Only you can answer that question. Choosing DS over books or TV is not a bad choice. Choosing DS over family may be a bad choice.

Gentle hugs

None of that sounds too concerning to me. The time away from your family might be a concern, but how much time are we talking about here? Personally, I thrive, partially, on time alone. That does not mean my family is neglected, it just means that I need at least an hour or two each day by myself to do what I please or I get a bit twitchy. If your responsibilities aren't being neglected then your time is yours to do what you want with. DS or a good book sound like fine crutches anyhow, if that's what you need right now.

Good question. I have recently returned to d.s after a 3 year absence. When I was here before, it got a hold on me. I answered posts and gave advice and support. I became disillusioned when the site and d.s friends couldn't offer me the frequency of contact/support I wanted. In a very short time, I was spending too much time online.

But, if used correctly, I think the site can be a lifeline. You'll need to decide on how much time you should spend here. If you can be a member here and keep order of your priorities, then great. Keep D.S in perspective. It can be an addition, a comfort, a distraction but it isn't a replacement for every day family interaction. You know this, because you've asked the question.

Balance is key.

Thanks so much all of you for the responses. I am going to try and balance better. Maybe take a short vacation. Thanks again

I am here a lot too, as you know. I have appreciated your support tremendously. I do think it can be a bit of a crutch. I think we are just looking for answers and safety. I also do not enjoy t.v. these days...

I agree completely. The t.v. thing is so weird but I think it will pass.

I think everyone has that one major crutch they lean on for coping with whatever they are going through. This website is DEFINITELY a wonderful coping mechanism over a billion others in my opinion. However, if you are secluding yourself from human interaction for this then I would try making this secondary in the circumstance. If you realize you are sitting alone engulfed in this website then take it into a room with other people. Of course, you'll have to be careful if you are worried of privacy in this case. Being in an environment with happy human interaction at least going on around you can be a world of help already. Then you might even catch yourself joining in conversations without realizing. It'll get you back into the real world again a little better rather than only the virtual. :) I hope this helps!

I couldn't watch tv in the worst stage of depression. I still prefer to watch movies I have already seen, or documentaries. Safe things that don't harbour too much emotion for me.

I also wondered if I had an addiction, and tried to limit my 'abuse'. I've come to terms with myself now though. I am doing what I need to do. I don't know why always, and I don't expect anyone else to understand. But I realised that the reason I was addicted to a specific website, when I had the depression, was because I was being communcated with. and my posts were being liked. I was being affirmed. My existence was being affirmed.

This was new to me. Sure that's addictive. But only because there was such a deficit. Let yourself fill back up. You don't know what you need but maybe your body does.

So just go with it. Give yourself some time to heal. And being away from the family is not such a crime. Let them learn how to entertain themselves. That is, of course, provided you're still feeding them and having time together with them to talk about their day. :)