[Taonuviel]

I'm really addicted to Internet connections, and I don't know what to do about it. I'm disgusted with myself. I spend almost all my time online and don't get my coursework done; I'm buried and so overdue... I really need to get a LOT done before classes tomorrow. And I'm doing things I don't think are ok. I don't know what to do, it's almost all I think about anymore.

[Taonuviel]

Sent this out tonight... gotten a few positive responses... of course, these all being SW people (except my counselor who's psych) can't hurt...

Hello,
I am having some serious trouble pulling things together this semester. I have realized this week that I need to find help, because I can't manage this myself: I'm dealing with an "addiction" to internet "relationships". This has grown from a pervasive inability to connect with peers since I was ~8 and the loneliness from this, which I have sought some relief from through internet chats over the past ~10 years. My attempts to connect in person have continued to be unsuccessful for various reasons. I really hope to see this change in grad school, I think the environment and group of people is the best chance I've had yet, but I have a lot in my way.
I have been afraid to admit my problem because I am afraid I'll be met with a response of "take a break from classes and pull yourself together, finish your incompletes and return later", essentially. I know in a lot of things this would probably be the best idea, but because of the root of my problem I don't believe I can work on it anywhere else. Outside of school I have very little contact with anyone other than my family, and no structure. It's the 3 days a week I have classes that I get anything done as it is. I make plans to come and work in the library on other days, but then I don't. I structure out a reasonable schedule to get everything done, but I don't follow it, I get sidetracked to "just check something quick" online and never get off. It's not even very satisfying to stay on, I just keep hoping to feel <i>something</i>.
I need to work something out. I know I can do everything I need to if I can get myself to campus and find some accountability. After class today one of my group members came over to check on how the project is going and I ended up spilling to him. He suggested we meet as a group before class and that I see about making appointments on campus Thursday/Friday to get myself down here, so I need to see about that. I am also interested in meeting in some kind of general study group if possible. I would join mswso but work when they meet.
I have sent this email to a lot of people, including my professors, group members (whose emails I have), counselor and advisor. Obviously I'm being rather open and vulnerable, but I don't mind. I've never tried to hide much because I don't feel I need to hide. I'm just hoping for some help to pull together this semester so I can keep moving forward.
Thank you,
(Tao)

[billieJ]

Are you saying that you study social work? That being said out of curiosity, I strongly identify with what you are saying about internet addiction. However, mine is confined to PC and a related forum. I have learned that, even here, unhealthy relationships can be formed when you try to help too much, but that is my fault, and I am just learning my way around. I know I used to stay in bed and escape through tv, but now I prefer PC. Well, at least I am sitting up. But my housework is not getting done! lol. It sounds like the study groups, or studying with just one person will form a commitment that you will honor more than if you were alone. I know that, when I have a commitment, I can make myself get off the computer, in time to get ready to go out. Otherwise, not so much. However, psychology has long been my first love - I worked in the psychiatric field as a social worker for 25 years before depression disabled me - and I learn a lot on this forum as well as making wonderful, gifted friends. Anyway, that's my excuse ~__~ Caring about you ~ billieJ

[Dave255]

Always disconnect your internet connection. Part of you doesn't want to get online but clicking on internet explorer is so easy and once you start its way harder to stop. If its disconnecting you'll have a minute while it reconnects to rethink going online and hopefully not. If your able to resist you disconnect it again and whenever you do use the internet always disconnect it afterwards.