Creating Distractions?

[Sianm]

Hey,

I'm just a little concerned, as I do keep finding myself playing games on my phone or looking on Facebook or Twitter (just reading) with any spare moment I have.

Whenever I'm at home & my husband isn't in the room, I'm looking at something on my phone. Find myself doing it at work too sometimes.

I feel like I'm almost trying to stay out of reality a bit?

Is this normal? Has anyone else tried to create distractions?

 

[wicked child]

Hey,
I'm looking at something on my phone. Find myself doing it at work too sometimes.

Sounds like you are describing symtoms of OCD [ Obsessive Compulsive Disorder]. It's quire common with those who suffer anxiety disorders.

Do you have trouble leaving your home, forever trying the door locks, windows, gas/electric stove are all as they should be ?

 

[Sianm]

My husband has OCD, so I know what it is.

No, I don't really do all that kind of stuff. The only thing I'm funny about is making sure doors are locked & windows are closed when I'm at home, mainly at night, otherwise I'll be constantly worrying & checking no one is getting in, but (as far as I know) that's just my PTSD playing havoc as my anxiety is high all the time.

 

[rightkindofme]

Given that your entire generation does this without mental illness I'm pretty sure it isn't because of PTSD. :)

 

[Abstract]

I think it can be problem and is another way to avoid reality and deal with anxiety. It's the stuff that internet addictions are made of. I don't do social network sites but am definitely this way inclined.

 

[WillyKat]

I'm no expert but it doesn't necessarily sound like OCD to me. I'm not saying it's healthy, but it depends on if it's interfering with your life and happiness. And there's other symptoms that make up OCD.

And part of it is a sign of the times as rightkindofme said. Let's face it, most of our life can be pretty boring, so we look for something, anything that might move our blood another inch.

Maybe try finding a few good books to read and see if you can shut off the phone and computer for a few hours. If you can do that without smoke coming out of your ears, I think you're OK. If your anxiety spikes badly when you're separated from your gadgetry, then talk about it with your therapist.

 

[Abstract]

I sometimes wonder what people are going to be like in another 20 years time! Maybe we won't be able to speak anymore as everyone will be so used to texting, messaging etc.:speechless: Now they are talking about "muti screening" and I am a culprit. Its when you use a "screen" (such as a mobile or computer etc) whilst using another.

It's sort of an anti mindfulness thing to do in a sense. :rolleyes:

Personally I think it's extremely unlikely to have anything to do with OCD and PTSD wasn't brought up in the original post so that seems irrelevant.

 

[a3a2]

I do the same thing, but especially when I am sad or anxious or angry. For me, it is an escape. I would be far more suspicious of ADD or ADHD than OCD, but it is probably an escape. Maybe we should talk to our therapists. You first ;-)

 

[Abstract]

I know you aren't addressing me a3a2 but I am not talking to anyone at the moment:whistling:! Have removed all my other vices and am not ready to let this one go until I get back into T and have some stability! Eating disorder gone, alcohol consumption close to zero, normal self harm absent for a few weeks and much better, exercise abuse stopped, dissociation improved. I am allowing myself a little "screening"!

I agree it is more likely linked to ADD than OCD.

 

[heidi]

It's so normal. I get headaches from this screen and yet I continue to look . In the future it might just become an extension of our brain (that's a theory I've heard).

 

[a3a2]

Eating disorder gone, alcohol consumption close to zero, normal self harm absent for a few weeks and much better, exercise abuse stopped, dissociation improved

That is fantastic progress, Abstract!!! Congratulations!!!

 

[Abstract]

Thanks a3a2. :) I hate myself so much of the time and have some seriously annoying other stuff going on but I should give myself credit for those. It took a looong time and a lot of hard work. When I can I try to wear down the inability to give myself any credit.