Navigating and Coping with the Unpredictable Nature of Atopic Dermatitis

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Significant research has documented the impact of atopic dermatitis on mental health. Not only does stress trigger eczema flares, but atopic dermatitis increases the risk for mental health issues due to the stress of living with the condition. In fact, in some cases, those with atopic dermatitis are at increased risk for suicidal ideation and behavior compared to those without a medical illness and compared to those without medical issues.

Atopic dermatitis can be a vicious cycle of stress triggering flares and flares causing increased stress. While external factors like weather, stress, and other illnesses can contribute to flares, they can also occur seemingly out of nowhere.

Those living with atopic dermatitis can struggle psychologically as a result of the pain and discomfort caused by the condition, as well as the unpredictability of flares. Learn more about the fleeting nature of AD that makes triggers so difficult to manage.

Navigating the Cycle

Atopic dermatitis is unpredictable by nature. Flares can occur in response to stress or environmental factors, but they can also occur seemingly at random. Each individual will have differences that make their experience unique. Even when someone appears to be doing everything right, following their treatment plan, and taking steps to control their symptoms, they can still experience a flare without warning. The frequency, intensity, and length of flares are highly variable and difficult to predict or control.

This can take a major toll on mental health. Those who suffer from atopic dermatitis might not know day-to-day if they are going to be uncomfortable or in pain and how the condition will impact their lives. They might struggle to commit to plans, not knowing what state they will be in on the day.

A middle-aged male who asked to remain anonymous shared his experience: “I’ve suffered from the effects of eczema since childhood, and it’s been very difficult. Every winter my hands get very dry and get cracked, itchy, and bleed. I also have eczema scars over my entire body. This impacts my confidence a lot, and also, my ADHD and eczema seem to have some interplay where an itch gets me distracted, and further exacerbates my short-term memory issues and executive functions. These in turn cause a lot of frustration for me.  And this is every day.”

…my ADHD and eczema seem to have some interplay where an itch gets me distracted, and further exacerbates my short-term memory issues and executive functions. These in turn cause a lot of frustration for me.  And this is every day.

Kay, who also asked to remain anonymous, shared that she has experienced shame and ridicule for her condition because many assume atopic dermatitis is caused by poor choices and self-neglect: “People assume [atopic dermatitis] is caused by lack of hygiene or bad diet … but it has been an issue since infancy.”

Strategies for Coping

Atopic dermatitis is a painful, uncomfortable, and unpredictable condition. Self-care and coping strategies can both help you manage mental health distress that arises as a result of your symptoms and help you manage stress to decrease your chances of having a flare.

Everyone’s ideal coping strategies vary, so you might have to try different things to see what works best for you. It is okay if something that helped someone else is not the right fit. With that in mind, some coping strategies that you might consider trying are:

  • Having a relaxation routine. Since stress can exacerbate eczema, a relaxation routine can soothe flares. It can also help you cope with the stress of a flare.
  • Reducing stress where you can. Not everything is in your control, but if you are able to say “no” to projects or events that cause overwhelm, this might help you manage stress levels that can trigger a flare. 
  • Have a sleep routine. Kay shared that her atopic dermatitis interferes with her sleep, which further exacerbates mental health issues. Having a routine around sleep can make it easier to get sufficient rest even during a flair.
  • Focusing on what you can control. During a flare, it can feel impossible to cope with the discomfort. It can also be frustrating when you experience a flare when you worked hard to reduce triggers. Look at what is in your control, like your skincare or relaxation routines.
  • Radical acceptance. Radical acceptance is a mindfulness practice that aims to reduce distress by fully accepting the present moment.

  • Meet with a therapist. A therapist can help you manage mental health symptoms caused by the stress of living with atopic dermatitis. You can look for a provider who understands the stress that can come with this diagnosis.
  • Educating yourself. David, who agreed to share his experience for this article, found that learning about cognitive-behavioral techniques for treating depression helped him address his mental health issues caused by his atopic dermatitis: “This allowed me to emerge from the depression and provided me with resilience tools for the rest of my life.” It’s helped him reframe his condition: “I am pretty sure that those tools have allowed me to dismiss the eczema as just another annoyance to be dealt with, rather than something that causes me pain and embarrassment.”

I am pretty sure that those tools have allowed me to dismiss the eczema as just another annoyance to be dealt with, rather than something that causes me pain and embarrassment.

