It’s good practice to have regular check-ins with yourself to assess your gaming/tech use and how it impacts your well-being.
Below are some questions to ask yourself:
- Are you feeling more alone and isolated, like in a cave? The outside world you used to enjoy now feels like a strange and scary place
- Are you taking part less in other activities you used to enjoy like sports, other hobbies or spending time outside?
- Are you feeling like all you can think and dream about are your online activities?
- Are you noticing your moods are changing more often? Maybe tending to feel more low, depressed, anxious or irritable when you aren't on your tech device
- Are you irritable even while you are on your tech device? Like even being engaged with your tech isn’t as much fun as it once was
- Do you often lose track of how long you are online and/or how much money you spend while online?
- Are you losing more real-world friendships and choosing your device over spending time with loved ones and family?
- Are you lying about your tech behaviors?
- Do you find you are spending less time looking after yourself? For example less time sleeping, eating or practicing good hygiene
If you are noticing any of these feelings or behaviors more regularly, it may be time to re-evaluate your gaming/tech behaviors.
Help is available 24/7 at the PEI Gaming and Gambling Support Line by calling 1-855-255-4255.