Gaming addiction

Yes, gaming addiction does exist. Imagine you love playing video games, and it's so much fun that you start spending almost all your free time playing. At first, it’s like enjoying your favourite candy. But then, you notice you're playing so much that you forget to do your homework, skip meals, and don't hang out with friends anymore. It's like eating so much candy that you forget to eat regular food, and it starts causing problems.

People with gaming addiction might also get upset or moody when they can't play. It's like if someone took away your favourite toy or candy, and you felt sad or mad. This can happen with games too – feeling grumpy or upset when you're not playing as much as you want.

If you're worried that gaming is taking over too much of your time and affecting your daily activities, it might be a good idea to talk to a psychologist about it.

Gaming addiction has some signs that show you might be playing games too much. One symptom is if you're playing games so often that you forget about other things you need to do, like homework or chores. For example, if you're spending hours gaming instead of finishing your schoolwork, it could be a sign.

Another symptom is when you start losing interest in activities you used to enjoy, like hanging out with friends or playing sports. Imagine if you used to love playing football, but now you'd rather stay home and play games.

Neglecting personal hygiene is also a symptom. If you're skipping showers or forgetting to brush your teeth because you're too focused on playing games, that could be a sign that gaming is taking up too much of your time.

If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you know, it's a good idea to talk to someone about it, like a friend, family member, or even a counsellor . They can help you figure out if gaming is becoming a problem and what steps you can take to manage it better.

Yes, gaming addiction is bad because it can seriously impact various aspects of your life. Imagine a friend who used to enjoy playing games occasionally but now spends all their free time gaming. They skip meals, neglect school or work responsibilities, and avoid spending time with friends and family. This behaviour can lead to physical health problems like lack of exercise and disturbed sleep.

Additionally, gaming addiction can harm mental well-being. Consider someone who becomes irritable or anxious when they can't play, or who prioritizes gaming over essential tasks. This can strain relationships and hinder personal development. For instance, if gaming becomes the primary focus, it might limit opportunities to learn new skills or pursue hobbies.

In summary, gaming addiction is bad because it can negatively impact physical health, strain relationships, and hinder personal growth. If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs, seeking help from a professional is crucial for overall well-being.

Yes, gaming addiction is becoming a bigger problem. With more advanced games and easy access, some people find it hard to stop playing. It's like having tempting snacks around 24/7, and not being able to resist. It can affect your health, relationships, and daily life.

The problem grows when gaming takes up too much time, affecting school, work, and relationships. So, yeah, gaming addiction is on the rise, and it's important to be aware of how much time we spend playing to keep a healthy balance in our lives.

Yes, gaming addiction is recognized in the DSM-5 but is named "Internet Gaming Disorder", a manual that helps doctors understand and diagnose mental health disorders. In simple terms, it's like a guidebook for them. This means that excessive and problematic gaming, which significantly interferes with daily life, can be considered a mental health issue.

For example, if someone is so absorbed in playing video games that they neglect school, work, or relationships, and it causes distress or impairment, it might be diagnosed as Internet Gaming Disorder. It's similar to how a doctor might diagnose a health problem by looking at specific symptoms.

If you or someone you know is facing challenges due to excessive gaming, it's a good idea to seek help and support , just like you would for any other health concern

Gaming addiction is not classified as a disease but is recognized as a behavioural disorder. gaming addiction is recognized in the DSM-5, a manual that helps doctors understand and diagnose mental health disorders. In simple terms, it's like a guidebook for them. The DSM-5 includes "Internet Gaming Disorder" as a condition. This means that excessive and problematic gaming, which significantly interferes with daily life, can be considered a mental health issue.

For example, if someone is so absorbed in playing video games that they neglect school, work, or relationships, and it causes severe problems, it might be diagnosed as Internet Gaming Disorder. It's similar to how a doctor might diagnose a health problem by looking at specific symptoms. If you or someone you know is facing challenges due to excessive gaming, it's a good idea to seek help and support , just like you would for any other health concern.

