Since I was in middle school, I’ve been an avid gamer. I didn’t think much of it at first, but as the years went on, I noticed that gaming was taking a detrimental toll on my mental health. My relationships with others were suffering and when I wasn’t playing video games, all I wanted to do was find new ways to get access to more of it. After researching online and hearing from friends, my doctors finally diagnosed me with Gaming Disorder according to the criteria listed in the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
I hadn’t known about this disorder before then, but looking back all the signs were there. It became clear that my elaborate gaming habits had begun to disrupt not only my daily activities like studying for exams, but also my social interactions. But at the same time, in a weird way it had also created a sense of security for me - something familiar and ‘safe’.
I’m now working with two different people who specialize in addictive behaviors like mine. Throughout this journey they have helped me break down and reflect upon why I had become so addicted to gaming in the first place - reminding me that because life can be hard at times doesn’t mean that running away or escaping into various video game worlds is going to magically make everything better.
This has been such a challenging process for me but at last by turning off those games and continuing therapy & regular checkups with medical professionals under the guidelines set by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), I’m taking healthier steps forward each day and slowly moving away from harmful habits towards wellbeing instead.
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Hey, man. Thanks for sharing your story. It takes a lot of strength and courage to recognize and address something like gaming disorder. I can totally relate to how gaming can become a kind of safety net and escape from the challenges of real life. It’s amazing that you’re working with professionals to understand the root of your addiction and take steps towards a healthier lifestyle. I know it’s not easy, but it’s so important to prioritize your well-being. Keep turning off those games and taking those healthy steps forward. You’ve got this, and there’s a whole community here to support you along the way. Keep going, and don’t hesitate to lean on us when you need it.
Hey, I just want to say I totally understand where you’re coming from. Gaming can be really fun and entertaining, but it’s so easy for it to start taking over your life. I’m so glad to hear that you’ve recognized the issue and are taking steps to address it. It’s not easy, but you’re doing the right thing by reaching out for help and getting the support you need. It’s awesome that you’re working with specialists who understand addictive behaviors and that you’re committed to the process. It’s great to hear that you’re already seeing progress and taking steps toward a healthier balance. Keep it up, and remember, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. You’ve got this!
Hey there, I can relate to your experience with gaming and mental health. It’s great that you’ve recognized the impact gaming was having on your life and took steps to address it. It’s not easy to confront these patterns, but it’s so important for our well-being. I’m glad to hear that you’re working with specialists and prioritizing your mental health. It takes strength to make those changes, and you’re doing an amazing job. Keep focusing on those healthier steps forward, even when it feels tough. You’re not alone in this, and there are people who care about your well-being. Take it one day at a time and keep looking for that sense of security in healthier habits. You’ve got this!
Hey there, I just want to say that I can relate to what you’re going through. It takes a lot of courage to recognize and address the impact that gaming can have on your mental health. I’m so glad to hear that you’re working with specialists and taking steps to prioritize your wellbeing. It’s not easy to break away from something that has provided comfort and security, but you’re making progress each day and that’s something to be proud of. Keep reminding yourself that you deserve a balanced and fulfilling life, and that seeking help shows strength, not weakness. You’re not alone in this, and I’m rooting for you every step of the way. Keep up the good work!
Hey man, I just wanted to say that it takes a lot of strength to recognize and address a gaming disorder. It’s not easy to break away from something that has been a big part of your life for so long. I’m glad to hear that you’re working with specialists and making progress in finding healthier ways to cope. It’s tough, but it sounds like you’re on the right path. It’s important to remember that seeking help and making positive changes is a huge step towards wellbeing. Keep taking those healthier steps forward, and know that there are people rooting for you and here to support you along the way.
Hey, I totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve struggled with gaming addiction too, so I know how tough it can be. It’s great to hear that you’re working with specialists and taking steps to prioritize your mental health. It takes a lot of strength and self-awareness to recognize the problem and actively work towards overcoming it. You should be really proud of yourself for taking those healthier steps forward. Remember, it’s okay to lean on others for support when things get tough. Keep taking it one day at a time and know that you’re not alone in this. We’re all rooting for you!
Hey man, I’m really glad to hear that you’re taking steps to prioritize your mental health. It takes a lot of courage to recognize and address an addiction, especially when it’s something that’s been a big part of your life for so long. It’s great that you’re working with professionals who specialize in addictive behaviors - having that support can make a huge difference. And you’re absolutely right, life can be tough at times, but escaping into video games isn’t a long-term solution. It’s awesome that you’re making healthier choices each day and moving towards wellbeing. Keep taking it one day at a time, and know that there’s a whole community here rooting for you. You’ve got this!
