When Might Gameplay Be a Problem?

If you, a friend or a family member has concerns about your relationship with video games, please take a moment to ask yourself the below questions.  While this list of questions is not meant to be comprehensive, or serve as a medical or psychological diagnostic test, answering yes to one or more of the following questions may help you identify the need to set limits, take a break from video games, and/or seek help from a trusted professional.

• Is your gameplay interfering with your work?
• Is your gameplay negatively impacting your home life?
• Have you lost interest in hobbies and activities you previously enjoyed, preferring to play video games instead?
• Do you find it difficult to limit the amount of time you spend playing video games?
• Have you ever felt sad or remorseful after playing a video game?
• Does playing video games decrease your ambition or efficiency?
• Do you ever spend more money on video games than you can afford?
• Do you lie about or hide how much time or money you spend playing video games?
• Do your real-life problems and challenges create an urge to play video games?
• Have you ever considered harming yourself because of your gameplay?

Seek support if needed

If you are concerned about your gameplay, talk to someone about how you’re feeling or reach out to a confidential counselling and support service. And remember, you don’t have to reach ‘rock bottom’ before seeking support.

Below are resources that may help you manage your relationship with video games.
 
• Smart Mobile Gamers - An online resource that provides guidance, tips and expert advice for everyone to have a positive social games experience: https://www.smartmobilegamers.org/ 

• Maintaining healthy gaming habits - Learn about the signs of possible problems with gaming and get tips for maintaining healthy gaming habits: https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/gaming/ 

• A guide to video game addiction – Learn about video game addiction, the signs and symptoms and what you can do: https://www.familyaddictionspecialist.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-video-game-addiction

• Game Quitters- A support community online for those who struggle with a video game addiction: https://gamequitters.com/

• SMART Recovery - Self-Management and Recovery Training is a science-based program that helps individuals overcome addictive and problem behaviours: https://www.smartrecovery.org/

• Gaming Addicts Anonymous – A recovery program for compulsive video gamers: https://www.gamingaddictsanonymous.org/

• Mental Health Helplines – Find a helpline in your country: https://www.helpguide.org/find-help 

IMPORTANT:  If you, a friend or a loved one are having thoughts of self-harm, please seek IMMEDIATE professional help.  A list of suicide and crisis helplines around the world can be found here: https://findahelpline.com/ 

Learn more about Gaming Disorder and Internet Gaming Disorder

• Gaming Disorder: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/addictive-behaviours-gaming-disorder 
• Internet Gaming Disorder: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/internet-gaming