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Finding focus and maintaining good technology habits can feel virtually impossible in today’s hyperconnected society. Notifications are springing up everywhere, social media is designed to keep you scrolling indefinitely, and FOMO is real. How can you navigate the digital world without falling down anxiety-inducing rabbit holes or continually comparing your life to the lives of others on social media? The good news is that by following a few easy steps, you can take back control over how you use technology and sharpen your attention. You’ll learn how to set reasonable boundaries, stay focused and productive when you do spend time online with this tutorial. Your psychological well-being will be grateful. Are you prepared to regain your composure? Now let’s get going.

How to Manage Your Internet Time to Increase Concentration and Lower Anxiety

You must manage your time intentionally if you want to stay focused and feel less anxious when using the internet. The following advice can help you improve your mental health:

Minimize Interruptions

To avoid being inundated with notifications all the time, turn off the notifications on your gadgets and applications. Check specific websites and social media accounts only during designated periods. Turn off music and video autoplay. You can concentrate better the less distracted you are.

Take Regular Breaks

It’s easy to go down an internet rabbit hole, so take breaks every 30-60 minutes. Stand up, stretch, step away from your screen. Even brief breaks can help rejuvenate your mind and body.

Be Selective

Not all content online is created equal. Choose to engage with media and communities that enrich your life. Follow accounts that inspire and educate you. Join groups with a positive purpose. The more you curate what you consume, the less anxious and more focused you’ll feel.

Limit Comparison

Don’t get caught up comparing yourself to the curated lives people promote on social media. Remember that you’re seeing a filtered version of reality. Focus on your own journey and the things you have to offer.

With some simple strategies, you can take control of your online time and find your focus. Your mental health will thank you. 

Creating a Healthy Digital Diet: Setting Boundaries for Social Media and Email

Creating a healthy digital diet means setting clear boundaries for how you engage with social media and email. Unfettered access to these channels can be mentally draining and distracting. Here are some tips for maintaining a balanced diet:

Limit Social Media to 30 Minutes a Day

Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, limit your time on each platform to no more than 30 minutes per day. Set a timer to keep yourself accountable. Spending too much time scrolling through curated posts can negatively impact your self-esteem and mental health.

Turn Off Notifications

Disable notifications from social media apps and email. Notifications disrupt your focus and tempt you to check in when you don’t need to. Take back control of your time and check each platform on your own schedule. You won’t be as distracted and will be more productive.

Don’t Check Email First Thing

Resist the urge to check your inbox first thing in the morning or right before bed. Emails will be there when you’re ready to respond, and many aren’t urgent. Give yourself space in the morning to start your day focused on your priorities. Check email in batches a few times per day instead of constantly monitoring for new messages. Your work-life balance and mental well-being will appreciate it.

Take Regular Digital Detoxes

Take a break from social media and email for a day or longer. Digital detoxes help reduce stress and anxiety by breaking the habit loop. Even taking weekends off from technology can help you recharge and renew your focus. Come Monday, you’ll feel more motivated and productive after unplugging from the digital noise. Make detoxing a habit for better wellbeing.

Balancing technology with self-care will empower you to use social media and email on your own terms instead of feeling controlled by them. Protect your mental health by being selective with your digital diet and make the most of your time spent online. You may achieve a balance between your digital life and your mental health by putting these helpful suggestions into practice. Remember that having a more purposeful and deliberate attitude to your online activities can result in a happier and healthier existence. If you’re having trouble, don’t be afraid to seek professional help from a counselor in Arlington, TX. Stay focused on living in the present moment – not what’s happening on your screens or in your inbox.

Negative thoughts frequently drain our energy, especially for people who are depressed. But by using the appropriate methods, you may change your mind and see things more positively. Utilizing the knowledge of Kenyatta Black Counseling, your go-to counselor in Arlington, Texas, we’ll examine five effective ways to assist in overcoming negative thoughts in this blog post. 

