Author: Lena H. Fitzpatrick

April 22, 2025

I never imagined that something as simple as a board game could turn my life upside down. But here I am, with a pile of debt, a stack of unopened boxes, and an ever-growing collection that I can’t stop adding to. To say I’m in too deep would be an understatement. I’m not just addicted to board games; I’m addicted to the feeling of buying them.

After having my child, everything kind of fell apart. Life got overwhelming, and depression hit hard. I couldn’t find joy in the little things, and it felt like my world had been reduced to a gray blur. That’s when a friend introduced me to the world of board games. I thought, “This is just a harmless hobby.” How could something so innocent hurt?

But then I started buying them. At first, it was just a few, you know, to get the hang of things. But then the obsession crept in. Every paycheck, I’d set aside money. My “hobby” became my escape, my temporary high. Board games were the one thing that brought me joy, but it was a fleeting joy. The moment I bought one, I’d be excited for maybe a day, then I’d be right back to searching for the next one. It was never enough.

Before I knew it, I had spent over $8,000 in a year. That’s not even counting shipping fees. I’ve got over 480 games, most of which still sit in their original packaging, collecting dust. I haven’t even played half of them. I should have been focused on my family, my health, but instead, I was online, scrolling through reviews, looking for the next big purchase.

And now I’m drowning in debt. The excitement of buying a new game quickly turned into guilt when the bills started piling up. I can’t even explain it, but the thrill of getting a new game almost felt like a form of self-soothing. Yet, it was costing me everything.

I’ve tried to stop, really. But it’s like an itch I can’t scratch. Every time I tell myself, “That’s it, no more,” I see another ad for a limited edition game or hear someone rave about the best new release, and I’m right back where I started. I can’t stop. The worst part is that I know I have a problem. I’ve started therapy, trying to work through my spending addiction. My therapist says I need to find new coping mechanisms, healthier outlets. But it’s hard when board games are the only thing that’ve consistently made me feel anything.

I guess I’m sharing this not for sympathy but to get it off my chest. I don’t know what the future holds or if I’ll ever be able to pay off my debt, but I have to try. I’m hoping, by saying it out loud, I’ll finally start making better choices for my family and myself. Because this can’t go on forever.