Hobbies are a great way to pass the time away. They give us something to do when we are bored or feel uninspired. They are also a fantastic way to decompress and relax after a long work day or week. Video games are no exception. While liking video games is more commonly associated with males, many females also enjoy them. How can there be anything wrong with it? Unfortunately, like so much else in life, too much of a good thing can be bad. And while video games may be a great way to decompress for some, in others, they can be a great source of anxiety, especially when gaming becomes an addiction.
To understand the connection between anxiety and gaming addiction, let’s go over the criteria of what this disorder involves.
What Is A Gaming Disorder?
Certain criteria must be met for someone to have a gaming addiction. A gaming addiction is not a disorder in itself. However, it is still a form of addiction like alcohol, or drug use would be. That may seem dramatic, but it is a very real thing that people deal with. If someone is addicted to gaming, they may exhibit any of the following:
- Gaming begins to increase in duration and frequency
- Playing video games takes priority over other hobbies or responsibilities
- An uncontrollable urge to always play video games
- The addiction to it has lasted for more than 12 months
More than that, someone who has a video game addiction may show signs of:
- Withdrawal-like symptoms when not playing, such as anger, depression, or mood swings
- Increasing gaming time in order to continue to feel satisfied
- Putting relationships, work, or school on hold to satisfy their need to play
- Physical pains from remaining inactive for long periods of time
- Playing video games as a way to avoid problems or conflict
How Is A Gaming Addiction Connected To Anxiety?
Gaming can relieve anxiety for a lot of people. But, since it has a highly addictive quality for some people, it can have the opposite effect on others. It can worsen an anxiety disorder if it becomes too out of control.
When video games consume someone’s life, it can cause immense stress in their bodies when they aren’t gaming. For most people, video gaming starts as a way to relieve stress and anxiety. Gaming may have begun relieving anxiety, but that doesn’t mean the underlying causes were being treated. However, as time passes, an addiction starts to form because they feel like it’s their only true escape from their problems and stress.
It must be noted that no gaming category or gaming style is known to contribute more to this addiction. Most people would assume that more violent games, such as those involving battles or war, maybe solely to blame here, but that isn’t the case. But, constant consumption of violent games could be contributing to someone’s anxiety levels. And while a video game addiction may be more closely associated with children or teenagers—it can happen to adults just as easily.
When To Get Help For A Video Gaming Addiction
If you notice more anxiety symptoms such as constant worrying, uncontrollable thoughts, or a racing heart, it may be time to seek support. Even though a gaming hobby may have started to relieve anxiety, it doesn’t always stay like that.
A video game addiction may not be the sole cause of anxiety being present, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t feed into one another. It’s important to start getting help with your gaming addiction with anxiety treatment. It can help you start enjoying gaming as you did in the past. Let’s connect soon to get you the help you deserve.