Getting Support

Having a solid support system is crucial for mental health. When the people around you support you, it is so much easier to manage stress and the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Ways to build a support network include:

  • Finding support groups for atopic dermatitis. A support group can be a great way to find others who are going through the same things as you. Groups specific to atopic dermatitis can help you meet others who experience the same symptoms. This means finding people who truly understand what you are going through, and possibly getting tips on coping from those who have been where you are.
  • Connecting with others online. The anonymous man who agreed to share his experience for this article said that online communities have been key in his support: “I cannot imagine my life without [my online community].” The internet allows you to connect with people who are not in your immediate geographic area.
  • Educating your loved ones about atopic dermatitis. It is not your job to teach people about your own experience. At the same time, you might choose to share your experience so that they can better understand how to support you.

Bottom Line

Finding ways to minimize stress and other flare triggers can help reduce symptoms and make existing symptoms easier to cope with. A professional therapist can also help treat mental health symptoms caused by atopic dermatitis, as well as mindfulness skills like radical acceptance. Having a support system can also be key to living with a skin condition.

Mental health and physical health are intertwined, and you deserve full support for both. Atopic dermatitis is affected by and contributes to mental health challenges, making it particularly important for those with the condition to receive support for their mental health and not just their physical symptoms. Fortunately, support and coping tools are available for those who struggle with these symptoms.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Lönndahl L, Abdelhadi S, Holst M, Lonne-Rahm SB, Nordlind K, Johansson B. Psychological stress and atopic dermatitis: a focus group study. Ann Dermatol. 2023;35(5):342.

  2. Atopic dermatitis associated with autoimmune, cardiovascular and mental health comorbidities: a systematic review and meta-analysis: European Journal of Dermatology. 2022;32(1):34-48.

Headshot of Amy Marschall

By Amy Marschall, PsyD

Dr. Amy Marschall is an autistic clinical psychologist with ADHD, working with children and adolescents who also identify with these neurotypes among others. She is certified in TF-CBT and telemental health.


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Doom Spending to Relieve Stress—Why You Should Avoid It

by with No Comment Dating Tips, Guide and Advice


Full disclosure: I’m guilty of making some irrational impulse buys in my life in order to deal with stressful situations. For example, at the beginning of the pandemic, I knew my family didn’t really need an Italian ice machine, but buying it felt like something I could control at a time when everything seemed to be falling apart. (Spoiler alert: we’ve used it twice and it’s now gathering dust in my pantry.)

Granted, I’m not the only one who has turned to retail therapy during times of stress. In fact, according to a February 2025 report from CreditCards.com, as many as 1 in 5 Americans are turning to “doom spending” to deal with some of our country’s current stressors, including worries about economic uncertainty.

As much as this is an understandable reaction to economic and political instability—as well as the normal stressors of life—it’s a practice that both therapists and financial experts say is a big nope. Here, we’ll take a close look at doom spending, its psychological triggers, its impact, and how to stop doom spending once and for all.

What Is Doom Spending?

First, what exactly is doom spending? According to Christopher Fisher, PsyD, MS Ed., a psychologist and the director of the adult outpatient psychiatry department at Northwell Zucker Hillside Hospital, doom spending can be defined as “the act of compulsively spending money in response to feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, or dread about the future.”

Psychological Triggers

Stress and anxiety are the typical psychological triggers for doom spending. In particular, anxiety fueled by feelings of gloom and doom triggers episodes of doom spending. When we experience feelings of uncertainty, we often adopt a “worst-case scenario” mindset, says Dr. Fisher.

“Our bodies respond to this anticipation with heightened physical and emotional reactions, almost as if the crisis is already occurring,” he explains. “This leads us to seek immediate relief, and for many, spending money becomes a way to manage this internal chaos.” Anxiety can lead to impulsive, emotionally driven behavior. Logical thinking is replaced by a need for quick comfort, Dr. Fisher explains.

This leads us to seek immediate relief, and for many, spending money becomes a way to manage this internal chaos.

—
CHRISTOPHER FISHER, PSYD, MS ED.

Depression is also at play here, according to Dr. Fisher. “Those who experience feelings of hopelessness, a common symptom of depression, might adopt a ‘who cares’ attitude,” he describes. “The result can be reckless spending—a belief that ‘spending now’ will at least make the moment feel better, even if it’s only temporary.”

Social and Political Influences

Doom spending is also influenced by the culture we live in, which often amplifies our psychological tendencies. “With technology and e-commerce platforms making purchases easier than ever, it’s tempting to turn to spending as a form of self-care,” says Dr. Fisher. With just a few clicks on your phone, you can have something delivered to your doorstep with barely any effort.

“For many, the act of shopping, particularly during times of stress, becomes a coping mechanism—a way to achieve an emotional high in a world that feels increasingly unpredictable,” Dr. Fisher describes.

Likewise, our political and economic climate is a major factor. “People are living in a world that feels chaotic—political divisions, economic instability, and global crises make everything feel uncertain,” Dr. Fisher shares. When people feel uncertain about their future, they often look for temporary comfort through material purchases. Buying things can give people a sense of agency and short-term relief, Dr. Fisher says.