Yes, video game addiction can lead to depression. Imagine spending so much time playing games that you neglect friends, school, or work. This isolation and lack of real-world connection can make you feel lonely and sad, similar to how missing out on hanging out with friends might make you feel down.

Also, if gaming becomes your main source of joy and accomplishment, real-life challenges may seem more difficult to handle. For instance, achieving a game level may feel great, but if you struggle in school, it might make you feel like a failure.

As the nature of excessive gaming keeps you seated for long periods, it can impact your physical health, affecting your energy levels and sleep, which are linked to mood. It's like not getting enough sleep or exercise – it can make anyone feel a bit low.

If you notice signs of depression alongside gaming addiction, seeking help from friends, family, or a mental health professional is important to address both issues.

Imagine Stephen, a 16-year-old who used to love playing basketball with his friends. Now, he spends every evening glued to his video games, not doing his homework or getting any sleep. His grades are getting low, his parents are worried, and Stephen feels anxious and irritable when he's not playing. This is called gaming addiction.

Here are some ways in which he can control his gaming addiction:

• Self-awareness: Stephen needs to understand his gaming habits. How much time does he spend playing? What makes him want to play more – boredom, stress, or maybe wanting to avoid real-life challenges? Knowing his triggers is the first step to controlling them.
• Setting limits: Stephen needs to set limits for himself. He can start by scheduling specific times for gaming, say an hour after finishing homework and sticking to it. He can also use apps or parental controls to block access during study or sleep hours.
• Finding new adventures: Stephen can rediscover his love for basketball, join a club, or hang out with friends. Finding new hobbies and activities that he enjoys can replace the pull of the gaming world.

Breaking free from gaming addiction isn't easy, but it's possible. Seeking help from friends, family, or a mental health professional is important to address gaming addiction.

While gaming addiction itself may not directly cause death, it can lead to serious health issues that might be life-threatening. Imagine if someone spends days playing games without proper breaks – they might forget to eat or sleep, leading to malnutrition and exhaustion. Additionally, neglecting physical activity can contribute to health problems like obesity and cardiovascular issues.

In extreme cases, gaming addiction might indirectly lead to fatal consequences. For instance, if someone becomes so absorbed in games that they ignore essential tasks, like taking medication or attending to a medical condition, it could pose a risk to their life.

It's crucial to recognize the potential dangers of unchecked gaming habits and seek help if it's affecting your well-being. Just like you wouldn't ignore signs of illness, addressing gaming addiction is essential for a healthier and safer life.

Gaming addiction can lead to various problems in different aspects of life. For example, it might affect your physical health. Spending too much time sitting and playing games can lead to weight gain and health issues.

Socially, gaming addiction can cause relationship problems. Imagine if you prefer gaming over spending time with friends or family. It might make them feel neglected and lead to fights. Additionally, if gaming interferes with your responsibilities, like school or work, it can harm your academic or professional performance.

Emotionally, gaming addiction can impact mental well-being. If gaming becomes a way to escape from real-life problems, it might prevent you from developing healthy coping mechanisms- strategies to deal with a problem. This could lead to increased stress, anxiety, or even depression.

Financially, gaming addiction can be costly. Imagine spending lots of money on in-game purchases or the latest gaming gear instead of saving or investing in other important things.

In summary, gaming addiction can lead to physical health issues, poor relationships, academic or professional problems, emotional challenges, and financial difficulties. If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you know, seeking help and finding a healthier balance is important.

Internet gaming addiction is when someone can't control how much time they spend playing games online and it starts causing problems in their life. It's like having a hard time putting down the controller or stepping away from the computer. Imagine playing games for hours and hours every day, neglecting homework, and chores, or spending time with friends and family.

For example, if someone spends so much time gaming that they don't get enough sleep or skip meals, it can affect their health. It's like choosing games over taking care of yourself.

Also, if gaming becomes the only thing someone looks forward to and they lose interest in other activities, like going outside or meeting friends, it could be a sign of internet gaming addiction.

If you or someone you know shows these signs, it might be helpful to seek support to find a healthier balance.

