Tagged With "strategies to support clients"
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WHO weighs in on video gaming
The WHO has weighed in on gaming addiction. The UN health agency said classifying “ Gaming Disorder ” as a separate condition will help countries be better prepared to support these individuals. Link to the article below! WHO's take on Gaming Disorder
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Resilience and Coping Strategies for Social Media Addiction
I came across an interesting Masters Thesis from Eastern Illinois University on resilience and coping with respect to social media addiction. Although I did not read this in its entirety, the discussion section is worth reviewing. The author highlights the correlation between social media addiction and avoidant coping skills. Furthermore, depression proved to be the greatest predictor of social media addiction. Take a look at the thesis here.
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Blog: Vocational Goals & Recovery
Hi everyone, I recently wrote a blog focused on the value of exploring vocational goals when working with people with problem gambling. This blog post can be found here: https://learn.problemgambling.ca/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=13 I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on the value of vocation in this context and strategies you use to support clients' vocational pursuits (especially for those of you who are clinicians). Thanks, Matt
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[Anonymous, Online Academic Study] Testing a web-based application for Depression and concerning gambling! (Canada,14-40 years)
Researchers at the IWK Health Centre have built a web-based app to help people change their behaviors to help improve their mood. We are looking for participants all around Canada to use it and tell us what they think about it. If you are, or know someone: Who is 14-40 years old? Who sometimes feels sad, down, or depressed and/or has little interest in doing things? Who often feels like gambling? This is a Canada wide study and there is no need to travel, as all study activities take place...
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Students advocate for more mental health support
As post secondary students are gearing up to return to school next Tuesday, this article highlights some ways that different post secondary institutions are dealing with their students mental health concerns. The article states that a recent study found that "in 2016, about 44,000 Canadian students across 41 post-secondary schools responded to a survey that found about a fifth were dealing with immense anxiety, depression, and other mental-health illnesses, according to the National College...
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Study on free to play gambling apps and in-venue gambling from Australia
I came across this article from Australia that looked at the role of free‐to‐play gambling‐themed apps and their relationship to in‐venue gambling. The summary of their research showed that: In retrospective accounts, children aged under 13 who play gambling‐themed apps were also more likely to gamble for money. In retrospective accounts, young people (13–18) who played apps prior to age 13 were more likely to have early involvement with gambling. In a longitudinal experiment, in weeks where...
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RCMP Youth Trends Report Fall 2018
This was forwarded to me, via email, and i am passing it along. There is a lot of great information to help us understand our youth and technology better.
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How to Improve Screening for Problem Gambling - Recruiting for Concept Mapping Study
Are you a health care or service provider? If so, please share your thoughts with St. Michael’s Hospital and U of T researchers on ways to improve screening for problem gambling. We are looking for a wide range of health care and service providers. You can participate in-person at group brainstorming sessions held at the University of Toronto, or online on your own time. Those who take part will be eligible to win a food basket and/ or an iPad. Please contact our research team at...
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How mental illness is discussed on the internet
armchair diagnosing is dangerous In the article linked above, they discuss one social media influencer who has created an 8 part documentary series examing the perceived mental health issues of another social media influencer. One of the concerns that gets examined is the idea that they lump bad behaviour in with mental health issues. This can have the impact of increasing stigma for those who deal with mental health issues. Another concern noted is that the one influencer is talking about...
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Inventory of Gambling Situations mobile app now available
We have just released the new Inventory of Gambling Situations (IGS) mobile app. Launched in mid-September, this app provides a mobile-friendly version of the IGS, asking clients with problem gambling or suspected gambling problems about their past-year gambling frequency in 63 different situations that may put them at risk. The app provides an easy-to-use, accessible layout and the option for clinicians to get instant results with their clients in the absence of a computer. You or your...
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How to delete Facebook and Instagram - really
Deleting instructions This article was written for people concerned abut their data and photos being out there in the Facebook world after their recent spate of hacking attacks. The clear information could also be helpful for those struggling with their social media use and looking to remove themselves. Be warned, however. It is a process to ACTUALLY delete a facebook account. Even after you have followed all of the steps, they still give you a 30 day period where you can change your mind.
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Teens say social media not so bad....
Gen Z say social media not so bad...sort of... This article (from Buzzfeed, but with actual research attached to it) shows some stats on how not all teens find social media so bad after all. Then they go on to say that while it's not so bad, they also don't like all the drama that occurs on social media and 26% say it makes them feel worse about their own lives. I would wonder, if the article should be focused not on those who say it isn't so bad, but highlight the percentages who struggle...
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And the debate continues: Study links excessive screen time to developmental delays in children
This Canadian Study found that "one in four Canadian children are not developmentally ready for school by the time they start kindergarten, and that excessive screen time may be a key contributor". The study found that children were watching television or using digital devices for an average of 2.4 hours a day at age two, 3.6 hours at age three, and 1.6 hours at age five. The article references back to a statement (posted here earlier) released by Britain’s Royal College of Paediatrics and...
