Research presented in 2017 on people managing bipolar disorder clarified motivations and emotions that induced spending sprees. Participants reported the cycle of spending money because they already feel good, followed by guilt, remorse, anxiety, depression, then spending to feel good.

Dr. Thomas Richardson, a principal clinical psychologist in Portsmouth, England, interviewed 44 people living with bipolar disorder and led a focus discussion group with six. He reports some recurring themes, quoted from participants:

- “[I’m] prone to burying head in the sand, ignoring demands for payments.”
- “Impulsive purchases… will spend all that I have when I am manic or hypo-manic.”
- “I became high and gave away all my savings to charity 4 years ago.”
- “It’s a vicious cycle. I realise I’m spending and putting my family in financial stress and leads to larger depression. This then leads to comfort spending again.”
- “During down periods, I essentially comfort spend.”

Excessive generosity and spending may seem like a good idea at the time, but it can negatively impact your personal finances. You’re not alone in this.

Though it may not be easy to control urges to spend or give money away, there are steps you can take to help prevent sprees when experiencing an episode of mania.

Support from those who understand compulsive spending during an episode of mania may help you recognize when your spending becomes a problem. Your inner circle can often identify mania early and can help you safeguard your finances.

If you have only one card with a low limit, you’ll not be able to spend excessively.

Having someone password-protect or restrict internet access may prevent impulsive or potentially consequential behaviors, including online shopping.

An IT professional can set up restrictions through your browser settings or add budget apps and extensions for a nominal fee.

You can create a budget based on your pay periods. Also, consider paying with cash and reserve your cards for necessities.

Credit companies often send incentives and offers in the mail. If you can, have someone get your mail to filter out the credit offers and retail direct mail.
Another consideration is opting out of credit card offers altogether, using a tool like this. You’ll stop receiving catalogs and email prompts by registering here.

If you don’t have someone you can trust with your finances, a professional service can help you budget and curb spending when you’re experiencing an episode of mania.

Having someone you can trust can be a critical part of preventing a spending spree. You can talk with loved ones or friends or get professional assistance. Not only will you be able to limit your spending, but you’ll also have a support network in place during bipolar disorder treatment.