Gaming addiction can have a significant impact on relationships. Imagine you have a friend or partner who spends so much time playing games that they neglect spending time with you. It's like having plans with someone, but they're always busy gaming.

Firstly, communication may suffer. If someone is more interested in their virtual world than talking or sharing experiences with you, it can ruin the bond. It's like trying to have a conversation with someone who is always distracted.

Secondly, emotions can be affected. Imagine feeling ignored or unimportant because the person you care about is more focused on their game. It's like not being a priority in their life.

Thirdly, shared activities may diminish. If gaming takes up most of someone's time, activities you used to enjoy together, like going out or watching movies, might fade away. It's like losing common ground that brought you closer.

Lastly, trust may erode. If gaming leads to neglecting responsibilities or promises, it can break trust. It's like relying on someone who keeps letting you down.

In essence, gaming addiction can strain relationships by creating emotional distance, reducing shared experiences, and undermining trust. If you notice these signs in your relationships or someone close to you, seeking open communication and, if necessary, professional help can be crucial for finding a healthier balance.

When someone is addicted to video games, they often engage in intense and long gaming sessions, which can impact the brain in several ways.

Firstly, the reward system in the brain is involved. Video games often provide a constant stream of rewards, such as points, achievements, or level advancements. Over time, the brain may become used to normal rewards, and individuals may want to play more games to experience the same level of pleasure.

Prolonged gaming sessions may lead to poor decision-making and difficulties in regulating impulses. Moreover, the rapid changes in video games can over-activate the brain's arousal system. This heightened state of arousal may interfere with normal sleep patterns, leading to sleep disturbances and fatigue. It also affects memory and learning.

Here are some strategies to prevent gaming addiction:

• To prevent gaming addiction, set clear limits on your gaming time. Treat it like a tasty dessert – enjoy it, but don't overeat.
• Schedule breaks for physical activities, like a quick walk or stretching, to balance screen time.
• Create a gaming schedule that doesn't interfere with responsibilities, just like you plan study time.
• Plan different activities for your day, such as reading or spending time with friends, to avoid getting stuck in one routine.
• Use parental controls or ask a friend to help limit your gaming time if self-control is challenging.

If you find it hard to manage, consider talking to someone you trust or seeking professional help, like you would for any other challenge in life.

Gaming addiction can be caused by a combination of factors. One major reason is the games act as an escape from life problems. If someone faces challenges at school or feels lonely, games can become a way to cope and feel a sense of accomplishment.

Additionally, the design of games, with rewards and achievements, can create a cycle of wanting to play more. For example, if someone gets a high score or unlocks a new level, it triggers a sense of achievement, making them want to keep playing for that feeling.

Social factors, like friends who also play excessively, can also motivate you to play more. It's like finding comfort and excitement in a virtual world, making it hard to step away from the screen.

If you're concerned about gaming addiction, it's essential to reach out and get the support you need.

Mobile gaming addiction is when someone spends too much time playing games on their mobile phone, leading to negative impacts on their life. It's like not being able to put down your favourite game and letting it take over your daily activities.

For instance, if you find yourself playing games on your phone instead of doing homework, hanging out with friends, or even sleeping, it could be a sign of mobile gaming addiction.

Just as too much of anything is not good, excessive mobile gaming can affect your relationships, health, and overall well-being. If you notice these signs, it might be helpful to seek support and balance your gaming habits for a healthier lifestyle.

Gaming addiction can impact academic performance because it takes up time that could be spent studying. Imagine having a big test, but instead of preparing, you spend hours playing games. This can lead to lower grades and falling behind in school. It's like trying to run a race with heavy shoes – the addiction slows you down.

For example, if you're up late gaming, you might feel tired and struggle to focus in class the next day. Your homework might not get done, and your grades could suffer.

Gaming addiction and autism are separate things, but sometimes they can be connected. Imagine you love playing video games. If you have autism, games might become a special interest, and you could spend a lot of time playing. This intense focus can lead to gaming becoming a big part of your routine.

For someone with autism, the structure and predictability of games can be comforting, but it's important to keep an eye on the time spent gaming. If gaming starts causing problems, like neglecting responsibilities or affecting relationships, seeking guidance from professionals, such as therapists , can be beneficial.

