[bobochez]

Hey there, so I have been a "hardcore gamer" for 6 years, and for the first time a month ago, I decided to try and stop. I used to come home from school around 4, play until 7, have a 20 minute dinner and pretend I had a lot of homework, then go play until 10. I felt disgusted with myself about a month ago because I was lying to people to keep up my addiction, and my gpa was at a 3.67. My solution was to stop playing video games except for a few hours on the weekend. Since then, I have kept my resolution and haven't played on a weekday since then. The negative side effect is that I am depressed.
When I say depressed I don't mean suicidal, just a lack of any emotion. My theory is/was that the video games were my way of getting adrenaline and dopamine (however it's spelled) and that because I had stopped, my brain isn't getting dopamine any more. I started playing badminton, got my grades up, started working out more, and yet after a hard workout, instead of the happiness I felt when I used to play soccer, I just feel empty; no energy or happiness, just sitting there existing.
I am wondering if anyone knows how I can get out of this, because it isn't very fun

Sorry for the epic post, and thanks in advance!

[Travelinglady]

Oh, dear. It does sound like the games were meeting a need that is not being met now. I am wondering if talking to a therapist might help.

[Sometimes psychotic]

I use video games as a motivational reward. If I finish all my work then I get to play for x amount of time. If I do something particularly big then I get a new game. They are fun and can be a healthy outlet if you limit them.

What about friends, are you interacting with other people...that helps a lot. A lot of gaming has a social aspect...I mean typically you are saving the world or some such thing.

[Cenzia]

I agree with Payne, a therapist would perhaps help you. You do need support to beat this! Good luck bobochez. There also are support groups out there if that is your cup of tea.

[nushi]

Hey bobochez, I'm very glad you took the decision to stop the videogames, & most importantly, committed yourself to this decision, & believe me; you'll never regret this

I think you need to fill up your time with interesting things that would get your adrenaline bumping again, & would keep you busy away from depression. If you don't feel that enthusiastic with soccer anymore, try a different sport, until you find the sport that really rhymes with your enthusiasm... You might also wanna try on a new project or social activity that would boost your self-confidence & see yourself doing real on the ground change around you, instead of faking it in videogames... Hold on to your success in stopping your videogaming addiction, & fill your time with trying out new sports & activities

[Stockbroker]

You can work your way out of this. You've made the right choice for sure.

Try and smile often