Tagged With "Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term"
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Re: Teens in Urban Regions Are More Likely To Experience Problem Video Gaming
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, @Registered Member. This is based on the results of one article, so it may be possible that other studies looking at the differences in problem video gaming between teens in urban and rurals regions could yield different results depending on the region, access to technology and offline activities available, among many factors. And thanks @Registered Member, I agree that it would be vital to educate students (and parents/guardians) about gambling, video...
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Re: How mental illness is discussed on the internet
There are so many horrible things and misinformation on the internet regarding mental health and addictions. In a sea of confusion, it's hard to find the truth. I think it's critical for those of us working in this field to stop using jargon and psychobabble to reach the general population. People are looking for credible information that they can understand and share on social media. I saw a "problem solving" cartoon the other day that showed someone who hung himself and the other person...
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Re: ADHD study links teens' symptoms with digital media use
I'm happy to share my experience, Suzie. It's a long story (I actually wrote a book about it). I did see my son exhibit ADHD symptoms during his worst crisis period with video gaming addiction and we can talk about that. How about we speak over the phone rather than on this forum. Please email me ar ElaineUskoski@gmail.com and we'll set up a time to talk that works for both of us.
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Re: How mental illness is discussed on the internet
Alison, That is a horrific image that was posted on FB. I can't believe that nothing was done even after you notified FB. It's interesting that those platforms (ie FB and IG) will remove and mark as inappropriate a picture of a woman breast feeding her child but not what you reported. I was listening to a podcast where people who have diagnosed OCD talked about their experiences, shared parts of their daily lives that have been impacted by their OCD and talked about how hurtful it is when...
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Re: Lots of video gaming online: problem ?
Hi Suzie, Thanks for joining our community and posting your question. ConnexOntario is a great resource for information about referrals for mental health and addiction services that you and/or your son can access. You can reach them through online chat or email at https://www.connexontario.ca/ or by phone at 1-866-531-2600. If you reside outside of Ontario, they also provide a list of services in Canada and internationally: http://www.connexontario.ca/Home/Links . Since you mentioned that...
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Re: Cashing in on Mental Health?
This is a good article! Thanks Howie. CAMH has also advocated for closing hours and to not allow casinos to stay open for 24 hours. We have some other policy statements available here: https://learn.problemgambling.ca/policy
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Re: The first long-term study on how screen time affects children's brains
It will be interesting to see if they control for things like income and other social determinants of health. I have a sense that it might be more likely for parents with fewer resources to use the phone/TV as a coping strategy, especially if they don't have as much support as other more affluent parents.
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Re: The first long-term study on how screen time affects children's brains
Hi Nimira, You make an excellent point. Another thing to consider, on the opposite spectrum, is that many middle class to upper class schools now utilize tablets and laptops as part of the school curriculum. Does the content matter? Or is it just screen time. I wonder if the added family resources outside of school, that may support vacations, hobbies and sports (events away from screen time) and resources that support enhanced learning, is large enough to combat the effects of increased...
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Re: The first long-term study on how screen time affects children's brains
I was just about to say that Aaron! Content matters! This has been an ongoing debate and I'm afraid I'm on the pro-screen time. I find these studies skewed... "If you give a child an app where they play with virtual Legos, virtual blocks, and stack them, and then put real blocks in front of them, they start all over," Why would you test block-building capacity and say this skill isn't transferable when using real blocks? Seems pretty obvious. I'm sure if you tested for non gross motor skills...
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Re: Bell Let's Talk - part of the problem?
With Bell ,there were Incredible Long-distance Bills many struggled to pay over decades of people calling family members and friends to talk about problems. Way past time for Bell to send Billions to badly needed Mental Health Services. I worked in Supportive Housing -where are the new buildings and Group Homes?Family and Friends often fall-away and abandon people who have problems or seem different or weird. Been reading NOW Magazine since the start as a source of Free or Low-cost...
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Re: Bell Let's Talk - part of the problem?
I really don't think there is much substance to this article. Screen time, social media and all-the-time internet access is the reality of today. Not everyone abuses or is negatively affected by these mediums just as not every person who drinks is addicted to alcohol. I agree that there does seem to be some sort of shallowness to the campaign but it does get people talking. Moreover, I agree with the possible negative effects of these new communication mediums. However, it is not as if this...
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Re: Bell Let's Talk - part of the problem?
I completely agree Aaron! Bell is not to blame for mental health prevalence, stigma, and or self-esteem issues. It is merely a medium, as you put, a vessel by which content is delivered. People like to make the argument that perhaps Bell is enabling mental health issues but perhaps it is also enabling change - which is exactly the purpose of the BellLetsTalk campaign. For a campaign that brought in $7.2M in grants (800k being put towards Indigenous communities), not to mention the level of...
