4. Delay in Seeking Professional Help

Engaging in excessive shopping can delay a person from seeking professional help for their depression. Below are a few more related features of this stance:

1. Cost: Shopping can cause financial strain, which may reduce the ability to pay for professional help or treatment.
2. Time: Spending too much time shopping can take away from time that could be used to pursue therapy or other treatment options.
3. Avoidance: Shopping can be used as an avoidance tactic to prevent one from seeking professional help for their depression.
4. Fear: Engaging in too much shopping may lead to fear of facing the real issues behind a person’s depression, which could hinder them from seeking help.
5. Shame: Shopping too much can cause feelings of guilt or shame, which could prevent someone from seeking professional help.
6. Denial: Excessive shopping may be a form of denial, as someone may be avoiding facing their depression and the need for professional help.

5. Negative Self-Image

Shopping excessively can lead to a negative self-image, which may worsen symptoms of depression. Below are a few more related features of this stance:

1. Inadequacy: Excessive spending can lead to feelings of inadequacy due to the inability to control purchases or finances.
2. Unworthy: Shopping too much can cause someone to feel unworthy, as they may feel they are not succeeding in life.
3. Poor Decision-Making: Making too many purchases without considering their consequences can lead to a poor opinion of one’s decision-making abilities.
4. Unhappy: Spending too much money on items may increase feelings of unhappiness, as someone may feel they are wasting their resources or life.
5. Unfulfilled: Shopping can lead to a feeling of fulfilment, as purchases may not provide long-term satisfaction or meaning for someone’s life.
6. Unattractive: Excessive spending may lead to a negative opinion of one’s physical appearance, as purchases may not live up to expectations.

Is Excessive Shopping a Sign of Depression – 8 Major Symptoms

When it comes to excessive shopping, many people may not immediately think of depression as a possible consequence. However, shopping too much can lead to a variety of negative outcomes that can contribute to depression.

From stress and guilt to low self-esteem and anxiety, here are 8 signs of excessive shopping leading to depression. Make sure to pay attention to any of these signs in order to ensure your mental and financial health.

1. Shopping to Fill an Emotional Void: Shopping too much can be a sign of using it to fill an emotional void instead of addressing the real issue.
2. Making Impulsive Purchases: Making purchases without considering their consequences or budget is a sign of excessive shopping which could lead to depression.
3. Feeling Regret: Feeling regret or guilt after making purchases may be a sign that someone is engaging in excessive shopping and could potentially lead to depression.
4. Constantly Seeking Deals: Constantly seeking deals or sales when shopping could be a sign of trying to overcompensate for other areas of life, which can lead to depression.
5. Ignoring Budget: Ignoring one’s budget when shopping can be a sign of excessive spending, which may lead to depression due to the inability to manage one’s finances.
6. Concealing Purchases: Hiding purchases from family or friends is a sign of excessive shopping which could lead to feelings of shame and guilt, worsening depression symptoms.
7. Feeling Unsatisfied: Feeling unsatisfied after making purchases, even when within one’s budget, can indicate using shopping to fill an emotional void which can lead to depression.
8. Using Shopping as an Escapism: Using shopping as a form of escape from life’s difficulties is a sign that excessive shopping may be causing or contributing to depression.

25 Best Ways How to Combat Depression and Excessive Shopping Behaviors

Depression and excessive shopping behaviors can be a dangerous combination. It’s important to recognize the signs of excessive shopping and depression, as well as work on ways to combat them.

Here are 25 ways how to combat depression and excessive shopping behaviors so that you can take control of your mental health and finances.