The Burden of Negative Thoughts

Labyrinthine layers of depression frequently show themselves as a constant stream of negative, self-critical thoughts. These ideas spiral in on themselves, intensifying the emotional upheaval. Even the simplest things may seem overwhelming to people who are depressed because they feel hopeless. It’s important to understand that, despite being debilitating, these negative thoughts do not constitute one’s identity. There are difficulties to go over and obstacles in the way of healing.

The Beacon of Hope: Kenyatta Black Counseling

For individuals navigating the turbulent waters of despair, Kenyatta Black Counseling, located in the center of Arlington, Texas, is a ray of hope. Kenyatta Black offers a safe sanctuary, offering knowledgeable direction and compassion to people looking for relief from the onslaught of unfavorable ideas. She does this with a wealth of experience and unshakable determination. The therapy process requires a sense of trust and openness, both of which are fostered by Kenyatta’s method, which is grounded in empathy.

Empowering Techniques for Positive Transformation

Let’s now go into the transforming techniques that are the foundation for overcoming unfavorable ideas, each of which has been carefully chosen to assist people on their path to emotional well-being:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

In CBT, a type of psychotherapy, the goal is to recognize and change unfavorable thought patterns and behaviors. Therapists assist patients in identifying erroneous thinking and swapping it out for more rational and uplifting ideas. Understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors is made easier by using this method. People can end the cycle of depression by recognizing and reframing negative ideas. Additionally, CBT gives people coping mechanisms and problem-solving abilities, making it simpler to handle trying circumstances.

Mindfulness Meditation

Being completely present in the moment and noticing thoughts and feelings without passing judgment on them is the practice of mindfulness. Consistent mindfulness meditation can increase self-awareness and encourage tranquility. People might establish a mental distance by recognizing unfavorable thoughts without becoming engrossed in them. This distance makes it possible to see things more clearly and lessens the emotional impact of these thoughts. Mindfulness-based therapies, like Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), combine mindfulness practices with conventional CBT procedures to treat depression holistically.

Positive Affirmations

Positive phrases known as affirmations are used to combat and dispel self-defeating and negative ideas. People who repeat these affirmations can develop an optimistic outlook. Specific, upbeat affirmations that are expressed in the present tense are required. For instance, a person with low self-esteem would declare, “I am deserving of love and respect.” Research reveals that positive affirmations can help rewire the brain, gradually altering how people view themselves and their environment, despite detractors’ doubts about their efficacy.

Gratitude Practice

Gratitude is an effective weapon against negativity. People’s perspectives change from what they lack to what they have when they intentionally concentrate on the things for which they are grateful. One might cultivate a good mindset by keeping a gratitude diary in which they record daily items for which they are grateful. Simple things like a lovely sunrise, a thoughtful act, or a satisfying dinner can be included in it. This routine helps the brain become more adept at noticing and appreciating the good things in life—even when they are difficult to see. In addition to altering thought processes, gratitude fosters a sense of overall well-being.

Physical Exercise and Healthy Lifestyle

There are several advantages to regular physical activity for mental health. Endorphins, the body’s natural stress relievers, and mood elevators, are released during exercise. Exercises like jogging, yoga, or dancing not only enhance physical health but also raise self-esteem and lessen depressive and anxious symptoms. Adopting a nutritious, well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and abstaining from drugs and alcohol are also essential. The body and mind have the energy they need to deal with stress and negative thoughts when they have the proper nourishment and rest.

Conclusion

Applying these strategies in daily life can make a big difference in altering depressive-related negative thought patterns. It’s crucial to remember, though, that treating depression frequently necessitates a complex strategy. Individuals can learn to question their negative thought patterns, practice self-compassion, and embrace a more optimistic attitude on life with the knowledge and direction of Kenyatta Black, your compassionate counselor in Arlington, Texas.

Negative thoughts frequently drain our energy, especially for people who are depressed. But by using the appropriate methods, you may change your mind and see things more positively. Utilizing the knowledge of Kenyatta Black Counseling, your go-to counselor in Arlington, Texas, we’ll examine five effective ways to assist in overcoming negative thoughts in this blog post. 

