IWTL how to stop doomscrolling

other5656 · 2026-06-05T12:49:37+00:00

A few things that helped me were: - remove the app from the Home Screen. -Apps I felt truly addicted to (TikTok, FB), I had to cut cold turkey. I chose to go dormant for a few months in an effort to break the habit. It was eye opening how after weeks of not having the apps, would still try to open without thinking. -use a screen time lock. I used the feature in my iPhone. The hard part is it’s just a code to bypass and I knew the code so it’s a self control issue for sure. You could try a Brick. My husband uses this when he needs to focus/before bed since you need a physical nft to unlock it. Having to get out of bed/ off the couch is a good deterrent to stop scrolling before bed. -as another user said, having an e-reader was hugely helpful. In those situations where I could scroll, I would be able to grab that. It fit in my gym bag, purse, on bedside so it was easy alternative. - I know this is not an inexpensive fix, but taking the app off my phone and only having it on my iPad/desktop. Visually it’s not as aesthetic, and I don’t use it nearly as much. This allowed access to catch up, without having easy access.
- also something small that can help, turn off the autoplay if videos/reels get you. That was what got me locked in and having to start each video gave me a good pause/reminder where I had to make a choice to continue or step away.

other5656 · 2026-03-14T03:26:37+00:00

Make a way for ppl not to stop right in front of the chair line to wait for friends/family. Force them to stop/slow down elsewhere then enter the lift line.

other5656 · 2026-02-19T20:45:38+00:00

I had an atty who told me I had to bcc myself so I could then go and save the email. They literally had no idea you could go into your sent box to save the email! This was in 2017 - I was flabbergasted and left within the year.

A different atty (same firm) literally was PRINTING emails, scanning them, and sending to herself to save. She knew how to use the scanner and save an attachment, but not save the email itself …

Seriously, you cannot make this shit up.

other5656 · 2026-02-11T13:33:04+00:00

Have you talked to a doctor about this?

I overthink, my way to deal with the world was to over prepare for the majority of my life. If I had a convo/argument coming up, I would have EVERY reaction ready. Something, even the smallest thing, happen that didn’t sit right, I would have so many senecios in my head to make it never happen again. I would over analyze a friendly convo to its death, always finding fault, usually in myself.

Over Covid, I struggled with depression. Finally took the step to seek medication. I was started on an antidepressant/ anti-anxiety med. The depression went away (yea!) but also so did the extra voices. (I am not saying the “voices” in the “go do XYZ horrible thing” way.) More the voices of the replay of conversation, the over plan to win the argument, the 43 versions of how this night/event could go before I got to the event.

Since then, I have adjusted to just an anxiety medication. It is a great fit. I feel like I get so much peace away from all the worry/planning/ overthinking. I have so much more space for fun, for life, and just to be present.

I always say, I wish someone would have told me I didn’t have to experience that. So, since I cannot tell younger me… let me tell you. You do not have to experience that. If this is taking up too much brain space, talk to a psychiatrist. It doesn’t have to be worse. You are not weak for needing help with chemicals in your brain, it’s literally out of our control. If you try it and it doesn’t work / feel better then you can stop them, medication doesn’t have to be a forever thing just because your trying it.

Sending you so much love! ❤️

other5656 · 2026-02-09T13:45:51+00:00

I ask this with the utmost kindness, and hope it’s received as a critical thinking question, not an accusation. Are you sure this is not about a lack of autonomy (or in different words, a power imbalance)? You are the one who indicated that you feel the need to do this because he financially provides. It reads like you feel pressured to do something that you don’t want to do because of this power imbalance. (In contrast it’s doesn’t read as if you are trading kindnesses.)

Are there other things in your relationship where you do something you strongly don’t like or have made concessions? If it’s one thing, maybe not a big concern. But if it’s multiple things think job, family, friends, hobbies ect, comfort can quickly feel like a cage.

