I think I have a OCD with computers?

[Downer]

I'm on a computer nearlly every day. Saying just a few more minutres turns out to be a few more hours. I always search up stuff and somehow the computer calms me down just a bit! But I am also on it still late at night even when I'm tired. Do you think I have a OCD with computers and if so how can I try to stop it from ruling me?

 

[Downer]

I'm on a computer nearlly every day. Saying just a few more minutres turns out to be a few more hours. I always search up stuff and somehow the computer calms me down just a bit! But I am also on it still late at night even when I'm tired. Do you think I have a OCD with computers and if so how can I try to stop it from ruling me?

 

[David Baxter PhD]

Not OCD, necessarily, but it sounds as if it might be compulsive behavior.

To start with, the thing to do is to identify not only what it is you are going TO (computer, the net, surfing, chatting, whatever) but also what it is you are going there FROM (i.e., what is it you are leaving behind, avoiding, postponing).

I think there are probably some clues in another post from you - the one about feeling like you are a failure at everything...

 

[David Baxter PhD]

Not OCD, necessarily, but it sounds as if it might be compulsive behavior.

To start with, the thing to do is to identify not only what it is you are going TO (computer, the net, surfing, chatting, whatever) but also what it is you are going there FROM (i.e., what is it you are leaving behind, avoiding, postponing).

I think there are probably some clues in another post from you - the one about feeling like you are a failure at everything...

 

[prayerbear]

I now don't feel like a failure (I used to before Paxil!)

I decided to replace my cleaning compulsions with internet time! For me, its a very satisfying, rewarding experience! I have won 5 different things on the internet, as I spend several hours online and entering sweepstakes!

I am addicted to the internet, although I am not worried about it! I get a feeling of accomplishment in receiving information, conversing with other OCDers, and winning things you never thought you would win on the internet!

My doctor is amazed at my attention span(8 hours a day or more) and my internet service is unlimited (Of course, I filer out porn, and all other nasty stuff) This gives me somenthing to do while waiting and waiting and waiting for my SSI claim!

This is my brand new compulsion, but my doctor seems ok with it!

I could not concetrate before I went on a high dose of Paxil (due to weird obsessive thoughts!) Now, I just "perk" away! My doctor gave me a very "perky" diagnosis, Yep that me, the "perk"

 

[prayerbear]

I now don't feel like a failure (I used to before Paxil!)

I decided to replace my cleaning compulsions with internet time! For me, its a very satisfying, rewarding experience! I have won 5 different things on the internet, as I spend several hours online and entering sweepstakes!

I am addicted to the internet, although I am not worried about it! I get a feeling of accomplishment in receiving information, conversing with other OCDers, and winning things you never thought you would win on the internet!

My doctor is amazed at my attention span(8 hours a day or more) and my internet service is unlimited (Of course, I filer out porn, and all other nasty stuff) This gives me somenthing to do while waiting and waiting and waiting for my SSI claim!

This is my brand new compulsion, but my doctor seems ok with it!

I could not concetrate before I went on a high dose of Paxil (due to weird obsessive thoughts!) Now, I just "perk" away! My doctor gave me a very "perky" diagnosis, Yep that me, the "perk"

 

[parabola]

wow, That's sounds like an echo of me. My life revolves around the internet. I really dont have close friends-only mere aquantances that I say hi to in the halls- but google is the best thing anyone can ever have. If anything is on your mind you just go to google and search away I also design web sites when I'm bored and I play around with photoshop and Macromedia flash. My parents used to get so agrivated when they see me sitting on my butt on the computer but now that the computer is moved to the basement they never see me and it's not the center of attention. The computer is like my 'distraction' for my unpleasent thoughts that constantly come without that beautiful piece of machinery... And here I am right now on the computer. I cannot function without it.

 

[Eunoia]

I think David pointed out two good points, that you might just be running away from something but to something else, and figuring that out is a good starting place... personally, I would say if it consistantly interferes in your ability to get things done in 'real' life, then it might be a problem... or if you use it to 'replace' something, ie. social relationships. are the things you search relevant to school, your job, interests? or just random stuff? I think that also makes a difference. the internet/computer can be a great 'tool' for things. If you're on late at night, even if you're tired, try to set yourself a time limit... ie. "by 11, I'll stop using the computer" and follow through w/ it- it'll make a huge difference in terms of being able to fall asleep earlier, and not feeling so 'compulsive' about your computer time. maybe do something else instead at that point, so you're still doing something if you feel like you're not ready to go to bed yet, and most likely you won't as computers tend to stimulate.