08/06/2020

Internet Addiction

Don’t let Addiction overtake you! Our team of Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Counsellors can help pull you away from Internet Addiction.

The introduction of the Internet has proved to be a uniquely disruptive and transformative innovation within our daily lives. It allows us to accomplish what was once impossible decades ago and moulds into our multiple facets of our lives. It’s almost inevitable that we will require or use the Internet at some point in a day.

We use them for our personal, professional and academic lives, everything we do is shared with friends, family and spectators on a digital platform every day. Everything we’d seek out can be found, in some way, on the internet, and with over 30 million adults in the UK connected on the digital landscape, should we be concerned?

How much of our lives will become digital? For individuals, it can easily supplant real-world social and family interaction with ones online. What happens if this happens and the individuals find themselves in denial over it as a problem?

They may find that they have Internet Addiction Disorder.

Internet Addiction Disorder – What is it?

Dedicating an inordinate amount of time to the use of the Internet for various and often inappropriate applications can be defined as an Internet Addiction Disorder. The more disruptive the use of the Internet is within a person life, the more likely it is to interrupt relationships with friends, family and loved ones.

Understanding when someone has IAD is complicated in comparison to other disorders. The volume of time and its effects on that person’s life are critical indicators, but no-one’s suggesting that we should never use the Internet. We often find ourselves turning to the Internet as an outlet for anxiety, stress or boredom, but those addicted can find themselves feeling bouts of anxiety or depression being away from the Internet.

Knowing how and what kind of IAD you may be suffering from are crucial in the path to support and guidance.

The different kinds of Internet Addiction that can manifest

The Internet has an extreme level of diversity and utility, meaning that individuals can find themselves addicted to a component of it:

  • Cybersex – This occurs through the use of Internet chatrooms, online and adult pornography sites in order to replace social and romantic relationships.
  • Information Overload – The sheer vastness of information available to us can lead to obsessive exploration, resulting in lower work productivity.
  • Gaming Addiction – Video Gaming is an easy outlet to obtain on computers and the Internet and we can easily find ourselves consuming hours on games to the detriment of everything else.
  • Cyber-relationship – Much like the use of Cybersex, forming a cyber-relationship through chatrooms and social media can damage the individuals’ ability for real-life social interaction.
  • Excessive Spending or Gambling – The use of internet markets, pay-to-play gaming, stock trading and gambling can not only erode relationships but place the sufferer into serious financial difficulties

Knowing the Symptoms of an IAD

  • Having a difficulty focussing at work or within social interactions with friends and family.
  • The neglect of other responsibilities outside of exploring or using the Internet, leading to problems with hobbies and work.
  • Feelings of guilt or defensiveness when Internet usage is brought up.
  • Expressing feelings of euphoria or relief upon using the Internet.

More than just affecting mental health, over time, the sufferer can gradually develop physical problems such as:

  • Significant weight gain or loss
  • Musculoskeletal or joint problems such as Carpal tunnel.
  • Muscular pains due to chronic bad posture
  • Disturbance of the individuals sleep cycle.

Internet Addiction Disorder – Are there solutions?

Absolutely. Much like any addiction, there is a plethora of help and guidance from our expert team of online therapists and online counsellors. The best first steps are realising there is a problem and actively taking steps to counter it. Even activities such as taking a walk outside can help you reclaim your life from addiction.

If you have ever felt feelings of anxiety, depression or loneliness while away from the Internet. These can be serious indications of an addiction, allowing you to realise and find the support you need.

Far from being alone, we always have a strong and reliable network of friends and family to rely on if we ever need support. Gaining new friends and strengthening the relationships that you already have can be an excellent way to unplug from the Internet.

Our expert team of online psychologists and counsellors offer a wide range of methods to help you overcome addiction. One of the more successful methods includes Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and can help to alter an otherwise negative perspective. Bringing positivity and allowing you to manage underlying feelings that may coincide with addiction.[ultimate_spacer height=”30″]

For more information call 0753 718 1090 or email help@online-therapy.company. To book a Virtual Therapy appointment with the Online Therapy Company, please fill in the online booking form.

Online Therapy Company

A London based private online psychotherapy and counselling practice. Our therapists provide effectively, personalized therapy to individuals, couples, and families from our conveniently located Harley Street locations. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.
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