Retail therapy is a common practice for both men and women. When people are feeling sad or depressed, they are willing to spend more money.

Shopping is a practice that can temporarily distract people and ease worries. Clothes help people feel better about themselves. People are more likely to overspend when they are depressed because they are looking for something to help them feel and look better. People who suffer from depression often feel sad, miserable, and empty on the inside — so they try to participate in activities that cover up or fill the emptiness. Overspending while shopping is similar to binge eating, or drug or alcohol abuse.

Retail therapy can easily lead to oniomania, a shopping addiction. Shopping addiction is a mental disorder in which a person suffers from shopping impulsively. Like many psychiatric conditions, shopping addiction often coexists with anxiety, mood disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other conditions.

Not only are retail therapy and shopping addiction both expensive practices, but they also do not fix problems; rather, they just temporarily mask worries and anxiety. Also, if a person spends a fortune, it can also increase anxiety about money and bills. Shopping addicts and people who use retail therapy both use addiction to escape self-critical thoughts and negative feelings of depression, anxiety, boredom, or anger.

If you think that you or someone you love may be suffering from retail therapy or shopping addiction, contact Solace Counseling. We can customize a treatment plan that will focus on finding the root of the problem. We can also help the victim deal with the shopping addiction and any repercussions experienced as a result of it. Look for us on Facebook and Twitter.