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Thoughts about videogame addiction

gare
gare

This whole topic seems murky as hell to me, particularly for people with mental illness. apparently, one of the symptoms, according to the DSM-5, is "Using gaming to ease bad moods and feelings". I've always thought of that as theraputic rather than problematic. I assume that the context matters. perhaps it's only a problem if it's stopping you from addressing the "bad moods and feelings"?

Thankfully that's the only symptom I have out of the nine, so I'm not worried. It's funny how something can be either a cure or a poison given the circumstances.

Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
I hear you Gare.... I think it's like any other addiction.... it's crossing the boundary of what's healthy and what's hurtful.... Big hug.....xo
OlderCPer
OlderCPer
I never think of it as an addiction unless a person chooses to engage in video games instead of other normal life interactions or spends a majority of their day playing them in excess of doing things things like working, etc.

My son was actually "prescribed" by a Dr. to play video games at the age of 4 to help with his scanning and cognitive functions and help his ADD concentration issues. He was limited in how long he could play, but they were definitely used as Therapy tools.

Since ECT I use cognitive skill and memory skill Computer games for a minimum of an hour a day, every day to keep my brain "exercised".

There's a plethora of reasons for people to use video/computer games in therapeutic ways, as long as you limit the time and don't lose yourself in that world, escaping the real world, then it doesn't really fall into the addiction category.
Maui1992
Maui1992
How much time do you spend on video games, Gare?
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
Here's some info from the Mayo Clinic

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/are-video-games-and-screens-another-addiction
gare
gare
@Maui1992 It depends on how busy I am on any given day. I'm on social security disability, so most days I have very few responsibilities. maybe 8-10 hours on one of those days, especially if I'm depressed. I don't watch tv or movies much, so gaming is my only real leisure activity. When ever I have things I need to do, I do those things and gaming takes a back seat.
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