Having a hobby is encouraged and considered a positive trait by society.
In a healthy individual, hobbies may act as effective creative outlets and stress relievers. Sometimes, though, hobbies can take on a darker role in our lives, essentially becoming an addiction that needs to be overcome, often with the help of outside sources. Read on for five simple ways to tell if you’re addicted to your hobby.
1. You distance yourself to participate in your hobby
If you find yourself turning down social invitations or routinely isolating yourself from your immediate family members to participate in your hobby, your hobby might be an addiction. A hobby should act as an activity to indulge in when you have leisure time or when other socializing is not possible, not as an excuse to lock yourself away from the world.
2. You put your family finances at risk to indulge your hobby
Shopping and gambling, for example, are perfectly acceptable hobbies when discretionary income is being spent. But when loans are taken out or savings are depleted, it’s time to reconsider the level of joint risk you are willing to assume for your personal needs.
3. You are depressed without your hobby
A feeling of missing your hobby when you are unable to do it is normal. Maybe you can’t wait to go fishing when the weather warms up. But feeling like life is not worth living without it indicates that you have developed an unhealthy addiction.
4. You avoid responsibilities to pursue your hobby
Have you called in sick to work or forgotten to pick up your children from school because you were so involved in your hobby? If so, it may be time to seek professional help. You don’t need to watch your world collapse around you. There are professional addiction recovery programs that can help you overcome your addiction. Find out more about programs and RTMS therapy information that can help you beat your addiction.
5. You become angry when your hobby isn’t successful
Everyone experiences disappointment and regret over bad decisions. But when you find yourself feeling intense rage or remorse over failings in your hobby, it’s time to take a good hard look in the mirror. Hobbies are meant to improve your mood, not detract from it.
If any of the above scenarios sound familiar, you might need professional help from mental health experts. Get help now before your hobby takes over your life.
About the Authors: This article was written by Dixie Somers and coauthored by Michael Myles. Dixie is the proud mother of three young girls and wife to a great husband. She loves to write about family, home, and health topics in her free time.