Changing something big about myself - I'm kinda nervous

[BrettS119]

Last night was another night where I stayed up super late playing video games. I thought nothing of it and never thought it was a problem despite me sleeping throughout the day (my shift starts at 3pm). I've recently moved my alarm clock across the room so I'd be required to get up to turn it off. However, on a day like today, I would immediately go back into bed and catch up on sleep.

And today I slept through a doctor's appointment I had and got charged for it. It really displayed to me that this was a problem, going back to playing video games and my addictive behaviors around them. So I made a difficult decision today and decided to quit playing. But I didn't know how to do that.

I really believe my desire to play video games is a major factor in why I feel so depressed. I have skipped over things I said I'd do just so I'd have more time to play. I wouldn't make efforts to make friends in the real world because it was easy to make friends online. I feel as if I've become so attached to something that's doing nothing but hurting me.

I began to research the right things to do to break out of this cycle. I found an article from someone who I related a lot to. He said he hated watching his peers be so successful while he's stuck in his parents basement playing video games. He went on and broke it down into a mindful solution, where he essentially found other hobbies (social, escaping, challenging, and growth-related) to replace video games with.

I think it was what I needed. I didn't want to see things like just go outside, study more or eat better. Those things don't help. I ordered a workbook made by the person who wrote this article (he also has 2 TEDx talks with 1M views each) and I think it will really help me get my life in order.

I don't expect things to change right away and I don't think I'm ready to just put the controller down. But, as someone who's never made new year's resolutions, now's the time to change that even if it is already April. I want to make 2019 the year I stop playing video games. I think it can also be the year where I break out of my depressing cycle.

[Agora1]

Hi BrettS119, the desire to stop playing video games is there but right now

it sounds like it's just words. It's very hard to break a habit that has become

an addiction. You might want to talk with a professional who can help you

get started and stay on track. Once an addiction starts controlling your life,

it's time to get some help. Like you said, this is already April. When trying to do

this on our own, its very easy to procrastinate with "I'll start tomorrow".

What made you choose playing video games all day? That's what needs to be worked

on and addressed. I don't think it's just a matter of putting the controls on the side.

I wish you the best of luck. You owe it to yourself to live each day to the fullest.

We can never get back the days we lost but we CAN go forward and make it a new beginning. xx

[BrettS119 in reply to Agora1]

I am seeking help for this. I just hate that it took me so long to realize I have an addiction. I'm really trying to make changes in my life

[Agora1 in reply to BrettS119]

BrettS you took that first important step and that was in getting help. I'm glad you did. I wish you nothing but success in continuing forward one step at a time.

We are here to support you through this. xx

[Agora1]

How have you been doing on the weekend Brett?

Habits are hard to break especially when being used to cover

up another issue. Depression and/or Anxiety. Start out slow,

maybe a couple hours a day and as you increase it will get easier.

I wish you well. Makes no difference how long it takes, what counts

is the end results. x

[BrettS119 in reply to Agora1]

Not great so far. I've not wanted to give up though

[Agora1 in reply to BrettS119]

Brett, keep that attitude of not wanting to give up.

That will get you to taking that first step when you are ready..

I support you. x