Internet Addictions Counselling
Internet addictions include: gaming, pornography, shopping and social media.
It is difficult to estimate how widespread the problem is. A national study conducted by a team from Stanford University’s School of Medicine estimates that nearly one in eight Americans suffer from at least one sign of problematic Internet use.
Signs of Internet Addiction
Meeting five of the following symptoms may be considered necessary to be suffering from this
problem.
- Do you feel preoccupied with the Internet (think about previous online activity or anticipate next online session)?
- Do you feel the need to use the Internet with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction?
- Have you repeatedly made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop Internet use?
- Do you feel restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use?
- Do you stay online longer than originally intended?
- Have you jeopardized or risked the loss of significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of the Internet?
- Have you lied to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet?
- Do you use the Internet as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)?
Other Symptoms Include:
- Failed attempts to control behaviour
- Heightened sense of euphoria while involved in computer and Internet activities
- Neglecting friends and family
- Neglecting sleep to stay online
- Being dishonest with others
- Feeling guilty, ashamed, anxious, or depressed as a result of online behaviour
- Physical changes such as weight gain or loss, backaches, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome
- Withdrawing from other pleasurable activities
If you live in central or north London, contact us now to find out how our internet addictions counselling service can help you overcome this condition.
Call us today for more information or to arrange a counselling or psychotherapy session in central or north-west London or Elstree (covering Bushey, Radlett, Watford St Albans and the surrounding areas)