The link between gaming addiction and ADHD is like a puzzle with missing pieces. People with ADHD might be more drawn to video games because they provide instant stimulation and excitement, helping them focus.

For instance, imagine trying to pay attention in a boring class – playing a game can feel more interesting. On the flip side, excessive gaming might make ADHD symptoms worse, by making it even harder to focus on important tasks.

While not everyone with ADHD develops gaming addiction, the quick thrills of games can sometimes become a coping mechanism, creating a connection between the two. If you or someone you know is struggling, talking to a therapist can help untangle this connection and find healthier ways to manage attention and activities.

Gaming addiction can cause anxiety by creating a cycle of stress and worry. When someone is hooked on games, they may neglect responsibilities like homework or chores.

Imagine having a big assignment due but choosing to play games instead. The anxiety kicks in when you realize time is running out, and you haven't done what you were supposed to.

Additionally, excessive gaming can lead to social isolation, making it harder to connect with friends or family. This loneliness and fear of missing out can trigger anxiety about being left out or not fitting in. In simple terms, gaming addiction can bring real-world consequences that create stress and anxious feelings.

Gaming addiction can lead to aggression because excessive gaming can create frustration and stress. When someone is addicted, they might invest a lot of time in a game, and if things don't go well, it can be frustrating.

Imagine you've been working hard on a puzzle for hours, and suddenly all your progress disappears because of a power cut – it's frustrating! This frustration can build up, and when it's not properly managed, it may turn into aggression.

For example, a person might start yelling, throwing things, or even becoming physically aggressive when they lose a game. Similarly, if gaming addicts don't find healthy ways to cope with their frustration, it can lead to aggressive behaviour.

Gaming addiction is when playing video games becomes a big problem in your life. It's like eating too much candy – fun at first, but it can cause issues. Imagine you play games so much that you forget to do homework, don't want to hang out with friends, or skip meals. If gaming takes up too much time and starts affecting your responsibilities and relationships, that could be a sign of addiction.

Let's say you used to enjoy playing games for an hour or two but now find yourself playing all day, every day. You might skip family dinners or avoid doing chores because you'd rather be gaming. When gaming starts taking over essential parts of your life, that's when it becomes an addiction.

In simple terms, gaming addiction happens when playing games gets in the way of your normal life and causes problems. If you're worried that gaming is taking over too much of your time and affecting your daily activities, it might be a good idea to talk to a psychologist about it.

Yes, gaming addiction does exist. Imagine you love playing video games, and it's so much fun that you start spending almost all your free time playing. At first, it’s like enjoying your favourite candy. But then, you notice you're playing so much that you forget to do your homework, skip meals, and don't hang out with friends anymore. It's like eating so much candy that you forget to eat regular food, and it starts causing problems.

People with gaming addiction might also get upset or moody when they can't play. It's like if someone took away your favourite toy or candy, and you felt sad or mad. This can happen with games too – feeling grumpy or upset when you're not playing as much as you want.

If you're worried that gaming is taking over too much of your time and affecting your daily activities, it might be a good idea to talk to a psychologist about it.

Gaming addiction has some signs that show you might be playing games too much. One symptom is if you're playing games so often that you forget about other things you need to do, like homework or chores. For example, if you're spending hours gaming instead of finishing your schoolwork, it could be a sign.

Another symptom is when you start losing interest in activities you used to enjoy, like hanging out with friends or playing sports. Imagine if you used to love playing football, but now you'd rather stay home and play games.

Neglecting personal hygiene is also a symptom. If you're skipping showers or forgetting to brush your teeth because you're too focused on playing games, that could be a sign that gaming is taking up too much of your time.

If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you know, it's a good idea to talk to someone about it, like a friend, family member, or even a counsellor . They can help you figure out if gaming is becoming a problem and what steps you can take to manage it better.

Yes, gaming addiction is bad because it can seriously impact various aspects of your life. Imagine a friend who used to enjoy playing games occasionally but now spends all their free time gaming. They skip meals, neglect school or work responsibilities, and avoid spending time with friends and family. This behaviour can lead to physical health problems like lack of exercise and disturbed sleep.

