Internet Addiction is a very real and  debilitating condition which is affecting more people every day. While the internet helps improve productivity by allowing us to get things done more quickly, internet addiction can have drastic effects when it interferes with day-to-day activities, work and relationships with family and friends. The first sign of internet addiction is usually the fact that you are more comfortable with your online friends than those people who are physically close to you, or when you are compulsively checking your social media accounts, or playing games online.

Internet addiction often includes co-occurring impulse-control conditions, including cybersex and/or relationship addiction, and internet gambling addiction. Addiction to offline games forms part of computer addiction, which falls under the same spectrum of disorders.

Symptoms of IAD (internet addiction disorder) don't only affect relationships and interfere with daily life and relationships, If you are addicted to the internet or computer, you may experience sudden weight loss or weight gain, and sleep disturbances.

Therapists and addiction counsellors can use cognitive-behavioral therapy to help you to balance out your internet use and put an end to compulsive behaviors. They will help you to find healthier coping mechanisms to deal with depression, stress and anxiety.  Marriage counseling can help your partner to deal with the effects of cybersex and help you as a couple to reconnect and fulfill your social and emotional needs.

If you need a counsellor or psychologist to help you address the effects of internet addiction, you can scroll down the page to find a professional with the approach best suited to your situation.

Depression is the most common psychological condition, and most people experience it at one point or another in their lives.

Symptoms of depression include lethargy, low self esteem, a feeling of sadness, helplessness, hopelessness, anxiety, dysphoric mood and even suicidal thoughts. People who are depressed usually feel a lack of energy and a lack of pleasure and they may be agitated or irritable.

Since there are so many causes to depression, which boils down to a natural response to life experiences (a defence mechanism), each situation warrants a thorough investigation into the exact catalyst. Depending on what causes a specific incidence of depression, a treatment plan can be developed to help the individual deal with his or her emotions.

Some people are predisposed to depression in that it can run in the family. In many cases, it is learned when someone is constantly exposed to it.

Counselling can help a person to adapt to life changes that are causing grief, particularly with bereavement or marital issues. Systemic therapy is helpful in family therapy, where the efforts of the whole family can help the individual. Psychodynamic therapy helps a person to find the hidden psychological defences that cause problems to manifest. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the problem at hand, providing solutions to day-to-day issues and finding ways to restructure negative thought patterns.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who has training and experience in depression counselling you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.