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Re: Bell Let's Talk - part of the problem?
I echo a lot of what has been said by Aaron and Michelle above. Pointing the finger at a company like Bell without looking at the wider social structures (hyper-capitalism, an increasingly digital world, the shift towards the singularity of human/tech interaction) does miss the mark in my opinion. I actually studied smartphone dependency/addiction for my MSc thesis and do very much think that we're still figuring out that 'sweet spot' between tech being beneficial or detrimental to our...
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Re: Article: Ways Casinos can Attract Younger Generations of Slot Players
I'm not surprised -- those of us trying to help people with gambling problems face an uphill battle in terms of public buy-in (for lack of a better term). At this point in history, problem gambling isn't perceived as being as problematic as substance addiction. Also, as far as I know, for-profit businesses or government agencies (like the OLG) have a lot more money and regulatory leeway to advertise their products (i.e., casinos), compared to non-profits which are staffed by regulated...
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Re: "Loot Boxes" - gambling or not?
Interesting. The Skinner method used in video gaming creates the pull for longer play. Winning at random intervals has been proven to keep a player engaged long after they are even interested in the game, compared to winning each and every time time. In terms of Loot Boxes, offering a biological need like food, water, or sex always has a satiation point where one becomes full and loses interest. However, offering non-biological needs like gold coins and ammunition that will take a player to...
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Re: ADHD study links teens' symptoms with digital media use
Great article, Howie. And thanks for shedding light on your personal experiences, Elaine. It's interesting because most of the theories I've heard concerning the link between ADHD and digital media use focus on how the symptoms of ADHD (e.g., inattentiveness, impulsivity, etc.) put a person at risk for developing problematic technology use as an unhealthy way of coping with/expressing these symptoms. However, in your son's case, it appears that his video gaming preceded his ADHD symptoms.
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Re: Increases in technology use among Ontario students
I read these results this morning too and found them shocking. Especially the one in three students spending 5 hours or more a day on electronic devices, and that's only in their spare time (not including school!). I worry about the long term implications of this for our children's social and emotional well-being as adults.
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Re: Increases in technology use among Ontario students
Thanks for everyone's comments! Rebecca, I also found these results quite alarming. I found it interesting that only 23% of students met the recommended daily physical activity guideline, while 64% of students spend 3+ hours of recreational screen time per day. I wonder about links between screen use and lack of physical activity (as well as other impacts of course). I too worry about the long-term effects of excessive screen use.
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Re: Gambling, Gaming, and Technology Use Knowledge Exchange
Thank you for posting this article, Elaine! I think it is relevant food for thought for both parents and professionals. I especially like that she talks about the importance of ruling out and addressing electronics in mental health assessments. In the article, Dr. Dunkerley also says, “ Time and again, I’ve realized that regardless of whether there exists any “true” underlying diagnoses, successfully treating a child with mood dysregulation today requires methodically eliminating all...
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Re: Gambling, Gaming, and Technology Use Knowledge Exchange
I agree, Lisa. I took my son for a full medical assessment at the same time I detoxed him from video gaming. I also monitored his moods very closely, with the concern of his anxiety and depression increasing, and fear of suicidal thoughts. I have also heard from one of my holistic clients her concerns after the psychologist who sees her son, for severe depression, suggesting his client should "do what he loves", however the only thing he loves is gaming, and mom feels it's making the...
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Re: is the news the new FOMO?
Thanks for sharing this, Beth. This is a really interesting perspective and one that could play a role in harm reduction, as you mentioned. I think more research is needed to understand the interplay between social media and mental health. I came across a news article entitled "Does social media actually decrease anxiety?" that was recently featured in the Globe and Mail and discusses some of the different findings in the research about whether social media decreases or increases anxiety,...
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Re: Can anyone suggest an gambling clinical practice guide, that incorporates "cultural competency" on the idea of "lucky?"
Hello Bill, Please find the attached document, "A Guide for Counsellors Working with Problem Gambling Clients from Ethno-cultural Communities." On page 16 there is content related to your question. Best, Lisa
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Re: Teens in Urban Regions Are More Likely To Experience Problem Video Gaming
I like your idea Tiffany of adding safer gaming practices into curriculum with safer gambling information. I also think that there is a need for a paired curriculum for parents/guardians on both of these topics, especially as technology use is so ubiquitious. I wonder how influential overall wellness and mental health education would be at addressing some of those underlying issues and how students would respond if the curriculum not only taught safer gambling and gaming practices, but...
