'Comfort' shopping, need to stop spending. Help!

[Perplexing]

I shop for things I don't need (and things I do need but too many of them, i.e. buy 3 when one would do). I also buy things that are too expensive which makes me feel better about myself temporarily.

I know what I am doing but even so I can't stop myself, it's like an addiction. I shop more when I am sad, lonely, feeling 'down', anxious etc.

I feel terrible guilt for the amount spent, and also annoyed that I have let myself do it again.

I need to start saving money and spending less, but this problem is really hindering me.

Has this affected anyone else - what is the cure?

[CajaDeLaMemoria]

I have this terribly. My mother did too.

I have absolutely no idea what you do about it though. Like you said, I know it's happening - but I can't stop it.

[Earlybird]

Perhaps overly simplistic, but.......if you only feel better about yourself temporarily (and then guilty and annoyed), wouldn't the solution be simply to return the items and get a refund?

[Perplexing]

Earlybird - thanks to generous returns policies. I often do this, ...BUT... TBH, when you factor in the cost of fuel / parking etc for the return visit, plus the fact that it often turns into 'exchanging' father than returning (I usually see something else that is equally alluring), it doesn't very often work out to be a cost effective solution!

And then the whole cycle makes me even more depressed!

[snowbanana]

My friend goes only to poundland type of shops when she is in mood for comfort shopping. Apparently it works.

[NineTen]

I do this....things are very stressful atm. I feel bad for what the kids are going through, so I shop. Its hard.

[cafecito]

my mother did this- I used to do this, well I still do to anextent. I blew a fortune in a short space of time. It's just kind of 'set' in my brain, stress, anxiety, depression = go shopping mindlessly, buy stuff you don't need and can't really afford, dump shopping bags in spare room at home, never use items.. shocking really. It is an addiction and it is a way of dealing with uncomfortable emotions, displacing them.

[recall]

I do it, but I channel it into getting second hand clothes off e bay for the kids. I get the pleasure of choosing and buying and con myself I am a great bargain hunting mother saving money.

[HellesBelles396]

something I do is shop on amazon but into a wish list rather than my basket. on a good day, I go back and prune what's there - most of it is unwanted on reflection.

another thing I do which gives me the same feeling is order library books. then, when I pick the book up from the library, o feel virtuous because I haven't bought a new book and don't need to find space for it in my over-stuffed spare room.