Consumerism, Mental Health, and the Gentle Trap of Retail Therapy
Let’s talk about retail therapy. You know the feeling. You’re sad, stressed, overwhelmed, bored, lonely, or just absolutely done with the world. And somehow, walking into a store or opening an app feels hopeful. Just browsing starts to lift something. Your breathing slows. Your brain goes, Okay, maybe it’s not all terrible. Then you spot it. The perfect candle, the viral Stanley cup, the limited edition Starbucks bear cup. The one that will absolutely change your life. At least for about 24 hours. Unfortunately, the boost is short-lived. The dopamine rush fades. The bag is empty. The package is opened. And suddenly, you’re looking for your next hit. Retail therapy is real. And it works… temporarily. It’s the act of shopping to improve your mood by buying something, often to cope with stress, sadness, anxiety, or emotional pain. Shopping can trigger a release of dopamine and endorphins, giving you a brief emotional lift. It can also restore a sense of control when everything else feels...