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Re: Gambling, Gaming, and Technology Use Knowledge Exchange
Thank you so much for sharing the article, Elaine. It was very thought provoking. I had some initial responses to his article (in italics). My Responses to “Why Is There a ‘Gaming Disorder’ But NO ‘Smartphone Disorder’ article in The Atlantic by Ian Bogost on June 28, 2018. The ICD has not "decided" that if you play video games a lot, you might suffer from a mental health issue: Gaming disorder.” They have determined based on research and consultations with experts that those that are...
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Re: Research on Parent-Child "Technoference"
Thanks for sharing the informative video, Elaine, and thanks Rebecca for your insightful questions. I think the current research article is scratching the surface and that more research and clinical evidence is needed on technoference and the long-term consequences on the parent-child relationship, the parent and the youth. As the article and Sarah pointed out (thank you!), it is likely a bi-directional relationship with many complex factors to consider. But this article does provide a great...
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Re: Blog on WHO's decision to include gaming disorder in the ICD-11
This story was in the CBC yesterday: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health...g-disorder-1.4746637 In it, CAMH's Dr. Nigel Turner raises the point that its important to proceed with caution when labeling people when the research is still in quite early days. Thoughts?
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Re: Blog on WHO's decision to include gaming disorder in the ICD-11
Interesting article and I do agree that caution is always a good thing when it comes to diagnosing people. I think it is important to continue to do research to help us better understand this issue. I am hoping that the inclusion of gaming disorder in the ICD-11 will contribute to further research and clarity around this problem. In response to Nigel's comment, "My caution is that we shouldn't be too quick to label people who play games a lot as having an addiction problem," I would say that...
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Re: Is Screen Time Hurting Your Heart?
Thanks for sharing. As a mom with an adult son who is now 14 months detoxed from gaming, I can't say enough about how much exercise played a huge part in getting into recovery and continuing it with success for my son. It not only helps with keeping his heart healthy but also gives him the dopamine high he was addicted to with gaming. He is still working hard at keeping the balance as his work in in a maintenance software company doesn't provide the needed movement and cardio. He uses a...
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Re: Is Screen Time Hurting Your Heart?
Thanks for sharing, Howie! I think it's so important to highlight how sedentary behaviour, including screen use, has multiple risks associated with it across different dimensions of wellness. In other discussion threads we've discussed some of the psychosocial risks associated with screen use, and it's also important to highlight some of the physical health risks (as the article you posted suggests). The Canadian Pediatric Society has released a guide for physicians focusing on sedentary...
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Re: OLG Modernization Under Way
Modernization is continuing. The new Shorelines casino in Peterborough looks like it will open in the next month. I visited the site yesterday.
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Re: WEBINAR! Coping Strategies of Partners of Individuals with Problem Gambling
But are these webinars open to caregivers/parents or only health care/social service professionals ?
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Re: WEBINAR! Coping Strategies of Partners of Individuals with Problem Gambling
Hi Suzie, Although our webinars are geared towards health care service providers, all are welcome to attend! Best, Tanya
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Re: INQBOARD: Older Adults & Problem Gambling
Thank you for this Kim. I love the infographic and was enticed to read the report. It was interesting to note: “Casinos have been shown to use marketing and services targeted specifically at older adults. These services include free transportation from older adult living facilities, low cost food and alcohol, needle disposals for diabetes sufferers and defibrillators, and entertainment options directed towards older adults, including recording artists from the 1960s and 1970s (Bjelde,...
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Re: CTV interview Should addiction to video games be considered a disease?
This is an article that features the concerns some scholars have about gaming being included in the ICD-11: "Scholars' open debate paper on the World Health Organization ICD-11 Gaming Disorder proposal"
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Re: Blog on WHO's decision to include gaming disorder in the ICD-11
I like how you addressed a number of commonly held concerns, as well as your summary of key messages. One of the points that resonated with me most was when you stated "Adolescence is a time when people are most at risk...If problems go undetected and untreated during this time when youth are laying the foundation for their future, the negative effects can be far-reaching." This reminded me of the importance of early intervention. Hopefully the recognition of video gaming as a disorder will...
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Re: Research on Parent-Child "Technoference"
Thanks for your question, Sylvia. According to the authors, the term technoference was coined by McDaniel and Coyne (2016) and refers to interruptions in interpersonal interactions or time spent together due to technology. This can include sending texts or emails, checking your phone or social media, and even picking up a phone call or answering a text during a conversation with your child (although this is not limited just to the parent-child relationship but to other relationships in your...
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Welcome to members of the Gambling Issues International list serve.