The Burden of Negative Thoughts

Labyrinthine layers of depression frequently show themselves as a constant stream of negative, self-critical thoughts. These ideas spiral in on themselves, intensifying the emotional upheaval. Even the simplest things may seem overwhelming to people who are depressed because they feel hopeless. It’s important to understand that, despite being debilitating, these negative thoughts do not constitute one’s identity. There are difficulties to go over and obstacles in the way of healing.

The Beacon of Hope: Kenyatta Black Counseling

For individuals navigating the turbulent waters of despair, Kenyatta Black Counseling, located in the center of Arlington, Texas, is a ray of hope. Kenyatta Black offers a safe sanctuary, offering knowledgeable direction and compassion to people looking for relief from the onslaught of unfavorable ideas. She does this with a wealth of experience and unshakable determination. The therapy process requires a sense of trust and openness, both of which are fostered by Kenyatta’s method, which is grounded in empathy.

Empowering Techniques for Positive Transformation

Let’s now go into the transforming techniques that are the foundation for overcoming unfavorable ideas, each of which has been carefully chosen to assist people on their path to emotional well-being:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

In CBT, a type of psychotherapy, the goal is to recognize and change unfavorable thought patterns and behaviors. Therapists assist patients in identifying erroneous thinking and swapping it out for more rational and uplifting ideas. Understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors is made easier by using this method. People can end the cycle of depression by recognizing and reframing negative ideas. Additionally, CBT gives people coping mechanisms and problem-solving abilities, making it simpler to handle trying circumstances.

Mindfulness Meditation

Being completely present in the moment and noticing thoughts and feelings without passing judgment on them is the practice of mindfulness. Consistent mindfulness meditation can increase self-awareness and encourage tranquility. People might establish a mental distance by recognizing unfavorable thoughts without becoming engrossed in them. This distance makes it possible to see things more clearly and lessens the emotional impact of these thoughts. Mindfulness-based therapies, like Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), combine mindfulness practices with conventional CBT procedures to treat depression holistically.

Positive Affirmations

Positive phrases known as affirmations are used to combat and dispel self-defeating and negative ideas. People who repeat these affirmations can develop an optimistic outlook. Specific, upbeat affirmations that are expressed in the present tense are required. For instance, a person with low self-esteem would declare, “I am deserving of love and respect.” Research reveals that positive affirmations can help rewire the brain, gradually altering how people view themselves and their environment, despite detractors’ doubts about their efficacy.

Gratitude Practice

Gratitude is an effective weapon against negativity. People’s perspectives change from what they lack to what they have when they intentionally concentrate on the things for which they are grateful. One might cultivate a good mindset by keeping a gratitude diary in which they record daily items for which they are grateful. Simple things like a lovely sunrise, a thoughtful act, or a satisfying dinner can be included in it. This routine helps the brain become more adept at noticing and appreciating the good things in life—even when they are difficult to see. In addition to altering thought processes, gratitude fosters a sense of overall well-being.

Physical Exercise and Healthy Lifestyle

There are several advantages to regular physical activity for mental health. Endorphins, the body’s natural stress relievers, and mood elevators, are released during exercise. Exercises like jogging, yoga, or dancing not only enhance physical health but also raise self-esteem and lessen depressive and anxious symptoms. Adopting a nutritious, well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and abstaining from drugs and alcohol are also essential. The body and mind have the energy they need to deal with stress and negative thoughts when they have the proper nourishment and rest.

Conclusion

Applying these strategies in daily life can make a big difference in altering depressive-related negative thought patterns. It’s crucial to remember, though, that treating depression frequently necessitates a complex strategy. Individuals can learn to question their negative thought patterns, practice self-compassion, and embrace a more optimistic attitude on life with the knowledge and direction of Kenyatta Black, your compassionate counselor in Arlington, Texas.

The value of counseling cannot be emphasized in today’s fast-paced environment, where stress and mental health issues are on the rise. The therapy provides patients with the chance to discuss their concerns reflect on their emotions and work towards healing and personal growth. The benefits of therapy exceed those of traditional therapy which serves only to help people of color in need. In this article, we will discuss the importance of black therapists their role in the mental health community, and the availability of African Americans.

