Addiction
Problematic Gaming & Internet Use
Use that takes over sleep, study, work or relationships, and that is hard to cut back even when it is clearly causing harm.
What it can feel like
- Preoccupation and losing track of hours
- Irritability when unable to play or scroll
- Neglecting sleep, food, study or work
- Using it to escape difficult feelings
- Failed attempts to reduce
Not everyone has every symptom, and you do not need a label to deserve support.
Things that help
01
Change the design, not the willpower
Timers, logging out, removing apps from the phone and a different location all beat relying on self-control.
02
Replace, don't just remove
The time needs somewhere to go. Plan a specific alternative for the same slot, ideally involving other people.
03
Look underneath it
Problem use often sits on top of anxiety, low mood, loneliness or ADHD. Treating that changes the pull.
Want to actually do these? Save them to your practices and tick them off as you go.
Add to my practicesWhen to reach for more support
Speak to a GP if it is affecting your health, studies or work. Therapy helps, and treatment for any underlying condition helps more.