#86 Do You Have Wild Spending Sprees? (It's Normal with Manic Depression)

FROM THIS SHOW…

Do you have a pile of nice clothes in your spare bedroom that still have the price tags on them? It could be planning ahead for your cousin’s vacation wedding. It could be a powerful incentive for you to drop those extra winter pounds come New Years. Or… it could be the result of a manic spending spree.

If you happen to have a bipolar disorder, chances are great that you’ve got something in your possession that just doesn’t make a lot of sense. Or it cost you a small fortune. Or both. The manic territory of mental illness creates an appetite for shopping and travel quite unlike anything else on planet earth!

But as you’ll find out on today’s episode of The Bipolar Now Podcast, there’s hope for a responsible future with your hard-earned money. Mike shares his story of two decades’ worth of strange buying behavior fueled by impulsivity. And you’ll find out how to deal with the aftermath.

Don’t miss out!

Listen to the podcast:

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TAKEAWAYS

• One of the trademark features of manic bipolar disorder is something known as “impulsivity”. If you’ve ever had a powerful urge to buy something immediately, at full retail, then you’ve tasted this!

• Lack of judgment about finances is perfectly normal in bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, so are the feelings of failure and shame. But this can be great motivation to be careful and responsible.

• It’s actually very logical to become a big spender during your manic episodes. After spending so long in depression it can feel like you are doing “self-care” to buy yourself things. So yes, it’s logical, but not very smart!

Lifer Discussion Guide

Use the questions in today’s Lifer Guide to assist you over any hurdles you may have to clear as you address your mental health.

“Lifers” are special people who have unwavering faithfulness. This assures you that they’ll stick by you through all the highs and lows that are normal for a life with mental health challenges. If you haven’t nominated a lifelong family member or friend as part of your non-medical support team, what are you waiting for? :-)

The Questions:

1) What was the most expensive gift you ever got when you were a child or teenager?

2) What’s the earliest memory you have of buying something on impulse?

3) How do you tell the difference between “normal” purchases and manic bipolar spending?

4) How do you feel about your financial situation right now? / Do you need to talk with someone about getting your money under control?

Join the Tribe!

Once you’ve had a chance to talk or journal about these things you might have a question from this episode. If so, make sure you head on over to The Bipolar Now Podcast Network on Facebook! There’s quite a few people over there who are also taking a new step in their mental health. And we’d love for you to share your story with us when you’re ready. So don’t miss out!