Understanding the Importance of Representation

In the field of mental health representation is crucial. People especially those of color find therapists who belong to their ethnic or racial community. The black therapists feel like they are being acknowledged heard and accepted by people of color because of their extensive knowledge and cultural background.

Empathy and Reliability

Embracing the unique experiences and challenges of Black clients is one of the most important skills for Black therapists. They have a greater ability to understand and build trust with their clients because of their familiarity with cultural racial and socioeconomic influences that shape their lives. They feel confident in speaking with integrity and they don’t worry about being judged for their relativeness.

The experience of black therapists has faced numerous challenges in their practice with identity microaggression and racism. Due to their first-hand experience, they can develop a closer relationship with their clients. Because they are aware that these issues are actual experiences rather than just abstractions, black therapists can offer empathy and affirmation when clients express concerns about racial injustice or discrimination.

Breaking Stigmas

For far too long, stigmas around mental illness have lingered in numerous communities To help their communities get past these prejudices, black therapists are essential. When people encounter a therapist who resembles them in their profession, it helps dispel stereotypes and motivate more people to get the care they require.

Black therapists assist in lowering the stigma associated with treatment by candidly addressing their mental health struggles and adventures. By serving as examples, they demonstrate that seeking counseling is a sign of strength rather than weakness. Others may get motivated to do the same after realizing they are not the only ones going through difficult times.

Cultural Competence

Black therapists are frequently knowledgeable about the cultural quirks, historical backdrop, and structural problems that Black people face. Since they have a thorough understanding of their patient’s individual needs, they can deliver more successful therapy. They can speak sensitively and intelligently about topics relating to racism, identity, and generational trauma.

A Black therapist can assist their clients in navigating the complicated interactions between race, culture, and mental health when they discuss their experiences and worries with them. With this specific method, therapy is made to be a tailored and successful healing process rather than a one-size-fits-all strategy.

Locating a Local African-American Therapist

The first step is to locate a Black therapist in your region if you wish to work with one. The tips listed below can help with your search:

Online Directories

Use online directories that let you filter by race and ethnicity to find therapists. Numerous databases of Black therapists are available on the internet.

Ask for Referrals

Request recommendations from friends, family members, or neighborhood organizations. Finding a therapist who comes highly recommended can be a lot easier with personal recommendations.

Community Resources

Your neighborhood’s community centers, churches, and groups may be able to recommend Black therapists in your area or have resources of their own. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Social media

Look up therapists on social media sites like Twitter or Instagram, where many of them frequently post about their practice. You may find a therapist who connects with you.

Teletherapy

You might want to give it some thought. It gives you access to a larger pool of Black therapists by enabling you to work with one outside of your geographic area.

Conclusion

The ability of Black therapists to offer culturally competent, sympathetic, and relatable support to individuals of color is their greatest asset. People can find a safe space to confront their mental health issues and move toward healing by seeking therapy with a Black therapist. Kenyatta Black is here to assist you on your road to wellness.

If you are looking for an “African American therapist near me” use the methods listed above. Never forget that therapy is a tremendous instrument for healing and personal development, and finding the proper therapist can mean the world. The future of people and communities will be healthier and more empowered if we embrace the strength of Black therapists.

You’ve probably heard the news that the American Psychological Association recently released new guidelines for therapists working with Black men and boys. About time, right? For too long, the mental health field has failed to understand and serve this population. The guidelines are a welcome step toward addressing racial inequities in mental healthcare and providing culturally competent support for Black males. Kenyetta Black being a strong advocate for mental health and well-being in the Black community, brings you the significance of these guidelines.

Recognizing and Addressing Racism and Bias

The APA’s new guidelines are a step in the right direction for promoting the mental health of Black men and boys. For too long, the psychological establishment has failed to recognize the impacts of systemic racism and discrimination.

• Calling out these biases and providing strategies to address them will help ensure Black men receive culturally competent care. Things like acknowledging racial trauma, recognizing strength and resilience in Black culture, and avoiding victim-blaming language are examples of culturally sensitive counseling.
• The guidelines also highlight the mental health disparities Black men face, including higher rates of schizophrenia, PTSD, depression, and suicide. By shining a light on these inequities, the APA is helping make Black men’s mental health a priority.

