Shopping as a compulsion?

I’ve recently got a new job (took me 2 years to get here 😅) and while I was unemployed I would buy cheap things to keep me going and “happy” with the focus on I’ll pay it off with my new job. But now that I have the new job, I keep buying things to “fix” myself and my life. After talking to some of you here, I’m starting to realize that magical fix or solve of buying something to make myself feel better probs is OCD. Anyone else experiencing or dealt with this? Im going to talk to my therapist next week but shopping never even crossed my mind as a compulsion till today. :/

ADHD and OCD

lexileigh444

Date posted: 12h

I have this unfortunately and have gotten into extreme debt at different points in my life. I feel like it’s the instant dopamine ping that you get obsessed with feeling. 🥲

Honeyshark

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 12h

@lexileigh444 Yeah it’s like reassurance seeking cuz I get that hit “everything is okay” or like “FIXED IT” when I buy something and then I slide more and more into distress each time

designer_girl✨

Date posted: 11h

I used to shop so hard on Amazon and then return things. Ugh. I can feel you on this. Hope your therapist really helps you out!! You deserve to be free from this ✨

Honeyshark

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 9h

@designer_girl✨ Oh yeah I do that too!! 😅 it’s so easy to return so that helps

An0nymouss122

Date posted: 10h

For me it isn't ocd its adhd and autism. My mental bandwidth is shorter than some, even shorter because of ocd. As a result I buy "little treats" to cope. So technically ocd is involved, but its not a compulsion for me. But the longer my bandwidth gets, the less I spend/the smarter I spend. There's nothing inherently wrong with shopping as a hobby, or getting little treats. But when it takes over your life, it can be harmful. Try your best but dont beat yourself up if you slip and buy. It takes time 🫶

Honeyshark

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 9h

@An0nymouss122 Yeah I’m not sure if it’s ADHD or OCD so that’s a helpful POV - thanks!

Honeyshark

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 9h

@An0nymouss122 How do you extend your bandwidth?

An0nymouss122

Date posted: 8h

@Honeyshark Its not an exact science but I work on DBT. Which helps you manage your emotions in the moment instead of lashing out or pushing the feelings away until it builds and blows up later. I also accommodate myself. I take note of things I need to be stable and work around that. Like for example I take the long way on buses because I struggle with transitions and use music to stabilize. I limit screen time, take comfort items with me (currently its a Jax plush from TADC, and a crystal), also dont pack my day full because I know thats something that overwhelms me. With all of these systems if im socially forced to have a packed day I am more likely to be able to survive it because on my own time I dont pack my days full. None of this is a perfect science, if you look at my last post my bandwidth is pretty strained at the moment. But without my accommodations id be worse off. Never feel guilty for accommodating yourself!

Honeyshark

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 7h

@An0nymouss122 I didn’t even think about accommodating myself so thank you for sharing all this!! I’ll have to take a look at what I need to do that.

Honeyshark

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 7h

@An0nymouss122 Im sorry you had a bad day. :( sounds like you’re handling it well tho which isn’t much of a prize but I admire it!

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