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Gambling, Gaming and Technology Use Community of Interest Survey
We invite you to complete a short survey about our Gambling, Gaming & Technology Use Community of Interest, which you can access here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GGTU-CoI . The purpose of this survey is to understand the extent to which our community of interest has increased your knowledge about gambling, gaming and technology use as well as your connections with other stakeholders. It will also help to inform the development of future online communities through EENet Connect. This...
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Gambling and Gaming Harms: Ontario Professional Development Forum
On May 9 th and 10 th , the Gambling, Gaming & Technology Use team under the Provincial System Support Program at CAMH and Gambling Research Exchange Ontario co-hosted the Gambling and Gaming Harms: Ontario Professional Development Forum. The forum brought together over 100 clinicians and community partners, providing an opportunity to interact and learn from each other’s experiences, broadening their outlook beyond their own practice. Dr. Carlo C. DiClemente, one of the founders of the...
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Gambling Among Adults Experiencing Poverty and Homelessness: A Training Video
Recovery from Problem Gambling is possible. Client-centred strategies that are evidence informed help service providers build skills to assist the recovery journey for people experiencing gambling disorders, poverty and housing instability . https://youtu.be/1CZzzBOheAw People who are experiencing poverty and/or homelessness along with problem gambling can benefit from supports and services that are customized to their needs. This video describes the case management approach of the Gambling...
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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?
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: "An age-by-age guide to kids and smartphones"
I too agree with your thoughts, Elaine. Thanks for sharing. The stories of parents and children with lived experience can provide some of the most valuable and insightful information on how we can effectively raise awareness about this issue and think about strategies towards recovery. This makes me think about the idea of family peer support groups , in which families with lived experience come together and support each other and exchange tips/strategies. Thanks again for being such an...
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Re: "An age-by-age guide to kids and smartphones"
Matthew, I follow a Video Gaming Support Group for Parents on Facebook (via Cam Adair of GameQuitters.com) and we share stories and information, give guidance when asked, and most importantly, we are cheer leaders for one another. It's easy, as a parent, to throw in the towel and give in, so the group helps with keeping that focus, and reminding parents that they are doing the right thing, even when It's really challenging.
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Re: "An age-by-age guide to kids and smartphones"
That's great to hear that you were able to find an online support group for parents, Elaine. Thanks for sharing about this resource. The recovery journey can definitely be challenging at times with many ups and downs, and having a group to be able to relate to, support you through it and to share stories/resources with can be quite validating and reassuring.
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Re: Resilience and Coping Strategies for Social Media Addiction
Thanks for sharing this thesis, Howie! It's a very interesting topic!
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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 the follow up article Tiffany! The article talks about the divide in exepreices for those above 30 years of age, and those under 30 years of age. It mentions that over 30, people begin to take stock of their lives. Again, this could have clinical implications depending on the age of the client that is seeking treatment, and for what particular issues.
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Re: Study on free to play gambling apps and in-venue gambling from Australia
Great question Tiffany! As a clinician, I would be very cautious and would want to explore how and why someone might be using theses games in a harm reduction way. Many years ago, I had a client who decided to abstain from drinking beer and drink "near beer" or dealcolized beer instead. Upon reflection after a few weeks of doing this, she found that she was drinking the "near beer" in the same amount, for the same reasons and in the same pattern that she had previously been drinking beer. In...
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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: 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: Canucks players put in video game ban on the road
Interesting that the team managment must have been seeing a negative impact on the players from their tech use. I am so curious as to what was happening that brought them to this place. Wouldn't that be a great study? The impact of video gaming on professional athletes? I wonder though, if this will merely force their playing to be covert? Also, they have restrictions on their movements ie curfews so I wonder if they are being offered alternatives on how to use their down time while in hotel...
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Re: Patterns of compulsive smartphone use suggest how to kick the habit
One year ago today, while ill and in quarantine for weeks, after returning from a vacation quite ill, I found myself becoming far too dependent on my phone because I felt so isolated. And I realized that this wasn't the beginning of my phone dependency. Through the years my son was struggling through the toughest part of his video gaming addiction recovery, I continually checked my phone for messages from him. He needed a lot of support. And I was never far from my phone. It was during that...
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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
Thanks Sarah, that is a great question! In my experience working with people who have an addictive disorder, I have yet to meet a client who did not have any underlying issues (regardless of the problematic substance/behaviour). This includes sub-clinical issues and/or diagnosable conditions. Even in cases where there were no severe underlying conditions, the addiction and it's subsequent consequences required attention and repair. Frequently, once someone develops a habitual behaviour, they...
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Re: Research on Parent-Child "Technoference"
Thanks Tiffany - I think the bi-directional nature of the relationship between parent technology use and child behavioural problems is an important consideration. Parents with children with behavioural problems would likely benefit from understanding, support and opportunities to learn positive coping skills for their own high stress levels.
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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...