1. Track Spending: Tracking spending and creating a budget can help manage finances and combat excessive shopping habits.
2. Set Financial Goals: Setting financial goals to save money or pay off debt can help reduce the temptation of making unnecessary purchases.
3. Practice Mindful Shopping: Practicing mindful shopping by writing down why one wants to buy something and considering long-term consequences can reduce impulsive buying.
4. Take Breaks: Taking breaks from shopping, especially when feeling down or stressed, can help reduce the urge to make purchases.
5. Find Other Hobbies: Finding other hobbies or activities which bring joy and fulfilment can replace shopping as a form of escapism.
6. Seek Professional Help: Talking to a therapist or other mental health professionals can help identify triggers for excessive shopping and provide coping strategies.
7. Connect with friends or family: Connecting with friends or family can help reduce the urge to shop, as their support may provide comfort in times of distress.
8. Practice Self-Care: Practicing self-care activities such as exercise, mindfulness, or journaling can help reduce stress and cope with difficult emotions.
9. Understand Trigger Situations: Understanding situations which trigger the urge to shop can help identify when it is necessary to take a break from shopping.
10. Explore New Activities: New activities such as cooking, crafts, or gardening can help replace the urge to shop.
11. Make a Shopping List: Making a shopping list and sticking to it when shopping can reduce impulsive purchases and help manage finances.
12. Create a Shopping Schedule: Creating a schedule for shopping and limiting the frequency of shopping trips can help reduce excessive shopping behaviors.
13. Find Affordable Alternatives: Finding affordable alternatives such as second-hand stores or online sites can help manage finances without sacrificing enjoyment.
14. Avoid Shopping when Emotional: It is important to avoid going shopping when feeling emotional, as it can lead to impulse buying and excessive spending behaviors.
15. Shop Alone: Shopping alone can help avoid peer pressure to buy items which may be outside of one’s budget.
16. Delay Purchases: Setting deadlines for making purchases and delaying gratification can reduce excessive shopping behaviors, as the urge to purchase may pass over time.
17. Limit Payment Methods: Limiting payment methods such as using cash or debit cards can help manage finances and reduce excessive spending.
18. Create a Reward System: Creating a reward system for not shopping and setting goals to reach rewards can help reduce the urge to shop.
19. Donate Unwanted Items: Donating unwanted items instead of selling them can help reduce the urge to shop and keep finances in check.
20. Take Inventory of Belongings: Taking inventory of possessions before going shopping can help identify items which may already be owned, reducing the temptation to purchase unnecessary items.
21. Set a Time Limit: Setting time limits for shopping trips can help encourage mindful spending and reduce the urge to buy unnecessary items.
22. Leverage Technology: Leveraging technology to track spending and set budgets can help manage finances and reduce the temptation of making unnecessary purchases.
23. Make Saving a Priority: Making saving a priority instead of spending can help keep finances in check and reduce the urge to shop excessively.
24. Focus on Quality: Focusing on quality over quantity when shopping can help ensure that items purchased are of a higher value and will last longer.
25. Compare Prices: Comparing prices for items before buying can help identify the best deals and save money in the long term.

Conclusion

From this article, we learned that excessive shopping can point to clinical depression despite the fact that some argue against it. Shopping can become an addiction in its own right, as well as an attempt to mask other issues such as a lack of self-esteem or even deeper psychological issues.

Depression is nothing to be ashamed of and talking openly with a psychologist or mental health expert can provide practical coping strategies and techniques to get back on your feet again.  So remember – if you’re concerned about your excessive shopping levels, get the help you need – your mental health is too important not to take seriously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is compulsive shopping a mental disorder?

Yes, compulsive shopping can be considered a mental disorder. It is characterized by an intense urge to buy or acquire items despite the lack of financial resources and often results in negative consequences for the individual. It is important to seek professional help if compulsive shopping behaviors interfere with daily life.

Why can I not stop buying things?

If you are struggling to stop buying things, it may be due to underlying psychological issues such as depression or anxiety. It could also be a way of coping with difficult emotions or avoiding dealing with them directly. If these behaviors become excessive and interfere with daily life, it is important to seek professional help.

Is shopping an addiction?

Yes, shopping can be considered an addiction. It is characterized by compulsive and excessive spending behaviors despite the lack of financial resources, which can lead to negative consequences for the individual. If these behaviors become excessive and interfere with daily life, it is important to seek professional help.

What do you call a person who loves shopping?

A person who loves shopping can be referred to as a shopaholic. This term is used to describe someone who frequently buys unnecessary items and experiences difficulty stopping even when faced with financial or other negative consequences. If these behaviors become excessive, it is important to seek professional help.

What do you call stress shopping?

Stress shopping is a term used to describe the urge to buy items due to stress, anxiety, or other difficult emotions. It can be seen as a way of coping with these feelings and avoiding dealing with them directly. If these behaviors become excessive, it is important to seek professional help.

What is the psychology behind overspending?

The psychology behind overspending can vary from person to person. It could be due to the feeling of reward and satisfaction associated with shopping, or it could be an effort to cope with stress, anxiety, or other difficult emotions. Understanding the underlying causes of overspending can help manage these behaviors in a more effective way.

Is overspending a trauma response?

Yes, overspending can be considered a trauma response in some cases. It could be an attempt to cope with difficult emotions or fill the void of difficult experiences in one’s life.

References:

M Lejoyeux (April 1997). Study of compulsive buying in depressed patients. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9164428/

Kamila Rachubińska (October 25, 20220). Loneliness and the Degree of Addiction to Shopping and Work among Polish Women: The Mediating Role of Depression. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9654372/

Astrid Müller (October 2019). Online shopping in treatment-seeking patients with buying-shopping disorder. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010440X19300434