"I always say shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist"

Tammy Faye Bakker’s wry observation hinges on the universal human desire for comfort and escape from emotional distress. By juxtaposing shopping, a common, often pleasurable activity, with seeing a psychiatrist, she draws attention to how individuals frequently seek alternative forms of relief rather than addressing their psychological needs through professional help. Retail therapy has become a colloquial phrase, reflecting the reality that for many, purchasing new things temporarily alleviates feelings of sadness, stress, or loneliness.

Bakker’s words carry an undercurrent of humor, but also reveal the deeper, sometimes problematic, ways people cope with mental discomfort. The act of shopping can provide an immediate, tangible distraction. The sight, touch, and ownership of new things generate brief surges of happiness or excitement, thanks to the brain’s reward system. Standing in contrast to the often intimidating, expensive, and time-consuming process of confronting personal issues in therapy, shopping offers an easier, more socially accepted outlet, one that doesn’t require vulnerability or the discomfort of self-examination.

Yet beneath the surface, the remark is tinged with irony. Shopping may seem cheaper in the short run because it requires a simple exchange of money for goods, but it sidesteps the deeper emotional work needed for lasting well-being. Accumulating purchases can lead to financial stress, clutter, and, for some, a compulsive cycle of acquisition that never truly addresses underlying needs. On the other hand, psychiatrists and therapists provide a space for healing, growth, and genuine resilience, albeit at a literal and emotional cost.

Ultimately, Bakker’s statement captures a fundamental tension in modern life: the allure of quick fixes versus the challenge of true self-care. It encapsulates how society often values material solutions over emotional exploration, and it challenges us to consider whether such “cheaper” remedies truly serve our happiness in the long run.