Okay, so today I was playing Warframe and went over a boundary. I allowed myself an extra mission because I had been interrupted several times during play. I’m a little concerned by it. I go long periods without gaming, and then try to game and “manage it,”
This time is a bit different because I have a strategy, and I guess M. could be an accountability partner, although that might stress our relationship. In the meantime I visited Olganon, or online gamers anonymous. At one point I thought of opening a new chapter in Texarkana, but then I allowed myself to stumble. I love games. I guess because it’s easier than dealing with real life. I like myself and my life a lot better now, but occasionally I find the urge to game. Now, with my insurance status up in the air, maybe that’s why I’m doing it. If I get my insurance and all that taken care of, will I abstain again? Play excessively? Manage to control this aspect of my life while balancing work, relationships, and religion? I sure hope I can manage it. I think my life is richer for games. It helps me think outside the box. Use skills I wouldn’t want to use.
Odd thing is, I burn more calories when I game. I get hungrier faster and need to eat more often. Guess my brain is working. I’ve been gaming since I was 2 years old when the original Nintendo Entertainment System came out. Mom said that when I made Mario jump, I would jump. It must’ve been funny to watch. Now kids are given cell phones that “baby sit” them. They’re absolutely not supposed to have any screen time before age 5. We didn’t know that when I was growing up. My brain may have been altered by these experiences.
So if you’re a parent, think about how you’re investing in your kid(s). Watch what your kids are playing to make sure they stay age appropriate. Consider if buying them that first console, that first game is a good idea. Videogames will always be vying for your kids time. Getting them to do school work, self-care, and participate with the family will always be a challenge. There’s also the chance that they have a dormant addictive personality. This personality trait may not end with videogames like it did me. They may try drugs, or other dangerous things, to satisfy their cravings.
Well, back to the game. I hope this article was informative. I have a lot of experience with this, and who knows? Maybe a bit of wisdom.
Trem
#gamers #olganon #addiction #managing_it