Unnecessary shopping is done to feel good temporarily.

The term “Doom spending”, translated into Turkish as kıyamet harcaması or mahrumiyet harcaması, refers to individuals engaging in unnecessary shopping to avoid negative mood states or to mitigate the effects of such situations. Prof. Dr. Hülya Ensari, Deputy Dean of Istanbul Atlas University Faculty of Medicine and a faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry, stated that stress from work, family, and social environments could lead individuals to shopping as an escape mechanism. Ensari noted that evaluating emotional states before making purchases can help individuals understand the underlying reasons for their shopping behavior, and that emotional awareness can reduce unnecessary spending.

Prof. Dr. Hülya Ensari provided an assessment of the concept of “Doom spending” that is translated into Turkish as kıyamet harcaması or mahrumiyet harcaması.

What is Doom Spending?

Emphasizing that the concept of “Doom spending” describes individuals’ tendencies to make uncontrolled or unnecessary expenditures in the face of negative circumstances such as economic uncertainty or personal stress, Ensari stated, “The English word ‘doom’ means ‘judgment day’ or ‘end’, while ‘spending’ means ‘expenditure’. Therefore, ‘Doom spending’ can be translated into Turkish as ‘Kıyamet harcaması’ or metaphorically as ‘Mahrumiyet harcaması’. It refers to individuals making unnecessary purchases to avoid negative mood states or to reduce the effects of these situations. It represents the tendency of individuals to engage in shopping activities either consciously or unconsciously to meet their irregular emotional needs.”

Done to feel good temporarily

Discussing the reasons for doom spending, Ensari indicated, “With the global economic crisis, individuals experience anxiety about the future triggered by uncertainty. While they try to feel good temporarily by making unnecessary purchases today, they might also increase their spending as a way to secure themselves against potential adversities in the future.”

Can be seen as a way to escape from stress

Noting that one of the reasons for doom spending is stress and anxiety, Ensari said, “Stress from work, family, and social circles can lead individuals to shopping as an escape mechanism. This also provides temporary relief. Many people turn to shopping as a coping mechanism for feelings of emotional emptiness or stress. This situation causes individuals to feel better temporarily and reinforces the spending behavior. Similar to emotional eating, this type of spending can become one of the methods individuals use to cope with stress.”

Online shopping and social media have an impact

Warning that the easy accessibility of online shopping, the influence of instant discounts and advertisements can contribute to the prevalence of this syndrome, Ensari noted, “Individuals may feel emotional dissatisfaction or inadequacy by comparing their lives with others through social media. They might turn to shopping to alleviate these feelings.”

Feelings of regret and deep stress may arise

Expressing that unnecessary expenditures can accumulate over time, putting personal budgets under pressure and leading to increased debt, Ensari stated, “While it may provide relief in the short term, the awareness of the problem in the long term can lead to feelings of regret and deeper stress. Increasing stress over time triggers the desire to shop again, creating a vicious cycle. This situation may result in financial crises in the long term.”

Can negatively affect mental health in the long run

Ensari pointed out that spending to cope with constant anxiety and stress may provide temporary relief but can lead to mental health issues in the long run, stating, “Such spending increases the risk of anxiety and depression in individuals, which can further worsen their mental state.”

Can lead to many negative consequences

Ensari also emphasized that excessive spending can negatively affect relationships within families, stating, “Financial problems can lead to disagreements and tension between couples. Economic pressures can cause increased communication issues and damage relationships. The satisfaction obtained through spending is short-lived and can lead to feelings of self-doubt over time. This situation reduces personal satisfaction and prevents individuals from feeling valuable.”

How to manage Doom Spending

Prof. Dr. Hülya Ensari provided recommendations for coping with and managing doom spending as follows:

Creating a budget: It is important to realize that expenditures should be made based on needs and budget rather than emotional instincts. Creating a personal budget that aligns with income and adhering to this budget can prevent unnecessary spending. Asking oneself, ‘Do I really need this purchase?’ before spending can help individuals make more conscious decisions.

Making a shopping list: Creating a list before going shopping helps avoid unnecessary expenditures. Sticking to the list prevents impulsive buying. Individuals can better control their spending by identifying the products they need in advance.

Emotional awareness: Evaluating emotional states before spending helps individuals understand the underlying reasons for their shopping behavior. Emotional awareness can reduce unnecessary spending. People tend to shop when they feel stressed or anxious; therefore, recognizing these feelings is important.

Taking up a hobby: Healthy stress management techniques such as meditation, exercise, or taking up hobbies can help individuals lower their anxiety levels. Such activities offer more positive ways to fill emotional voids. Regular exercise can positively affect both physical and mental health.

Social support is an important tool for overcoming such challenges.

Effective time management: Managing time effectively can reduce the pressure in individuals’ daily lives. Planning helps clarify tasks and lowers stress levels. This situation may reduce the need to go shopping.

Recognizing one’s needs: Understanding what individuals truly need can positively affect their spending habits. Identifying their own needs improves financial health by reducing unnecessary spending. This awareness makes individuals’ spending behaviors more conscious.

During challenging times, it is important to seek emotional support. Talking about this with family and friends can alleviate emotional burdens. Being aware of our mental state and seeking help from a mental health professional when necessary is very important.