Shopping: My Early Warning-Sign of Bipolar Symptoms

I never really realized that my excessive purchasing could be linked to bipolar disorder. I have been doing it for years. I buy, buy, buy, mostly online, also, things I have no need for at the moment. I just know in my mind that I need it. I have bought things on online auction sites. There is a sudden rush when you are bidding against someone. I always think, "I have more money than you do, and I can prove it!" Often times, though, I can't even tell you what the item is I am bidding on at the moment.

I often feel guilty after buying things, shortly after I do. But then the feeling of excitement and entitlement returns once I get that box in the mail and open it. Usually, though, the high wears off and I feel depressed thinking about how it was probably a waste of money. How do I cope with my feeling of depression? I buy something else, of course!

The cycle starts all over again.

I know exactly how you feel. I buy things that I do not need and then get them home and wonder what the heck I was thinking at that moment. It looks like and sounds like a good idea but it is really a waste of money. I usually end up returning most of the items. I go on sprees and just like to buy things, no matter what they are. I have closets full of things with tags still on them and that have never been worn. It os ahuge waste of money that I don't have!! I hide it from my husband and lie about shopping all the time. I make excuses about where I am and what I'm doing so he doesn't find out. It's an addiction for me.