Spending Safeguards During the Holidays by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
Impulsivity can be expressed in many ways for individuals living with bipolar disorder. For some, impulsivity manifests itself through spending large amounts of money on shopping sprees.
What happens if an individual is experiencing a manic or hypomanic episode during the winter holidays?
The combination of an episode and the winter holidays can have financial implications. Wintertime is essentially shopping season. Stores and online shopping sites amp up their marketing and promotions so that it’s alluring. Black Friday deals. Gift bundles. Energetic salespeople. Banners and window displays that are appealing to many different customers. Having a game plan for how and when money is spent can help buffer against significant losses to the bank account.
Consider the following:
Make use of pre-paid cards and only carry these with you. Prepaid cards with a maximum amount can be used instead of debit and credit cards. These can be purchased in drugstores, local stores, and department stores.
Temporarily block specific online shopping websites and retail stores by installing an app or through the parental control settings in your computer.
Shop with someone you trust who is familiar with your diagnosis and can steer you away from overspending.
Only carry cash.
Wait 2-3 days before making large purchases. Remind yourself that there’s no rush because these sales will last and physically write down a list of how the purchase will impact your bank account, how much you actually need it, and if you will realistically make use of it.
You don’t have to do this alone. I specialize in treating bipolar disorder. If you are interested in receiving therapy with me, let’s schedule a free 15-minute phone consult. I provide video therapy to adults living in California
My office is located in Irvine, which is near Newport Beach, Orange, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Tustin, Seal Beach, and beyond. I work with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and Asian American & Pacific Islanders.
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. The topics being discussed are meant as a self-help tool for you own use. It is not psychotherapy or counseling. This information is to be used based on your own judgment. If you need to speak with a professional, you should find one local to you and contact them directly.