Does anybody else spend too much time online when depressed ?

[Inkandbone]

I know I do, but I can't seem to stop!

Any tactics ... ? Probably posting in vain but worth a shot!

I do! I think it's because I have no energy to do anything productive, and it's a way of occupying myself. Also, depending on what I am worrying about, I spend a lot of time googling and looking things up.

It's also a way of interacting without compromising your self imposed isolation, I find

I do. I also find it’s my crux if I’m nervous when I’m out. I tend to just stare at my phone.

Yup!

I kind of want to do other things but I don't have the attention span.

Yes. All the time. Like other posters have said - it's a way of staying in touch with the world without the pressure of actual socialisation, and depending on the problems, a source of info and ideas on how to hget better. But mainly it's a diversion. Low energy and attention span.

For example, on here, you only have to get the gist of a thread and each reply is it's own thing so you only have to pay attention to one reply at once

Yup! It’s a great distraction thing. I mumsnet whilst watching tv in order to completely occupy my mind and block anything else out.

Yes, interesting thread.

I think it’s both a symptom and a contributing factor.

If you are using your phone, I heard an interesting suggestion the other day.

Set up a really long password on it, something like:

Areyousureyoureallywanttousethisphone?

It will stop you or at least reduce the number of times you pick it up randomly.

oh yes I'm exactly the same. no attention span or energy and it's socialisation without having to actually do much. can also look things up.

I started overusing the internet when I was breastfeeding the first time because I could do it one-handed and sitting down - plus borderline PND. It has become a habit I need to get out of.

I'm suffering antenatal depression and I definitely do. Mainly googling depression/antidepressants etc. It just occupies my mind and reading about people's recovery from depression gives me hope. It's an unhealthy habit to be on my phone all the time though :/ and I'm scared I won't be able to break the habit once the baby is born :/