Help living with Internet Addiction

[Skittles1988]

I've struggled with internet addiction since September and yesterday I lost my job as I've been unable to meet my targets. I just can't focus when I'm online and spend hours browsing news websites and watching videos on Youtube. I went to my GP who prescribed anti-depressants and sleeping tablets but they don't seem to be helping. The Mental Health Crisis Team came out but they said I'm not in a crisis situation. They have referred me for therapy but I might need to wait up to a year for this. I'm struggling to keep myself and my house clean and I've sent my Daughter to live with her Dad. I smashed my Iphone up last night as I was just so frustrated at myself.
Has anyone overcome this addiction? I'm considering cancelling my broadband but then don't know how I would manage to look for a new job and if I would cope with going cold turkey. I got my friend to set up parental controls on my tablet to limit the amount of time I spent online but I ended up finding a way to over ride these. I've just bought myself a Nokia 105 as this doesn't have internet access. I've always spent too much time online but the compulsion to be online 24/7 got worse after my Grandpa passed away.
Has anyone managed to get help through the NHS or the 3rd Sector for this? I've looked in to a digital detox and private rehab courses but I can't afford them at the moment.

I know this might seem crazy but look into/speak to someone about a local AlAnon group. (Note: I’ve no personal experience though.)

You’ve got an addiction and they might be able to help you take the steps to overcome. I guessing the psychology is much the same as drink & drugs?

Families who are not addicted are also welcome at meetings for the insight they offer.

It might just open a window to recovery. No research is wasted so look into it.
Meanwhile I’m so sorry you lost your beloved Grandad. Make him proud & find your new way forward in his memory.

Thanks I'll look in to that

It is the bereavement.

Were you working from home?
If so could you go out to work and do something/anything not computer based?

Libraries have computers if you wanted to get rid of them all.

Could you pick up a bit of knitting or sewing and listen to something while you do it. Connects mind to the physical body and is deeply mindful.

Yoga - free at home or a group.

Emotional Freedom Technique to do yourself. “ Emotional Healing in Minutes” is a book I can recommend.

Anti depressants on their own won’t work at all. Maybe won’t work full stop.

With your old style phone call someone every few days for a short chat to avoid isolation.

Are you living alone?

internetaddictsanonymous.org/

I live on my own. I was working from home. I don't think I am able to work from home just now. I'm considering applying for housekeeping roles with an agency but I have no idea how to explain my dismissal and explain that I'm not able to use the internet productively.

Is there an advice section at your local library to get help with a cv? I am sure there would be a way to give a positive spin. You could just say something such as that you are not particularly skilled with computers and it proved an unsuitable job for your particular abilities, which are more hands on and people based.

I am sure you could post on mumsnet too for help with a CV.

Do you live in a town or city? You could also work as a volunteer in a charity shop in the interim to get you out and also show how well you can get on in a different environment.

Being alone day after day especially after a bereavement is certainly not conducive to mental health.

I've applied for Universal Credit so I'm going to see if the Job Centre has a Career Advisor that can help me find the right wording for my C.V. I'd like to volunteer at Citizen's Advice but I'm worried about having to go online in that role. Thanks for the help and advice

That’s a very good idea. If nothing else they’ll know who can help.

If I were on your shoes, I’d definitely go for a voluntary role away from IT. That’s what caused problems in your last job and you need the healing power of real, tangible life!

Good luck.