Ever walked into a store just to browse and walked out with five things you didn’t need? Or found yourself scrolling shopping apps at 3 AM, mindlessly adding items to your cart? In the moment, it’s exciting—a hit of dopamine. But by the next day, the thrill fades, the guilt kicks in, and the cycle starts again.
If this feels familiar, you may have experienced a glimpse of compulsive shopping disorder—also known as oniomania. It’s more than just retail therapy. It’s a behavioural condition marked by an irresistible urge to shop, even when there’s no real need. Over time, it leads to emotional distress, financial strain, and a loss of control.
Why We Shop the Way We Do
Our brains are wired to seek pleasure—and shopping delivers a quick reward. But in compulsive shopping disorder, this reward system goes into overdrive. It’s no longer about buying a thing; it’s about soothing a feeling—loneliness, boredom, anxiety, or even low self-worth.
And the world around us? It doesn’t help. Constant ads, limited-time flash sales, influencer hauls, and “treat yourself” culture make resisting harder. The message is everywhere: Buy now. Feel better. But the relief is temporary, and what’s left behind often includes mounting debt, shame, and emotional fatigue.
The Fast Fashion Trap
With weekly trend drops, cheap prices, and the thrill of something new, fast fashion fuels compulsive buying. We wear it twice, post it once, then toss it aside. The emotional and environmental cost is high—but largely invisible in the glow of a delivery notification.
When Shopping Became Anika’s Escape
Anika, 28, was always admired for her impeccable style. Shopping started as her way to de-stress after long, demanding workdays. But soon, it spiralled—packages arrived almost daily, credit card bills grew, and her wardrobe overflowed with clothes she didn’t wear.
Whenever she felt overwhelmed or alone, shopping was her escape. It wasn’t until a friend gently raised concern that Anika realized this wasn’t just a habit—it was a compulsion. Through therapy, she began addressing the emotional wounds underneath and learning healthier ways to cope. Today, she’s rebuilding her relationship with money, with herself—and finding joy in places beyond the checkout page.
Coping with Compulsive Shopping
If you or someone you know is struggling, here are some healing steps:
🧠 Identify your emotional triggers
Ask: Why am I shopping right now? Is it stress? Boredom? Loneliness? Once you recognize the emotion, try replacing the behaviour—go for a walk, call a friend, draw, write, breathe.
💳 Create a realistic budget
Structure helps. Set weekly/monthly spending limits and track your expenses. Apps like YNAB or Good Budget can help you stay accountable and aware of your spending patterns.
🔕 Reduce temptation
Unsubscribe from brand emails. Unfollow influencer pages. Remove shopping apps from your phone. Curate your digital space like you would your physical one—remove what triggers you.
🧍♀️ Seek professional help
A therapist trained in CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) can help explore what lies beneath the compulsion and help you build a more secure relationship with money and self-worth. Support groups and financial advisors can also play a key role in recovery.
Book a Session – Manage Emotional Behaviours
Remember:
Compulsive shopping isn’t about being weak or careless. It’s about a brain trying to self-soothe in a world designed to keep you clicking Add to Cart.
With awareness, structure, and support, it’s possible to break the loop—and discover fulfilment that doesn’t come with a price tag.