What does it mean to be a manic spender? Is this some kind of syndrome?
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What does it mean to be a manic spender? Is this some kind of syndrome?
Mania can manifest in different ways depending on the person. A common symptom for me is entering the mentality that I have more money than I really do, which can lead to overspending. During a manic episode, people with bipolar disorder may have an inflated self-esteem, less of an urge to sleep, and they may be easily distracted. They also may be more likely to engage in risky behavior—and for some, that includes spending impulsively. People experiencing mania sometimes buy things they can’t afford, or buy too many things. Others may make risky investments, gamble recklessly, or donate excessively to charity. Of course, money troubles are not exclusive to people with bipolar disorder; but people with all sorts of mental health problems are more likely to face financial difficulty than others.
One mental exercise that helps me control my spending impulse is to pause and remind myself of my values; the things that are important to me regardless of how I am feeling, the goals and aspirations that I am working towards long term. 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.