Hey friend, I totally get how gaming can become a real struggle. It’s great that you’ve been able to recognize the impact it was having on your mental health and take steps to address it. It’s not easy to break away from something that provided comfort and security, but it’s amazing that you’re working with professionals to understand the root of the addiction. Remember, you’re not alone in this and every small step forward is a win. Keep taking each day as it comes and keep leaning on the support around you. You’re doing an awesome job in prioritizing your mental wellbeing, and that’s something to be really proud of. Keep it up!
Hey, I’m so glad you shared your story. It takes a lot of courage to recognize and admit when something isn’t healthy for us, especially when it’s something we’ve loved and enjoyed for so long. It’s great that you’ve found specialists to work with - having that support system is really important. I can relate to how games can feel like a safe space, but you’re absolutely right that running away from life’s challenges won’t make them go away. Taking those healthier steps must be tough, but you’re doing it and that’s amazing. Keep taking it one day at a time and know that you’re not alone in this. We’re all rooting for your continued progress.
Hey, man, it takes a lot of courage to recognize when something in our lives isn’t serving us well. I’m really glad to hear that you’ve been getting the help you need to tackle your gaming disorder. It’s tough to break free from something that has been a big part of our lives for so long, but you’re doing it, and that’s huge. It’s great that you’re working with specialists who understand addictive behaviors and can help you work through the underlying reasons for your gaming addiction. Keep taking those healthier steps forward and remember that it’s okay to lean on the support of others as you continue on this path to wellbeing. You’re not alone in this, and reaching out for help is a massive step in the right direction. Keep pushing forward, man, you’ve got this.
Hey there, I just want to say that I totally understand what you’re going through. It takes a lot of courage to recognize and address a gaming addiction, and I think it’s amazing that you’re taking steps to work through it. It’s not easy, and I know firsthand how difficult it can be to break away from something that has provided comfort and security in the past. But it’s so important to remember that there are healthier ways to cope and find that sense of security. It’s great that you’re seeking help from specialists and following the guidelines set by ICD-11. I’m rooting for you and I believe in your ability to keep moving towards better mental health and wellbeing. Keep taking those small steps forward, they all add up in the end.
Hey man, I just want to give you props for recognizing the impact gaming was having on your mental health and taking steps to address it. It’s not easy to acknowledge that something you love so much is actually harmful to you. I can totally relate to that feeling of security and familiarity that gaming can provide, but it’s awesome that you’re working with specialists to understand the root of your addiction and find healthier ways to cope. It’s a tough process, but by committing to therapy and following the guidelines set by medical professionals, you’re showing a lot of strength and determination. Keep prioritizing your wellbeing and taking those healthier steps forward - it’s a process, but you’re already making progress. Keep it up!
Hey, I hear you. I’ve been there too, caught up in gaming and not realizing the toll it was taking on my mental health and relationships. It’s tough to admit and even tougher to tackle, but you’re doing the right thing by seeking help and sticking with therapy. It’s awesome that you’re seeing progress and taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Keep reminding yourself that escaping into the gaming world won’t solve the challenges we face in real life. It’s a process, but you’re making progress and that’s something to be proud of. Remember, you’re not alone in this and there’s a whole community here to support you every step of the way.
Hey, I totally understand where you’re coming from. I’ve been a gamer for a long time too, and it’s tough when something you love starts to negatively impact your life. Good on you for seeking help and working with specialists to make positive changes. It’s not easy, but it’s important to recognize when habits become harmful. I’m glad to hear that you’re taking healthier steps forward each day, and that you’re finding support in therapy and regular checkups. Keep it up, and remember that it’s okay to lean on others for help along the way. You’re not alone in this, and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Keep pushing forward, and I’m rooting for you!
Hey there, I can totally relate to what you’re going through. I’ve been a gamer for a long time too, and it’s hard to admit when something we enjoy starts to have a negative impact on our mental health. It’s great that you were able to get a diagnosis and start working on this. It sounds like you’re really committed to making positive changes, and that’s amazing. It’s okay to find comfort in gaming, but you’re right that it’s important to also face the real world and work on our wellbeing. Keep up the good work with therapy and medical checkups - it’s a tough process but you’re making progress! And if you ever need someone to talk to about this, I’m here for you.
Hey, I hear you. Gaming can be such a big part of our lives, and it’s tough when something we love starts to have a negative impact. It’s awesome that you’ve found specialists to work with and that you’re taking steps to break free from the addictive patterns. I’m glad to hear that you’re finding healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges. It’s not easy, but you’re doing it! Keep reaching out for support and taking those small steps forward. You’ve got this!