Additionally, gaming addiction can harm mental well-being. Consider someone who becomes irritable or anxious when they can't play, or who prioritizes gaming over essential tasks. This can strain relationships and hinder personal development. For instance, if gaming becomes the primary focus, it might limit opportunities to learn new skills or pursue hobbies.

In summary, gaming addiction is bad because it can negatively impact physical health, strain relationships, and hinder personal growth. If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs, seeking help from a professional is crucial for overall well-being.

Yes, gaming addiction is recognized in the DSM-5 but is named "Internet Gaming Disorder", a manual that helps doctors understand and diagnose mental health disorders. In simple terms, it's like a guidebook for them. This means that excessive and problematic gaming, which significantly interferes with daily life, can be considered a mental health issue.

For example, if someone is so absorbed in playing video games that they neglect school, work, or relationships, and it causes distress or impairment, it might be diagnosed as Internet Gaming Disorder. It's similar to how a doctor might diagnose a health problem by looking at specific symptoms.

If you or someone you know is facing challenges due to excessive gaming, it's a good idea to seek help and support , just like you would for any other health concern.

Yes, video game addiction can lead to depression. Imagine spending so much time playing games that you neglect friends, school, or work. This isolation and lack of real-world connection can make you feel lonely and sad, similar to how missing out on hanging out with friends might make you feel down.

Also, if gaming becomes your main source of joy and accomplishment, real-life challenges may seem more difficult to handle. For instance, achieving a game level may feel great, but if you struggle in school, it might make you feel like a failure.

As the nature of excessive gaming keeps you seated for long periods, it can impact your physical health, affecting your energy levels and sleep, which are linked to mood. It's like not getting enough sleep or exercise – it can make anyone feel a bit low.

If you notice signs of depression alongside gaming addiction, seeking help from friends, family, or a mental health professional is important to address both issues.

Imagine Stephen, a 16-year-old who used to love playing basketball with his friends. Now, he spends every evening glued to his video games, not doing his homework or getting any sleep. His grades are getting low, his parents are worried, and Stephen feels anxious and irritable when he's not playing. This is called gaming addiction.

Here are some ways in which he can control his gaming addiction:

• Self-awareness: Stephen needs to understand his gaming habits. How much time does he spend playing? What makes him want to play more – boredom, stress, or maybe wanting to avoid real-life challenges? Knowing his triggers is the first step to controlling them.
• Setting limits: Stephen needs to set limits for himself. He can start by scheduling specific times for gaming, say an hour after finishing homework and sticking to it. He can also use apps or parental controls to block access during study or sleep hours.
• Finding new adventures: Stephen can rediscover his love for basketball, join a club, or hang out with friends. Finding new hobbies and activities that he enjoys can replace the pull of the gaming world.

Breaking free from gaming addiction isn't easy, but it's possible. Seeking help from friends, family, or a mental health professional is important to address gaming addiction.

While gaming addiction itself may not directly cause death, it can lead to serious health issues that might be life-threatening. Imagine if someone spends days playing games without proper breaks – they might forget to eat or sleep, leading to malnutrition and exhaustion. Additionally, neglecting physical activity can contribute to health problems like obesity and cardiovascular issues.

In extreme cases, gaming addiction might indirectly lead to fatal consequences. For instance, if someone becomes so absorbed in games that they ignore essential tasks, like taking medication or attending to a medical condition, it could pose a risk to their life.

It's crucial to recognize the potential dangers of unchecked gaming habits and seek help if it's affecting your well-being. Just like you wouldn't ignore signs of illness, addressing gaming addiction is essential for a healthier and safer life.

Gaming addiction can lead to various problems in different aspects of life. For example, it might affect your physical health. Spending too much time sitting and playing games can lead to weight gain and health issues.

Socially, gaming addiction can cause relationship problems. Imagine if you prefer gaming over spending time with friends or family. It might make them feel neglected and lead to fights. Additionally, if gaming interferes with your responsibilities, like school or work, it can harm your academic or professional performance.

