Holiday Spending: When Compulsive Shopping Overlaps with an ED

Shopping for loved ones, buying a series of knick-knacks for Secret Santa exchanges, and finding the perfect outfit to wear to the upcoming holiday party can really add up.  While the holidays usually take a toll on your wallet, this can be even more dangerous if you struggle with compulsive shopping.

What is Compulsive Shopping?

Compulsive shopping is characterized by shopping or spending to cope with anxiety, stress, or a myriad of other triggers. This often co-occurs with eating disorders, though the exact statistics on this overlap have not yet been determined.

Many people turn to “retail therapy” as an escape from their problems on occasion. However, compulsive shoppers do this repeatedly and almost obsessively, often leading to extreme financial distress.

Like disordered food behaviors, compulsive shopping ultimately causes more harm than any temporary relief that spending can provide. Even if an individual’s unwanted emotions subside during a spending spree, these feelings will come back and lead to even more compulsive shopping if not dealt with in a healthy way.

This is a maladaptive coping tool that is often dismissed, since it is not considered as destructive as addiction, eating disorders, and other harmful coping tools. It is important to recognize if you are struggling with compulsive shopping and seek help. Letting it go unaddressed can lead to extreme debt, strained family relationships, and unresolved emotional issues.

Why Holidays Can Exacerbate Compulsive Shopping

The holidays can be a triggering time for those in eating disorder recovery, making it more likely that other behaviors, such as compulsive shopping, will surface. The fact that a certain amount of extra spending during the holidays is inevitable does not help.

According to a recent survey [1] by the National Retail Federation, the average American consumer plans to spend approximately $935.58 on holiday shopping. This can be a financially difficult time for anyone, but it can also serve as an excuse for those who tend to shop compulsively. People are often able to rationalize overspending more when it is for others.

When shopping for the holidays, whether for yourself or loved ones, it is important to be honest about what is driving your shopping. If you have really been needing a new sweater, then by all means take advantage of the Black Friday sales. If you are buying new clothes to soothe your anxiety, it is time to seek support.

How to Avoid Unhealthy Shopping

Even if you are doing well in eating disorder recovery, compulsive spending can pop up. In fact, these behaviors often surface when you are no longer using disordered food behaviors to cope.

Being vigilant this holiday season and tracking your spending can ensure you do not succumb to compulsive shopping. Set a budget for holiday spending and stick to it. If you need extra accountability, reach out to a trusted family member or financial advisor.

If you come home from the mall one day and realize that you just had an episode of compulsive shopping, it is not too late. You can always return items that were purchased during an episode and process why this occurred, though it is better to prevent the behavior entirely.

Returning purchases can also be a symptom of compulsive shopping, so be aware of this if you find yourself consistently shopping and then returning the items. Often, returning items can make the spender feel that they now have a credit to spend since they got a refund. Do not fall into this trap.

Awareness of the warning signs for compulsive shopping can be important for early self-intervention.

If You Are Worried About Someone

You might be concerned that a friend or family member is shopping compulsively this holiday season. These situations can be delicate, since finances are such a personal matter to talk about.

Try not to accuse your friend or loved one of anything, and instead make it clear that you are just concerned. If you fear your minor child is not using money wisely, you can use this as a teaching moment or to address why they might be using spending to cope.

Compulsive shopping is often dismissed as not being a harmful behavior. On the contrary, it can result in extreme financial debt and increased emotional distress. If you recognize these behaviors in yourself or someone you love, seek help today.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

How have the holidays impacted your compulsive shopping urges?

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About the Author: Courtney Howard is the Director of Operations & Business Development at Eating Disorder Hope and Addiction Hope. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. from San Diego State University, holds a paralegal certificate in Family Law, and is a Certified Domestic Violence Advocate. After obtaining her certification as a life coach, Courtney launched Lionheart Eating Disorder Recovery Coaching in 2015 and continues to be a passionate advocate for awareness and recovery.

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References:

[1]: National Retail Federation. (2016). “October 2016 Consumer Survey.” Prosper Insights; Washington, D.C.

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The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on November 16, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com