If you often feel compelled to shop even when you don’t need or want the items, or if your spending habits leave you feeling regretful, anxious, or out of control, this self-assessment offers a private and supportive way to reflect.
Shopping addiction, also referred to as compulsive buying behaviour, is a recognised behavioural pattern where shopping or spending becomes a way to cope with emotional stress, self-esteem issues, or difficult feelings. It is not about how much you spend, but about how your shopping habits affect your emotional wellbeing, finances, and daily life.
Many people with this pattern report strong urges to shop, difficulty stopping or cutting back, and emotional highs followed by guilt or distress. The behaviour may be triggered by boredom, sadness, stress, or a need for relief — and while it may bring short-term comfort, the long-term impact can be draining and disruptive.
Compulsive shopping can affect anyone, regardless of income or background, and is not simply a lack of willpower or control. Like other behavioural addictions, it often stems from emotional needs that are being met through external actions. The good news is that with the right support, it is possible to develop a more balanced relationship with spending, emotions, and self-worth.
We only recruit therapists with extensive experience, the right qualifications, and a genuine passion for helping others because your mental health deserves nothing less than the best.
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Everyone shops for different reasons, but signs that shopping may be causing harm include:
Recognising these signs is not about blaming yourself. It’s about understanding what might be happening beneath the surface — and opening the door to meaningful change.
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