Emotionally, gaming addiction can impact mental well-being. If gaming becomes a way to escape from real-life problems, it might prevent you from developing healthy coping mechanisms- strategies to deal with a problem. This could lead to increased stress, anxiety, or even depression.

Financially, gaming addiction can be costly. Imagine spending lots of money on in-game purchases or the latest gaming gear instead of saving or investing in other important things.

In summary, gaming addiction can lead to physical health issues, poor relationships, academic or professional problems, emotional challenges, and financial difficulties. If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you know, seeking help and finding a healthier balance is important.

Gaming addiction is when playing video games becomes a big problem in your life. It's like eating too much candy – fun at first, but it can cause issues. Imagine you play games so much that you forget to do homework, don't want to hang out with friends, or skip meals. If gaming takes up too much time and starts affecting your responsibilities and relationships, that could be a sign of addiction.

Let's say you used to enjoy playing games for an hour or two but now find yourself playing all day, every day. You might skip family dinners or avoid doing chores because you'd rather be gaming. When gaming starts taking over essential parts of your life, that's when it becomes an addiction.

In simple terms, gaming addiction happens when playing games gets in the way of your normal life and causes problems. If you're worried that gaming is taking over too much of your time and affecting your daily activities, it might be a good idea to talk to a psychologist about it.

Yes, gaming addiction does exist. Imagine you love playing video games, and it's so much fun that you start spending almost all your free time playing. At first, it’s like enjoying your favourite candy. But then, you notice you're playing so much that you forget to do your homework, skip meals, and don't hang out with friends anymore. It's like eating so much candy that you forget to eat regular food, and it starts causing problems.

People with gaming addiction might also get upset or moody when they can't play. It's like if someone took away your favourite toy or candy, and you felt sad or mad. This can happen with games too – feeling grumpy or upset when you're not playing as much as you want.

If you're worried that gaming is taking over too much of your time and affecting your daily activities, it might be a good idea to talk to a psychologist about it.

Yes, gaming addiction is recognized in the DSM-5 but is named "Internet Gaming Disorder", a manual that helps doctors understand and diagnose mental health disorders. In simple terms, it's like a guidebook for them. This means that excessive and problematic gaming, which significantly interferes with daily life, can be considered a mental health issue.

For example, if someone is so absorbed in playing video games that they neglect school, work, or relationships, and it causes distress or impairment, it might be diagnosed as Internet Gaming Disorder. It's similar to how a doctor might diagnose a health problem by looking at specific symptoms.

If you or someone you know is facing challenges due to excessive gaming, it's a good idea to seek help and support , just like you would for any other health concern.

Imagine Stephen, a 16-year-old who used to love playing basketball with his friends. Now, he spends every evening glued to his video games, not doing his homework or getting any sleep. His grades are getting low, his parents are worried, and Stephen feels anxious and irritable when he's not playing. This is called gaming addiction.

Here are some ways in which he can control his gaming addiction:

• Self-awareness: Stephen needs to understand his gaming habits. How much time does he spend playing? What makes him want to play more – boredom, stress, or maybe wanting to avoid real-life challenges? Knowing his triggers is the first step to controlling them.
• Setting limits: Stephen needs to set limits for himself. He can start by scheduling specific times for gaming, say an hour after finishing homework and sticking to it. He can also use apps or parental controls to block access during study or sleep hours.
• Finding new adventures: Stephen can rediscover his love for basketball, join a club, or hang out with friends. Finding new hobbies and activities that he enjoys can replace the pull of the gaming world.

Breaking free from gaming addiction isn't easy, but it's possible. Seeking help from friends, family, or a mental health professional is important to address gaming addiction.

While gaming addiction itself may not directly cause death, it can lead to serious health issues that might be life-threatening. Imagine if someone spends days playing games without proper breaks – they might forget to eat or sleep, leading to malnutrition and exhaustion. Additionally, neglecting physical activity can contribute to health problems like obesity and cardiovascular issues.

