There is no better feeling than taking a trip to the mall on a Saturday night after a long, hard week of school. Buying a new tank top at Garage, a new lip liner from Sephora, or a new matching set from Brandy Melville can feel like hitting a reset button, full of excitement and joy. These purchases, whether online or in person act as little bandaids – temporary fixes to much larger problems. But behind the spending and the swipes lies a bigger issue: is retail therapy really therapy? 

WebMD defines retail therapy as “when you go shopping for the main purpose of making you feel better.”  We’ve all felt it, whether from a new pair of jeans, a baseball bat, or a new purse. According to Cleveland Clinic, retail therapy often has to do with buying wants, not things you need. 

But why does shopping make some of us feel better? Or is it an illusion? 

The Cleveland Clinic states shopping can boost mood by  releasing dopamine, seratonin, and endorphins, creating a sense of control over our lives. Studies also note that these chemicals are released in anticipation of shopping, whether adding something to your cart or waiting for a package to arrive. 

Like most things, there is a dark side to retail therapy. Opening your bank account to see it drop down in digits is never a good feeling. The reliance of spending money to feel happy leads to debts which last far longer than the temporary joy. 

Even more seriously, about 6% of adults in the US have compulsive buying disorder, found in a study by Lorrin M. Koran. Retail therapy can get dangerous as it begins masking deeper mental health issues. An excessive amount of shopping can often lead to a cycle of guilt, regret, and debt. 

However, retail therapy is about more than science. Shopping culture is prevalent all over social media in various forms such as hauls or unboxing videos. With influencers constantly posting brand deals about the “product that changed their life”, viewers are pushed more towards purchasing goods. Spending money is often viewed as the solution to problems, whether it’s a new coffee order or a designer bag. 

So, is it real? Many argue that the negative effects outweigh the positives. In my opinion, retail therapy can be a form of self care, when practiced in moderation. Shopping creates a sense of control, a sense of excitement, and is an amazing way of treating yourself. The key is to know how much is too much. Setting spending limits, limiting mall trips and knowing the difference between wants and needs are all practices that can make shopping a therapeutic and healthy activity.