PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — While many Americans are in self-isolation until further notice, some have picked up an obsessive homebound habit: online shopping.
As the coronavirus pandemic has progressed, there's been a surge in online orders across the board.
CNBC reported last month that e-commerce spending in the U.S. was up more than 30% from the beginning of March through mid-April compared to the same period last year. Aside from essential cleaning supplies and groceries, quarantined shoppers bought everything from books and games to pet supplies and home office equipment. Jewelry, apparel and cosmetic purchases declined.
But medical professionals warn that being in confined quarters, with everything you could want or need just a click away, may be a dangerous combination for people with a shopping addiction.
"It's more likely that people who tend to buy things in order to feel good — what people call retail therapy, that sort of thing — that it would really fuel an online shopping addiction, because we're so in front of our computers all the time and in front of our phones," said Dr. Jennifer Faust, clinical director at the Center for Growth in Philadelphia.
Faust said a shopping addiction can evolve out of depression — something a lot of people may be experiencing while in isolation or quarantine. Altering our habits and routines amid uncertainty can lead some to depend on addictive or compulsive choices, according to Psychology Today.
To help break that addiction, Faust advised helping that person get off the internet.
"And trying to do some other things with them, like maybe go out and exercise, or engage them in other hobbies," she suggested.
Be mindful of your own shopping habits too, Faust said.
"Pay attention to what's happening with your emotions, like being able to talk about it or doing something to deal with the anxiety or depression that's happening a lot for people," she added.
If the problem persists after addressing it, Faust recommends professional help.
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KYW Newsradio's Rachel Kurland contributed to this report.