While long overdue, these guidelines are an important first step. They have the potential to transform a system that has too often failed and even harmed Black communities.

Providing Culturally Responsive Mental Health Services

The new guidelines are a step in the right direction for providing mental health services that meet the needs of Black men and boys. Here are a few of the major things the guidelines recommend:

Train professionals in cultural competency

This means therapists and counselors learn about the specific challenges and experiences of Black males to provide more sensitive, relevant treatment. Things like the impact of racism, racial trauma, and social inequities.

Focus on building trust and authentic relationship

Many Black men are wary of mental health services due to past abuses and discrimination. Professionals need to make an effort to understand clients’ perspectives, be transparent in their approaches, and form real connections.

Address social barriers and stressors

Things like lack of access to education, healthcare, safe communities, and economic opportunity can take a major psychological toll. Counseling should help clients develop coping strategies but also work to dismantle systemic inequities.

Incorporate community and family

Mental health is not something that exists in a vacuum. Professionals should consider clients’ community and family relationships, and include them in treatment where possible. Group counseling and community programs may also help.

Promote empowerment and resilience

The goal should be to help Black males develop self-confidence, coping mechanisms, and pathways to success, not just treat disorders. Focus on their strengths, talents, and dreams.

Promoting Resilience and Positive Growth

To promote resilience and positive growth in Black men and boys, focus on protective factors that build strength and support.

To prevent stressful life events and adversity, protective factors serve as buffers. For Black men and boys, these include:

• A strong sense of ethnic identity and pride. A sense of purpose and belonging is created when one is connected to their cultural background.
• Social support networks that are close knit. Strong family, friendship, and community interactions are critical for conquering loneliness and building a network of caring individuals.
• Access to mental health resources. Speaking with a therapist or counselor can assist you in developing coping strategies for trauma, stress, depression, and other concerns.
• Possibilities for empowerment and achievement exist. Happiness and wellbeing are enhanced in one’s life when they feel in control and able to alter their surroundings. Give Black men and boys the space they need to develop into leaders.
• Providing a sense of direction or significance for one’s life. Having a purpose or importance in life gives one a sense of direction and motivation. Identify the goals, values, and interests of Black men and boys.

Conclusion

Though they are long overdue, the new APA rules are a good place to start. They understand that cultural relevance is essential for mental health therapy to be effective, especially for groups like Black men and boys who experience significant difficulties. Therapists will soon be educated to provide you with the necessary mental health care.

The search for a “African American therapist near me” could be a crucial and life-changing step toward emotional well-being and rehabilitation. Black men and boys must recognize that they have a right to great mental health care. By ensuring that mental health services are easily accessible, efficient, and adapted to the diverse requirements of all communities, let’s take advantage of the opportunity for growth and transformation.

When faced with relationship difficulties, obtaining professional assistance can make a major difference in resolving issues and fostering a healthy and happy relationship. Black marriage counselors at Kenyatta Black, with their unique viewpoints and cultural understanding, can be of significant assistance to couples navigating the complexity of their relationships.

In this article, we will look at five ways that black marriage counselors can help you improve your relationship by utilizing their cultural competence, capacity to treat racial trauma, expertise in empowering communication, focus on building resilience, and nourishing cultural identity.

Culturally Competent Guidance

Black marriage counselors are intimately familiar with the unique issues and dynamics that black couples frequently experience. They understand the cultural, societal, and historical factors that can influence relationships. Black marriage counselors can provide culturally competent assistance suited to the specific requirements of black couples by incorporating this understanding into their counseling method. This understanding creates a safe and welcoming environment in which couples can freely communicate their issues and work towards solutions.

Addressing Racial Trauma

In a world where racial dynamics and inequality exist, black couples may face specific racial trauma challenges. Black marital counselors are trained to handle the impact of racial trauma on relationships and to help clients navigate its aftermath. Whether it’s processing racial discrimination experiences, comprehending the intergenerational repercussions of systemic racism, or dealing with external demands, black marital counselors provide a safe space to explore and recover from these challenges.