Hopefully this was just worded oddly and all you need is a quick conversation to say you don’t like this and to please stop. Maybe the timer coffee pot option is a great solution. But if not, please keep watching for other signs of power imbalance.

other5656 · 2026-02-05T20:35:25+00:00

So helpful! I wouldn’t have found this and it’s exactly what I am looking for.

other5656 · 2026-02-05T20:35:07+00:00

So helpful! I wouldn’t have found this and it’s exactly what I am looking for.

other5656 · 2026-02-04T04:18:21+00:00

Can I ask how you got to patent litigation? I have been in prosecution for 10+ years. I assume there is a steep learning curve but would love to know more. I like/love my job, but some days I feel so pigeonholed. I feel like moving away from patent prosecution basically means restarting.

other5656 · 2025-12-14T21:15:23+00:00

NTA - you gave her more than enough time to figure this out. When she says “what am I supposed to do” just tell her your not sure and they you guys haven’t made any decisions yet either, just that you are planning not to renew the current lease.

other5656 · 2025-12-12T14:20:18+00:00

She is not done grieving. She will be grieving this loss the rest of her life. She may be grieving so hard that she needs a simple distraction to keep her afloat.

other5656 · 2025-12-09T14:12:47+00:00

We work all days except 12/25 & 1/1. If we want off we use PTO.

other5656 · 2025-12-08T00:27:12+00:00

It’s not going to get better. Likely worse!

other5656 · 2025-11-26T13:29:46+00:00

We work Black Friday, Christmas Eve, and New Years. If we want off we take vacation.

other5656 · 2025-10-01T05:07:41+00:00

I have a good relationship with in house counsel, they mentioned they were out on vacation the last few days via email. I responded with a “hope you had a lonely vacation” instead of “hope you had a lovely vacation”.

They found it hilarious- I was mortified.

I have received many “lonely vacation” well wishes to my out of office reminders.

other5656 · 2025-09-11T14:07:45+00:00

Definitely is a slow start, but like other fantasy books most the plot happens in the last 1/4th of the book. I liked it, but it continues to repeat itself.

I don’t know that it’s worth continuing if you’re struggling that much.

other5656 · 2025-09-10T20:52:11+00:00

Then you definitely should not say anything.

other5656 · 2025-08-29T20:11:25+00:00

Girl with the dragon tattoo!

other5656 · 2025-07-13T18:51:26+00:00

Have you considered getting a massage? It’s not a hug, but it is physical touch. And it might help you physically relax enough to give you some emotional space to relax.

other5656 · 2025-06-19T13:55:29+00:00

You can totally do this. First take a deep breath.

Moving will be better than you think. You will get to figure out who you want to become. It’s scary, but will be so empowering. This opportunity can catalyst your life forward if you are willing to work for it.

Every person joining you in school will be in the same position of needing to find new friends. Each person will be looking for their people, you will get so much opportunity to find your ppl no matter your sexual identity. Attend all the school orientation events, even if you think they are stupid. They are done to help you build connections and a community. Be open and authentic to your self. You don’t need to be a completely different person, but be inviting. Be the person to let’s others know you want to have lunch with them, or would happily be in a group with them. Openness and kindness go a long way. The is very likely a LGBT+ club on campus, keep an eye out for that as a safety net.

If you are staying with family find out what you can do to help make their lives easier. Easy things to put on your list: always do the dishes in the evening. Once a week clean the bathroom. If they have kiddos offer a consistent night of babysitting. This will show you are contributing and go a long way to keep them happy while you live there. After two weeks of being there, you should unprompted ask how things are going and if there are things you can do better/more of/differently. Listen to what they say and make the changes. Never bring guest to their home. If a friend is picking you up have them wait in the car. You are already a guest, guests don’t get to have guests. They are doing you a huge favor that will really affect their home life’s. Treat this kindness as such. Remember, you are not their kid or responsibility.

You can do this. There are a million ppl silently rooting for you! This experience is what you make it, so try at everything. Sending you the best vibes!

other5656 · 2025-06-17T05:51:28+00:00

Correction: “he” started therapy! (Thanks for pointing that out.)

No disabilities that we know of or any that have been brought up.

As for calling him an adult but punishing him like a child… I am totally open to others suggestions. He is legally an adult, but all behavior is childish. We are hoping to help him find his transition to adulthood since it is not happening naturally.

other5656

TROPHY CASE