By RITA AGGARWAL 

 

 

Q. 1. I have a 15- year- old son who has been spending increasing hours on his phone and in front of screen, often staying up late at night despite having school the next morning. We have noticed changes in his mood - he’s more irritable, withdrawn, and gets defensive when screen time is limited. His grades have dropped, he no longer shows interest in playing sports or meeting friends in person, and his sleep cycle is completely off. We are aware that this is because of the increased screen usage and have been making attempts to set limits on the screen time, but that results in arguments or emotional breakdowns, always. Can you please guide me on what to do? Ans. Excessive usage of phone or screen often builds up gradually and becomes an addiction.

 

At times it is a way of escaping stress, boredom, or emotional discomfort. Changes in sleep, mood, and social interest and using a screen excessively suggest that the it might be serving as a way to cope up from some underlying emotional problem. Instead of focusing only on reducing screen time, the goal would be to understand which needs the screen is fulfilling—whether it’s connection, achievement, distraction, or control or just addiction. Try to identify what would help him to find healthier ways to meet those needs and manage emotions better or bring him for a session. KM Q 2. I am a 23-year-old male from Nagpur, working at an IT firm in Pune. Due to long working hours and not a very great work environment, I have been consumingalcoholalmost every day. It started off as just a way to relax but now it has become a habit and I am unable to control the urge to not have it. A way to socialise with friends has now become a way for me to manage work stress and emotions. I feel tired, unmotivated, and anxious on most of the days but I don't know any other way to unwind either. My relationship has also started to suffer and I've noticed a drastic impact on my appetite as well. I sometimes skip meals.

 

And my sleeping schedule has also gotten affected. How can I manage all this? Please guide me. Ans. Substances like alcohol often become daily habits because they start offering short-term relief from pressure, emotional pain, or restlessness. For you, what may have begun as a way to socialise has turned into a way of processing stress or low mood. Building self-awareness and slowly shifting habits can help reduce dependency on alcohol, without judgment or pressure to ‘fix everything’ all at once. Understanding the emotional triggers behind the use of alcohol and finding healthier, more sustainable ways to manage workload and negativity can be understood with the help of counseling. Coming for a session might help you work on all of these issues. Treat the addiction while it is mild before it escalates into something bigger. Anonymous Q 3. I was in a 5- year relationship, but we broke up recently. Now I am unable to forget him. I am preparing for Bank exams but am unable to concentrate. Please help. Ans. Along-term relationship also becomes like an addiction- which makes it difficult to forget and give up. This has certainly happened at the wrong time. Career building is an important aspect of life and you should focus on that totally. You should not spoil your career because of the break-up. Develop a hobby which you can engage yourself in, after your study hours. Try to socialise with friends and cheer yourself up. Do not sit alone and brood. Take care of your career and give it your best. All the best for your exams. If you need further guidance, you can come for a session. ■