The Gambling Issues International listserve was created in 1999 by Nina Littman-Sharp when she was with the gambling service at CAMH. It brought together clinicians, researchers, educators, public health professionals, community workers, policy makers, and many others in the field of problem gambling. It was hosted using Yahoo Groups which is closing down at the end of today. Members have been invited to join this group and we are pleased to welcome them. Stephen Meredith
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Welcome to new members and some orientation information
A warm welcome to all new members, and a big hello to all those who have been part of the subgroup for a while. To introduce myself, my name is Anita Corsini and I recently joined the Gambling, Gaming, and Technology Use (GGTU) team here at CAMH. Part of this new role will involve facilitating conversation on this online subgroup, as well as organizing other knowledge sharing activities relevant to researchers and practitioners in the field of gambling, gaming, and technology use. Please do...
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Gambling, Gaming and Technology Use Training Needs Assessment
The Gambling, Gaming and Technology Use (GGTU) team at CAMH has been delivering quality professional development and support to service providers for over 20 years. To help us continue to deliver high-quality products and support, we would like to better understand the populations we are serving and their training needs. By filling in this needs assessment survey, you will help us develop better training deliveries to you and service providers like you. This survey should take approximately...
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Re: Research/Stats on Professional Gamblers and their income
Hi Shannon, This article we published in 2013 is dated but has information income from a small US sample of professional gamblers. I hope it helps. It's a starting point. Jeremiah
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Podcast recommendation: Digital wellness, tech use and video game addiction
Hi folks, I'm hoping to share interesting resources each week on the topic of problem tech use and digital wellness. This week, one of my favourite podcasts tackled this topic along with problem gaming. It's about a 45-50m listen, perfect for a socially distanced walk or to help you get through the weekly chores: https://open.spotify.com/show/3YJVMZhsHlrQq3PKf6p7mo Description: Nadja Streiter, LMSW is a psychotherapist and parent coach, as well as Director of Programs at Game Quitters. She...
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Assessing gaming disorder: Expert opinions
Gaming disorder can be difficult to assess, as there are concerns about over pathologizing normal or potentially healthy behaviours. A new study surveyed 29 international experts until consensus was reached about useful criteria for assessing gaming disorder. This study helps clinicians with creating their own assessments to ensure they're looking at the most relevant features in their assessment to target as well as ensure they're not problematizing less relevant features. An interesting...
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Mindfulness and problem gambling treatment.
A few years ago, problem gambling clinicians in Ontario began introducing mindfulness groups to clients as they felt that they could benefit from cultivating greater awareness of their thoughts and emotions while detaching from and not giving in to them. This practise is particularly relevant to people with gambling problems who tend to hold incorrect or erroneous beliefs about the nature of random chance (Toneatto et al., 1997; Turner, 2006) and engage in automatic thinking before, during...
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Re: Getting started on our online community
Hi Andrew, I am a public health nurse working on the gambling file in Ottawa. Do you know if any organizations supporting homeless individuals in Ottawa are aware of higher rate of gambling harm with homeless individuals? They are certainly a group I want to reach out to but thought I would see if you had any links to Ottawa.
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Re: Getting started on our online community
Hi, My name is Flora Matheson. I am a scientist at the Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital and work in the area of gambling, poverty and homelessness. I have been working with Good Shepherd since 2014 on this issue. We’ve been finding that there is a lack of awareness in general among this population. We have been developing guides and information to create awareness. We also have a training module on poverty, gambling and homelessness that we are happy to deliver.
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Mindfulness-based relapse prevention for problem gambling manual
In Ontario, treatment for people with gambling problems was first implemented in 1995, in response to the opening of the province’s first commercial casino in Windsor. With extensive clinical experience and excellent research since then, knowledge about what constitutes effective treatment has been growing, but no one approach suits everyone. Treatment services have instead tended to adopt an eclectic and holistic approach, incorporating a biopsychosocial-spiritual model that draws on...
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Re: Movies on problem gambling, gaming & tech use
Amazing @Registered Member! Thank you so much, I have already downloaded a copy (and attached here in case others are curious to check it out). Also, I would welcome an updated article.
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Gaming and Youth - Health Matters
Anyone know of expert resources examining the negative effects of gaming addiction on eyesight, eye health, and vocabulary / language development? Asking for a friend.
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Re: Gaming and Youth - Health Matters
It's an interesting question - I did a bit of digging and found some papers that mention it, however there's limited empirical evidence actually suggesting or examining this area from what I can tell. A recent review about internet gaming disorder (IGD) as an emergent health concern for men by Chen and colleagues (2018) discusses eye strain. However when you look at the refence they cite a Young paper from 2009 , that discusses it's something to look out for without any citation or empirical...
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Re: Gaming and Youth - Health Matters
Mahfuz is definitely best to respond here. There was one interesting study recently of 120,000 Chinese school children aged 6-8 that showed an increase in short-sightedness during the COVID-19 pandemic. It's important to remember we don't know if this is because of increased screen time or less time spent outdoors in daylight (or both). It's also worth mentioning this is short-term data so follow-up would be needed to see if these changes are significant over time (can our vision easily...