Recognise the signs

How can my gaming activities affect me?

Often we find it is easier identifying gaming becoming a problem in others, but harder to recognise when this affects us as individuals. Although it can often result in financial problems – the impact usually stretches much further than this. Recognizing the effects of dependency is crucial in identifying and addressing the problem before it escalates further.

Is my gaming activities affecting my mental health?

Does any of these statements sound familiar to you?

I have extreme emotions or mood swings
I feel that gaming is the only thing I really enjoy
I have difficulty sleeping
I often feel depressed or anxious
I have suicidal thoughts
I use my gaming activities to avoid difficulties

Is my gaming activities affecting my relationships?

Gaming addictions can have a serious impact on relationships which can make it even harder on deal with. Consider the following:

I’m arguing more with my partner or family – especially about money, budgeting and debt.
I’m preoccupied with my gaming activities and finding it difficult to focus on other things.
I’m spending less time with my friends and more time gaming.
I’m not able to tell people the truth about how much I have spent or lost on my gaming activities.
I’m stealing money from friends and family to fund my gaming activities.

Is my gaming activities affecting my finances?

One of the most obvious ways in which gaming activities can become problematic is when debt begins to mount or when savings or money meant for other things is being spent on gaming.

Do any of these statements describe your situation?

I am struggling to pay my bills on time.
I am juggling my credit card debt.
I have taken out a payday loan.
I am using business money to fund my gaming activities.
I have depleted all my savings on gaming activities.
I am hiding my financial situation from those close to me.

Help Organizations

If your gaming activities may have had, or is at risk of having, a negative impact on your mental health, finances or relationships with friends or family, we encourage you to get in touch with the following help and support organizations:

Gaming Addicts Anonymous (GAA) is a fellowship of people who support each other in recovering from the problems resulting from excessive game playing.
Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA) is a professional association of financial counseling agencies that assist consumers with financial counseling services of all kinds, as well as debt management plans for the repayment of unsecured debts.
National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) is a non-profit financial counseling agency. The NFCC helps people to defeat their debt and look forward with confidence.

*REMINDER: The self-assessment will help you figure out if there is, or you are developing a problem. If you answered yes to one or more of the above questions, you should seek help.

Responsible Gaming