A new wave of stressed-out spending, dubbed “doom spending,” is sweeping across generations, promising quick emotional relief but bringing longer-term pain for wallets and mental wellbeing alike. The phenomenon has sparked attention from psychologists and financial experts who warn that, despite its appeal, impulsive retail therapy in response to stress or pessimism about the future is not the stress-buster many hope it will be. With Thailand and other nations facing economic uncertainties — from global inflation to job insecurity — this trend offers a timely cautionary tale for Thai readers navigating their own financial decisions and stress management strategies.
Doom spending refers to the act of compulsively buying goods or services in response to feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, or dread about the future. As described by Dr. Christopher Fisher, a psychologist and director at Northwell Zucker Hillside Hospital, this is not simply casual shopping or occasional splurging; it’s a coping mechanism triggered by negative emotions when the world feels unstable. “When we experience feelings of uncertainty, we often adopt a ‘worst-case scenario’ mindset,” Dr. Fisher explains. Under such stress, the brain craves control and comfort, leading many people to “seek immediate relief, and for many, spending money becomes a way to manage this internal chaos” [Verywell Mind, 2025]. For some, especially those also battling depression, this can morph into a reckless “who cares?” philosophy: the fleeting high of purchases becomes a salve for deeper feelings of hopelessness.
In today’s society, the urge to doom spend is further amplified by technology and cultural shifts. One click on a smartphone — perhaps while scrolling through social media or browsing late at night — can translate into a purchase arriving at the doorstep within 24 hours. Dr. Fisher notes that with e-commerce and easy digital payments, “it’s tempting to turn to spending as a form of self-care,” especially when nearly every app dangles seductive offers and convenience. Social, political, and environmental uncertainties — from polarized politics to the economic shakeups of the pandemic — have bred a climate of collective stress that encourages people, particularly younger generations, to look for any escape valve. Recent global and regional reports confirm this: as many as 1 in 5 respondents in the US report doom spending to cope with anxiety about economic uncertainty [McKinsey; Ipsos UK; CNBC]. A survey in Britain found nearly half of adults engage in doom spending acts at least occasionally [Ipsos UK].
The mental health effects of doom spending resemble the quick-and-dangerous feedback loop of compulsive buying disorder, a condition recognized in the medical community and included in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as an impulse control disorder [Wikipedia - Compulsive Buying Disorder]. Dr. Fisher details how shopping, much like other impulsive behaviors, triggers the brain’s dopamine circuits, giving an emotional “reward” and temporary relief. Yet, as the chemical high dissipates, patients are often left with guilt or regret, worsened financial stress, and elevated levels of anxiety — the very outcomes they sought to avoid. “This financial burden becomes a vicious cycle — worrying about money leads to more impulsive spending, which in turn increases financial anxiety, deepening the emotional distress,” Dr. Fisher says [Verywell Mind, 2025].
The financial situation is equally grim. In the US, total credit card debt hit $1.21 trillion by late 2024, an all-time high suggesting millions are sliding into unsustainable patterns of debt under stress. As consumer finance expert Andrea Woroch warns, “doom spending can cause serious financial strain if you aren’t careful… Buying anything out of impulse and without a plan can drain your budget and lead to mounting debt, which will ultimately cause more stress and anxiety.” The same patterns are emerging in other economies, fueled by inflation, higher interest rates, and stagnant wages. In Thailand, where household debt levels have reached around 90% of GDP in recent years, the danger of doom spending taking root alongside economic anxieties is all too real, especially among younger Thais adapting to gig work and cost-of-living hikes [Bank of Thailand].
What can be done to break this cycle? Both experts and research point to a mix of practical and psychological strategies. Mindfulness is a powerful tool: “When it comes to spending, mindfulness encourages individuals to make deliberate choices,” Dr. Fisher advises. Practicing mindfulness — via meditation, journaling feelings before spending, or simply pausing before a purchase — can interrupt the automatic impulse to buy under stress. Meanwhile, daily self-care, including physical activity, good sleep, and social connections, can reinforce resilience and reduce the emotional triggers for doom spending.
Financial literacy and discipline remain equally important. Woroch recommends tracking spending habits (many Thais might find “envelope” budgeting, or using apps available in Thailand, helpful); unsubscribing from retail newsletters and disabling app notifications to reduce temptation; and even carrying cash rather than credit cards to make spending more tangible and deliberate. Cultural attitudes in Thailand, shaped by Buddhist teachings on sufficiency and moderation — conceptually similar to “พอเพียง” (por-piang) — can also be drawn upon to encourage more sustainable, mindful approaches to consumerism.
For those experiencing serious distress or compulsion, seeking guidance from mental health professionals is crucial. Compulsive buying disorder is often intertwined with underlying anxiety or mood disorders and can be treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy or counseling [Wikipedia - Compulsive Buying Disorder]. In Thailand, mental health services are increasingly accessible through public hospitals, telemedicine platforms, and non-profit organizations.
As the cycle of doom spending overlaps with rising economic anxieties, marketing campaigns and social media also play a role in shaping habits — especially for the digitally savvy Gen Z and Millennials most exposed to online impulses and global trends [CreativeBrief]. In Thailand, the phenomenon has gained attention on platforms like BrandBuffet, with warnings about how heavy social media use can further fuel doom spending, especially among urban youth [BrandBuffet Facebook). “We must learn to pause and question every purchase,” says a Thai financial coach, “especially when it comes at the cost of our future stability.”
While doom spending is a global issue, the particular pressures faced by Thais — rapid exposure to online commerce, cultural expectations of generosity, and multi-generational family duties — require nuanced, culturally attuned responses. Thai society has long promoted thrift and collective wellbeing; rekindling these values and integrating them with modern digital literacy may offer the most effective antidote.
Looking ahead, experts warn that unless people adopt new, healthier coping mechanisms, doom spending may continue to rise, fed by economic turbulence, social disconnection, and digital marketing. Critical future interventions could include wider financial literacy education, tighter regulation on “buy now, pay later” services popular among Thai youth, and fresh mental health outreach for those caught in debt spirals.
For now, the takeaway for Thai readers is clear: The next time stress or uncertainty tempts you to spend impulsively, try pausing, breathing, and considering whether that purchase is truly needed — or simply a fleeting salve for deeper malaise. Consider adopting a personal spending journal, practicing daily mindful breathing, or setting “cool-off” periods before making any non-essential purchases. And if you or someone you know feels overwhelmed by compulsive spending, reach out to a financial counselor or mental health professional — investing in your future stability is the most valuable purchase you can make.
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