Empowering Communication

A strong and happy relationship is built on effective communication. Black marriage counselors can assist couples in developing culturally specific communication skills. They provide tools and practices for improving active listening, constructively expressing emotions, and navigating disputes with empathy and respect. Black marital counselors help couples increase their understanding, create trust, and strengthen their bond by encouraging open and honest communication.

Building Resilience

Relationships have ups and downs, and developing resilience is essential for surviving the storms together. Black marital counselors can help couples develop resilience techniques to help them overcome obstacles and disappointments. They assist couples in identifying and utilizing their strengths, developing coping methods, and fostering emotional well-being. Black marriage counselors empower couples to grow stronger both individually and as a relationship by providing them with the tools to recover from issues.

Nurturing Cultural Identity

Individual ideas and relationships are shaped by cultural identity. Black marriage counselors recognize the need of honoring and nurturing cultural identity within a relationship. They assist couples in determining how their cultural origins and experiences affect their relationship dynamics. Black marriage counselors promote the formation of a strong and authentic partnership by creating a space for couples to accept their cultural history and overcome any cultural difficulties that may emerge.

Conclusion

Seeking the advice of a black marital counselor can be a game changer in the direction of a happier and more meaningful relationship. These specialists can provide culturally competent guidance, treat racial trauma, empower dialogue, create resilience, and nurture cultural identity because they have a strong awareness of the unique problems faced by black couples.

Working with a black marital counselor can help couples embark on a journey of development, healing, and strengthened connection. If you are searching for black marriage counselors near you, consider searching “black marriage counselors near me” to find the support you need to enhance your relationship. Remember, investing in your relationship is investing in your future together.

FAQs

1. What makes black marriage counselors unique in their approach to relationship counseling?

Black marriage counselors bring a unique perspective to relationship counseling, as they possess a deep understanding of the cultural, societal, and historical contexts that can impact black couples. This cultural competence enables them to personalize their assistance to the unique requirements and obstacles that black couples confront, thereby creating a secure and inclusive environment for open and honest communication.

2. Can a black marriage counselor address the impact of racial trauma on relationships?

Yes, black marriage counselors are trained to deal with the effects of racial trauma on relationships. They can assist couples in navigating the effects of racial discrimination, comprehending the intergenerational consequences of institutional racism, and dealing with external pressures.

3. How do black marriage counselors nurture cultural identity within a relationship?

Black marriage counselors recognize the need of honoring and nurturing cultural identity within a relationship. They assist couples in determining how their cultural origins and experiences affect their relationship dynamics. Black marriage counselors encourage the formation of a strong and honest partnership, enriched by the diversity of their origins, by creating a space where couples may embrace their cultural history and overcome any cultural problems that may occur.

Depression is a painful mental illness that affects millions of people all over the world. Even though it is essential to get professional help, there are things you can do to help yourself get out of sadness. You can help yourself improve by becoming more self-aware, taking care of yourself, challenging negative thoughts, having goals you can reach, and asking for help. This piece will give you some practical ways to deal with depression and get your life back on track.

1. Self-Awareness

The first step to overcoming sadness is learning more about yourself. Spend some time getting to know your feelings, thoughts, and causes. Pay attention to your physical and mental health, and look for signs of stress or wrong ways of thinking. Keeping a journal or practicing awareness can help you become more aware of your feelings and understand what makes them happen.

2. Self-Care

Putting yourself first will improve your general health. Do things that make you happy and calm down, like sports, working out, or spending time in nature. Focus on getting enough sleep, eating well, and avoiding things that can worsen sadness, like drugs and alcohol. Taking care of your body can improve your mental health, making you happier and giving you more energy.

3. Challenging Negative Thoughts

Negative and self-defeating thoughts are often fueled by depression, so it is important to challenge them. Learn to question and reframe these thoughts to make your mind more upbeat. Change self-critical or pessimistic thoughts with ones that are kind and practical. Self-compassion is essential, and you should tell yourself that your depression does not define who you are. Use positive affirmations and spend time with helpful, encouraging people who can help you keep a good attitude.