The Mental Health Impact of Doom Spending

In general, the way it works with doom spending is that you will likely feel good at first, soon after you make your purchase. The problem is that not only are these feelings fleeting, but they can lead to negative feelings, and even more stress than you had before.

“In the short term, there is an undeniable sense of relief—when we purchase something, especially in a heightened emotional state, the act triggers the release of dopamine, the brain’s ‘feel-good’ chemical,” Dr. Fisher says. This offers us an immediate feeling of pleasure. “However, once that pleasure fades, we can be left with overwhelming feelings of guilt, remorse, and an intensified sense of anxiety,” he says.

Over time, people often enter a cycle of this temporary relief brought on by the purchase, followed by negative emotions, which can quickly lead to chronic emotional instability, Dr. Fisher says. Not only that, but many of us face financial strain, such as debt, which adds extra layers of shame and hopelessness.

“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 explains.

Economic Implications

The economic implications of doom spending can’t be overstated. The fact is that millions of Americans face credit card debt, and it can be incredibly difficult to climb out of it. Total credit card debt for Americans as of December 2024 reached $1.21 trillion (yes, trillion).

While many people doom spend to manage their negative emotions and the economic uncertainty that’s common these days, doom spending is never a good idea, says Andrea Woroch, consumer finance and savings expert and author.

“Doom spending can cause serious financial strain if you aren’t careful and paying attention to what you’re buying and how much you’re spending,” she warns. “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.”

Coping Strategies and Alternatives

Okay, so it’s clear that doom spending is something that we should 100% avoid. But what about those of us who find it hard to stop? What are some options for managing not just our finances, but our tendencies to make new purchases as a way to relieve stress and feelings of doom?

There are some practices you can adopt that will help you better manage your emotions so that spending money isn’t your first reaction to a stressful situation.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is one of the most effective ways to manage impulse spending, says Dr. Fisher. In a nutshell, mindfulness for doom spending involves becoming more aware of your feelings and how you act upon them. You do this through guided meditations and other mindfulness techniques.

“When it comes to spending, mindfulness encourages individuals to make deliberate choices,” Dr. Fisher describes. “Instead of succumbing to impulse, individuals can pause, reflect, and consider whether a purchase aligns with their long-term values and needs.”

Other Self-Care Strategies

Adding in other daily practices can also help you curb your desires to doom spend. Here’s what Dr. Fisher recommends:

Financial Planning and Budgeting

Having smart routines around budgeting and money management can help with doom spending. Really, having any kind of plan that dictates how you spend and save your money goes a long way in limiting impulsive spending.

Here are tips from Woroch:

Follow a Detailed Budget

There are several different budgeting methods Woroch recommends, including the 50/20/30 rule, zero-based budgeting, or the envelope method. “It doesn’t matter which one you choose, but find a budgeting approach that works for you,” she says.

“Ultimately, your goal should be to understand how much money you have coming in and going out and to get in control of where your dollars are going so you’re not wasting them on unused services or unnecessary purchases.” You can also use a budgeting app to help with this.

Identify Doom Spending Triggers

Consider doing some journaling to record what you purchase and how you feel when you purchase things on a whim. Once you understand what causes you to doom spend, you can construct a plan to manage your triggers.

“Sometimes just being away from the emotions that fuel those spending habits can be enough to help you cope with your emotions in other ways—such as venting to a friend, going for a walk or exercise class, or even seeking support from a licensed therapist (a much better way to spend your money!),” Woroch shares.

Sometimes just being away from the emotions that fuel those spending habits can be enough to help you cope with your emotions in other ways…

—
ANDREA WOROCH, CONSUMER FINANCE AND SAVINGS EXPERT

Mind Your Social Media and Subscriptions

Woroch recommends unsubscribing from retail newsletters and turning off push notifications for retail apps that send you tempting deals. Unfollow social media accounts that fuel excessive purchases.

Leave Credit Cards at Home and Pay With Cash

It may seem strange in this day and age to walk around with cash in your wallet, but doing so can curb doom spending. “You’re less likely to make an impulse purchase when you’re paying with cash and carrying bigger bills is an even better way to avoid those unnecessary splurges,” Woroch suggests.

Bottom Line

We get it—spending money can feel really good when everything else seems to be unraveling around you. But doom spending is really not a good idea.

“Ultimately, doom spending offers only temporary relief and often results in long-term consequences,” Fisher says. “By understanding the psychological triggers behind it and adopting healthier alternatives, individuals can begin to break free from the cycle of emotional spending and build a more mindful, financially stable future.”

If you need further support with your financial decisions, or if money matters are causing you significant anxiety or stress, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional for guidance and support.


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