In extreme cases, gaming addiction might indirectly lead to fatal consequences. For instance, if someone becomes so absorbed in games that they ignore essential tasks, like taking medication or attending to a medical condition, it could pose a risk to their life.

It's crucial to recognize the potential dangers of unchecked gaming habits and seek help if it's affecting your well-being. Just like you wouldn't ignore signs of illness, addressing gaming addiction is essential for a healthier and safer life.

Gaming addiction can lead to various problems in different aspects of life. For example, it might affect your physical health. Spending too much time sitting and playing games can lead to weight gain and health issues.

Socially, gaming addiction can cause relationship problems. Imagine if you prefer gaming over spending time with friends or family. It might make them feel neglected and lead to fights. Additionally, if gaming interferes with your responsibilities, like school or work, it can harm your academic or professional performance.

Emotionally, gaming addiction can impact mental well-being. If gaming becomes a way to escape from real-life problems, it might prevent you from developing healthy coping mechanisms- strategies to deal with a problem. This could lead to increased stress, anxiety, or even depression.

Financially, gaming addiction can be costly. Imagine spending lots of money on in-game purchases or the latest gaming gear instead of saving or investing in other important things.

In summary, gaming addiction can lead to physical health issues, poor relationships, academic or professional problems, emotional challenges, and financial difficulties. If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you know, seeking help and finding a healthier balance is important.

Yes, gaming addiction is recognized in the DSM-5 but is named "Internet Gaming Disorder", a manual that helps doctors understand and diagnose mental health disorders. In simple terms, it's like a guidebook for them. This means that excessive and problematic gaming, which significantly interferes with daily life, can be considered a mental health issue.

For example, if someone is so absorbed in playing video games that they neglect school, work, or relationships, and it causes distress or impairment, it might be diagnosed as Internet Gaming Disorder. It's similar to how a doctor might diagnose a health problem by looking at specific symptoms.

If you or someone you know is facing challenges due to excessive gaming, it's a good idea to seek help and support , just like you would for any other health concern.

Imagine Stephen, a 16-year-old who used to love playing basketball with his friends. Now, he spends every evening glued to his video games, not doing his homework or getting any sleep. His grades are getting low, his parents are worried, and Stephen feels anxious and irritable when he's not playing. This is called gaming addiction.

Here are some ways in which he can control his gaming addiction:

• Self-awareness: Stephen needs to understand his gaming habits. How much time does he spend playing? What makes him want to play more – boredom, stress, or maybe wanting to avoid real-life challenges? Knowing his triggers is the first step to controlling them.
• Setting limits: Stephen needs to set limits for himself. He can start by scheduling specific times for gaming, say an hour after finishing homework and sticking to it. He can also use apps or parental controls to block access during study or sleep hours.
• Finding new adventures: Stephen can rediscover his love for basketball, join a club, or hang out with friends. Finding new hobbies and activities that he enjoys can replace the pull of the gaming world.

Breaking free from gaming addiction isn't easy, but it's possible. Seeking help from friends, family, or a mental health professional is important to address gaming addiction.

Imagine Stephen, a 16-year-old who used to love playing basketball with his friends. Now, he spends every evening glued to his video games, not doing his homework or getting any sleep. His grades are getting low, his parents are worried, and Stephen feels anxious and irritable when he's not playing. This is called gaming addiction.

Here are some ways in which he can control his gaming addiction:

• Self-awareness: Stephen needs to understand his gaming habits. How much time does he spend playing? What makes him want to play more – boredom, stress, or maybe wanting to avoid real-life challenges? Knowing his triggers is the first step to controlling them.
• Setting limits: Stephen needs to set limits for himself. He can start by scheduling specific times for gaming, say an hour after finishing homework and sticking to it. He can also use apps or parental controls to block access during study or sleep hours.
• Finding new adventures: Stephen can rediscover his love for basketball, join a club, or hang out with friends. Finding new hobbies and activities that he enjoys can replace the pull of the gaming world.

Breaking free from gaming addiction isn't easy, but it's possible. Seeking help from friends, family, or a mental health professional is important to address gaming addiction.