Is quitting the answer for this?

MayonaiseCream

MayonaiseCream

It Wandered In From the Wastes
Hello, I graduated in 2018 and haven't been able to work since then because of my addiction to video games. My parents went through a violent divorce in 2018 and I spent a lot of time playing the peacemaker role. When I couldn't mend their relationship I blamed them for being apart on myself. I then dove heavily into video games. I was emotionally invested in them and my life revolved around getting that excitement out of gaming.

Now I've been gaming since I was a kid but it wasn't until these past 2 years that I've devoted my life to them. But anyway let me cut to my current problem. One week ago today I was playing an online game with a friend for about 4 hours straight and I was ABSORBED into it lol. And then this is where it gets strange. When I was done playing I set my controller down and stood and I had an overwhelming feeling of being in a fog, like I was disconnected from reality. That continued the rest of the night and for the next few along with having terrible anxiety. I haven't played since that night because I did an internet search and found out it can be very bad for your mental health to live in video games and to hide from real life. Now my main concern is the anxiety because it's just been crippling. I feel like if I started playing again that it might subside some.

So my question to you all is am I going through withdraws? and if so how long will they last?.. I'm ready to quit gaming and I just need some advice on how to deal with all the lows of not getting the highs of gaming.
 
Get psychiatric help for the anxiety, it'll be way harder if you don't know how to deal with the anxiety.
 
MayonaiseCream said:
Hello, I graduated in 2018 and haven't been able to work since then because of my addiction to video games. My parents went through a violent divorce in 2018 and I spent a lot of time playing the peacemaker role. When I couldn't mend their relationship I blamed them for being apart on myself. I then dove heavily into video games. I was emotionally invested in them and my life revolved around getting that excitement out of gaming.

Now I've been gaming since I was a kid but it wasn't until these past 2 years that I've devoted my life to them. But anyway let me cut to my current problem. One week ago today I was playing an online game with a friend for about 4 hours straight and I was ABSORBED into it lol. And then this is where it gets strange. When I was done playing I set my controller down and stood and I had an overwhelming feeling of being in a fog, like I was disconnected from reality. That continued the rest of the night and for the next few along with having terrible anxiety. I haven't played since that night because I did an internet search and found out it can be very bad for your mental health to live in video games and to hide from real life. Now my main concern is the anxiety because it's just been crippling. I feel like if I started playing again that it might subside some.

So my question to you all is am I going through withdraws? and if so how long will they last?.. I'm ready to quit gaming and I just need some advice on how to deal with all the lows of not getting the highs of gaming.
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Based on my own experience with anxiety/panic attacks I wouldn't advise obsessing over it/focusing on it too much. Don't bury it either, but don't stare into it and think about it all the time. Pick up some hobbies(reading, drawing, skill development) and start new habits that are positive like cleaning house when it starts up(cutting back on gaming should help, cold turkey is usually not realistic). Do something with that energy other than let it make you feel bad. Recognize that you're mind and body are trying to panic/build anxiety and go into fight or flight mode and then keep that in mind while it is happening. Read up on anxiety/fight or flight response and understand how it works and that can help alleviate a lot of the fear surrounding the anxiety. If you don't exercise and get out more I'd suggest doing that as well. I go mountain biking myself and skate/jog occasionally. Start eating better and get on schedule. Don't hold tension in your body either. Set realistic, small goals for yourself each week and work on getting them done.

Set a timer for every 5 or so hours at first to reflect on what you've been thinking about and doing during the day periodically. Are the thoughts and habits negative? If so, you'll want to work toward changing that.

-Get on schedule
-Eat better
-Get new hobbies
-Develop good habits
-Start a daily planner/to do list
-have realistic short term goals to work towards
-Exercise and get out more
-Don't hold tension in your body
-Don't over think it, or dwell too much
-Read up on how anxiety affects your body and mind (this will give you better perspective)
-Go see a pro
 
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Srsly tho, you know what you need to do. Do that. You can get work through a temp agency. You might be surprised how good shoveling sand or moving bricks for eight hours can make you feel. Just get out of the house.
 
Dopamine is a hell of a drug. Try going outside and getting some exercise. Also see a mental health professional if you can afford it. If not you should know that sitting around playing videogames your whole life and blaming it on your parents is lame. Take ownership for your own problems and get a life.
 
If you're that addicted, you should seek professional health, not mere advice on a video game message board.

I used to be addicted to anime. There was a time when I would follow up to 31 shows at a time. It was getting in the way of life. I still watch the stuff but nowhere near the extent I did before.
 
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