@TunedOut You're welcome. You should thank Dr. Grohol since most of the posts I found on Internet Addiction, if not all, are written by him, and he goes on to explain how it is not in the DSM and why it is still not in the DSM. I really love DocJohn's explanations! All of those non-DSM disorders that are being diagnosed or told online don't help us when we're anxious and worried about some new disorder we might have - emphasis on the might.

As I understand it, the Internet is merely another tool to communicate. Our core issues are what already exists in the DSM, which is what our diagnoses are. Whether or not that extends into real life situations or the use of the Internet, it really doesn't matter as much.

I may not have the same diagnosis as you, but I struggle with symptoms of anxiety, so I know what you mean. I think when I start thinking about things that only cause more worry, such as trying to self-diagnose or something, I need to just calm myself and wait to speak with my therapist (that is, when I get a new one).

Thank you for replying and relating.

PC is helping me feel connected and not so lonely. Once I start grad school next year, or even when I start all my treatments at the VA, I'll probably be more busy IRL and therefore not online as much. I'm more likely to set aside some time every day to read, post, and reply, however, so that way I remain connected but not as verbose as I've been lately.

I'm just really happy to be here.