4. Setting Goals That Can Be Met

Depression can make even the most minor jobs seem impossible. Break up big goals into smaller, more manageable steps and focus on one job at a time. Celebrate small wins and note how far you have come along the way. Setting goals, you can reach gives you a sense of purpose and success and helps you feel less hopeless.

5. Seeking Support

Self-counseling is helpful, but looking for support from other people is also essential. Contact trusted friends, family members, or support groups who can offer empathy, understanding, and guidance. Joining a community group or seeing a counselor in Arlington can help you get expert advice and find more options. Remember that it takes strength to ask for help, and you do not have to deal with sadness alone.

To help yourself get out of sadness, you must be committed, patient, and kind. You can make significant steps toward recovery by becoming more self-aware, taking care of yourself, challenging negative thoughts, having goals you can reach, and asking for help. Remember that getting over sadness is a process that can take time. Be kind to yourself and enjoy even the most minor steps forward. With persistence and taking charge of your life, you can escape depression and find hope and happiness.

It seems like yesterday when my cousin, Peter, introduced me to this new game called Atari’s Pong. This game was far different from board games like Monopoly or Chutes and Ladders. Pong was played on the television!! It was the most amazing thing I have ever experienced. We spent hours and hours blissfully playing Pong and other Atari games. Little did I know that something that brought me so much joy as a kid would be the catalyst to a new addictive behavior also known as internet gaming disorder.

Video Game Addiction, Real or Not?

When I started researching this subject, I was surprised how much information I found on it. How was something I used to pass the time during college or wind down and forget about the stresses of the day and bring so much stress and anxiety to others. Like many drugs of addiction, such as opioids, cocaine, or nicotine, internet gaming disorder releases a pleasurable surge of dopamine that promotes addictive behaviors.

The Cleveland Clinic defines dopamine as a type of neurotransmitter and hormone which plays a role in many important body functions, including movement, memory and pleasurable reward and motivation. It is known as the “feel-good” hormone. The pursuit of this sense of pleasure is what entices people to repeat behaviors, productive or detrimental, that release dopamine which begins on addiction.

Did the Pandemic play a significant role in the growth of gaming addiction?

The simple answer is yes. Video game addiction has grown exponentially during the pandemic. In 2018 The World Health Organization added “gaming disorder” to its medical reference book, International Classification of Diseases. All researchers and health professionals did not view gaming in the same light. In fact, the DSM-5, the American Psychiatric Association’s manual, did not deem it worthy to label it as a disorder. It considered gaming as an activity that could lead to addiction. Research has shown that 86 percent of young adults ages 18 to 24 play online video
games regularly which is up dramatically since 2020.

Studies from 2022 have found that Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) had risen to an all-time high during the COVID pandemic. The American Psychiatric Association new edition of its manual, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), had to make drastic revisions

Does my child suffer from Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD)?

The DSM-5-TR proposed symptoms of internet gaming disorder include:

● Preoccupation with gaming
● Withdrawal symptoms when gaming is taken away or not possible (sadness, anxiety,
irritability)
● Tolerance, the need to spend more time gaming to satisfy the urge
● Inability to reduce playing, unsuccessful attempts to quit gaming
● Giving up other activities, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities due to
gaming
● Continuing to game despite problems
● Deceiving family members or others about the amount of time spent on gaming
● The use of gaming to relieve negative moods, such as guilt or hopelessness
● Risk, having jeopardized or lost a job or relationship due to gaming

Under the proposed criteria, a diagnosis of internet gaming disorder would require experiencing
five or more of these symptoms within a year. The condition can include gaming on the internet
with others or alone.

What should I do next?

If you feel as if you or someone you love is showing symptoms of IGD, you should seek professional assistance from your doctor or therapist or your child’s pediatrician. It is important to begin treating video game addiction in the preliminary stages. Mental health counseling therapy such as CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy will teach you to replace thoughts about gaming with more constructive thoughts to change you or your child’s behavior

Author: Guy Humes – Postgrade student at Lamar University
Supervisor in situ: Kenyatta Black Jacobs, LPC-S