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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I’m highly addicted to mumsnet and I want to leave

67 replies

secretwalkway · 19/06/2021 20:02

I’m addicted to using mumsnet, actually addicted.

I spend so much time reading threads on here and on the coronavirus board Confused

I feel like I HAVE to read it. I feel so gloomy after reading what’s on there, but I still feel the need to read every single day.

I’ve posted and asked various question on AIBU before and half the time I don’t even know why I ask.

I’ve asked on here for people to make decisions for me, ask questions about my marriage and conversations with friends or family.
I use MN to seek a lot of reassurance and I feel like I now can’t manage without it.

My husband is always commenting about how much time I spend on my phone, but I haven’t told him what I’m actually doing.

I really think my usage here is affecting my mental health and the things people have said to me on threads (or things I’ve read they have said to other people) have really stuck with me and I can’t let things go. I get so deeply invested.

I’ve tried blocking the website on my phone but after a few hours I get such an overwhelming need to check that I end up unblocking it to check.

I check in the middle of the night, at work, when I’m trying to watch tv.

I’m honestly addicted and I hate it.

OP posts:
NiceGerbil · 19/06/2021 20:05

Cold turkey.

Same mechanisms for all addictions.

Delete the app if you have it and the history so it doesn't keep reminding you when you open your browser.

Distract yourself.
Do something else.
Hide your phone.
Etc etc

Oh and deregister obviously! Before you do that go to your profile and make sure all marketing etc options are set to no.

AJGranny · 19/06/2021 20:06

Could you physically give your phone to someone for a few days to break the habit?

starpatch · 19/06/2021 20:06

Hmmm well I agree mumsnet is not always terribly helpful. I use it as a substitute for social contact being a single mum and always stuck at home in the evenings. Maybe think about what you would like to replace it with and try building up the replacement slowly? Eg if you wanted to phone friends more start trying to do that, or if you wanted to read books more.

Vanishun · 19/06/2021 20:07

Sounds like its time to talk to your DH, deregister (and maybe ask MNHQ to ban your IP address from making accounts) and delete the app.

And probably seek therapy in real life from a real person.

DynamoKev · 19/06/2021 20:08

Me too OP.

I have tried to leave a million times but keep coming back arrggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh

Original poster
secretwalkway · 19/06/2021 20:09

@DynamoKev

Me too OP.

I have tried to leave a million times but keep coming back arrggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh

@DynamoKev

Why do we do it!

I don’t want to be on here, but I can’t stop myself!

OP posts:
MeribleMelon · 19/06/2021 20:10

I agree this place is not great for my mental health.
Arguing with strangers on the internet is generally not a good idea!
I need to take a step back as well. Might just try a week off next week 👍 just try a week and see how it goes?

Original poster
secretwalkway · 19/06/2021 20:12

@MeribleMelon

I agree this place is not great for my mental health. Arguing with strangers on the internet is generally not a good idea! I need to take a step back as well. Might just try a week off next week 👍 just try a week and see how it goes?
@MeribleMelon

I can’t even manage a couple of hours.

I blocked the website this morning and unblocked again by the afternoon. Confused

OP posts:
MeribleMelon · 19/06/2021 20:13

Leave your phone at home when you go out for the day! FORCE yourself away from your phone.
You’re capable of choosing your actions, honestly you can do this 💪
I will quit for a week if you will!!

TheViewFromTheCheapSeats · 19/06/2021 20:14

I was not as severe, but getting to a point that was unhealthy. I deleted the app, deleted my account etc. At first I sometimes still read, but without posting it dwindled. I didn’t use it for a year or two and now I occasionally look and post, a few times a month. Also, change your username a lot to avoid building a profile or people you are attached to.

MaMelon · 19/06/2021 20:15

Been there, got that t-shirt - this is my fifth user name in about 18 years as I’ve become addicted to other people’s dramas, left, had a break, come back on, repeat.

You have to close your account and stay strong - get someone else to block it on your phone so you’re not tempted.

GlutenFreeGingerCake · 19/06/2021 20:16

It's like the Hotel California in here OP. You can check out any time you want, but you can never leave.

PaleGreenAndBrightOrange · 19/06/2021 20:16

I agree. I don’t think I’m addicted but I’ve only been on it a couple of months and I notice I do feel more gloomy after reading it. Even threads that have nothing to do with me - I find it depressing seeing how scathing and horrible people can be to each other. Someone posted an innocent question today/yesterday and one of the first replies was just “grow up”. If I was in a friendship group like that IRL I’d cut them off but it’s just par for the course on MN.

Think I’ll also have a break! There is one long term thread I love on here that’s super supportive and friendly so maybe I’ll limit to that one.

Original poster
secretwalkway · 19/06/2021 20:16

@MeribleMelon

I honestly tried that today. I’m so embarrassed to admit that I couldn’t wait to get home and check... 😓

OP posts:
Original poster
secretwalkway · 19/06/2021 20:18

@GlutenFreeGingerCake

It's like the Hotel California in here OP. You can check out any time you want, but you can never leave.
Confused 😰
OP posts:
EileenGC · 19/06/2021 20:21

I had this a month ago or so - I was spending way too much time on Mumsnet and feeling the effect on my mental health. I went cold turkey (check my posting history if you want Grin). First two days were hard, but I was so done with it I was happy to just push through. Came back this week and I can now read a fair few threads each day and comment on a couple, but I don’t feel that urge anymore of checking back in. If I have some time great, if not it’s okay. I might restrict myself to weekends only, or whenever I have a day off. It’s so time consuming! The only problem is that I now check Reddit way more than before Grin

BearOfEasttown · 19/06/2021 20:23

@secretwalkway

Just call a few posters stupid cunts, and @ few admins in and call them sad fuckers. You will be perma banned then, and will never have to return.

Just kidding!........... You could just take a break and not come on here for a week or two.

Original poster
secretwalkway · 19/06/2021 20:24

[quote BearOfEasttown]@secretwalkway

Just call a few posters stupid cunts, and @ few admins in and call them sad fuckers. You will be perma banned then, and will never have to return.

Just kidding!........... You could just take a break and not come on here for a week or two.[/quote]
@BearOfEasttown

😂😂

OP posts:
BearOfEasttown · 19/06/2021 20:24

I wouldn't say I was addicted. I can go a few days without being here. However, once I come on, I struggle to get off. I have has a few days when I have been here for 3 hours. I know some are on here much more.

BearOfEasttown · 19/06/2021 20:25

There's nothing wrong with being on here a lot by the way! Just saying Grin

Gullible2021 · 19/06/2021 20:26

Ugh same.

I've managed to leave twice for over a month.
Then I'm back. I hate it, but I can't stay away.

Viviennemary · 19/06/2021 20:27

Im the same. I have got totally addicted. Lockdown has made it a lot worse. But I I tell myself its better than say alcohol or gambling.

diamondpony80 · 19/06/2021 20:27

Get one of those old Nokia 3310's. I had one back in the day - it was a good phone but couldn't do much other than call and text (which probably wasn't a bad thing).

Original poster
secretwalkway · 19/06/2021 20:28

@BearOfEasttown

3 hours really isn’t much compared to me. 😬

OP posts:
Peanutbutterandbananatoastie · 19/06/2021 20:28

Me too, it gets me down as well.

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