They are everywhere. At the heart of our daily lives, they envelop us in their blue light. Friends or enemies? Psychiatrist, author of two books, Good in my head et I’m stopping overdoing it! at Kennes editions, Dr Caroline Depuydt, head of department at the Fond’Roy clinic, deputy medical director of Epsylon … but also TikToker, decided to look into the question in her latest work: I’m freeing myself from screens! – A psychiatrist’s guide to controlling your digital consumption.
The connection is evident in her literary work between the different works: “I am always attentive to taking the pulse of what is happening in our society, among my patients and those around me. On the issue of screens, people oscillate between worry and a certain guilt.” She has met overwhelmed parents who no longer know how to re-establish dialogue within the family around this issue. “Added to this is the issue of sleep disorders linked to the way screens are consumed.”
She enriched this observation with research work: “I noticed that the books or shows that talked about it were very divisive, very demonizing. It’s counterproductive. In addition, it doesn’t represent reality, because screens are part of our lives. They also bring us a lot of positive things. Instead of wanting to escape from them, we should learn to use them and understand how they work to better prevent the risks of addiction.”
Sleep and Anxiety
This book will challenge caregivers: “Doctors should ask the question more easily when they are faced with a patient suffering from sleep disorders or anxiety.”
Screens are an inevitable part of our culture, but they are different from alcohol: “The big difference is that alcohol is an addictive product in itself, a drug. If someone consumes a certain amount of alcohol every day, they will eventually become dependent. Whereas screens are a tool, but if we use them badly (in terms of quality) or too much (in quantity), it can turn against us. It can become an addiction or a source of anxiety.”
Another important nuance is that we are not all equal when it comes to screens: “Our weaknesses are different, particularly from a genetic perspective. Some people have a profile that is more at risk of becoming addicted. We must also take into account personal and societal weaknesses: professional, family, and psychological difficulties. All of these weaknesses, combined with excessive screen consumption, increase the risk of depression and anxiety. This can also lead to a loss of self-esteem and self-confidence. However, social networks are not conducive to restoring this confidence. This can therefore lead to crises, decompensations or a worsening of the mental state.”
Addiction or not: the doctor asks questions
But how can the doctor approach the issue? “If the person spontaneously brings up this problem during the consultation, you must take the time to talk about it through clear questions: are you able to stop? Does this use have negative consequences on your professional life (being late for work, etc.) or private life (relationship problems, decline in school results, etc.)? Do you have normal or significant use, but still functional? Do you feel psychological discomfort when you cannot connect (palpitations, nervousness, etc.)? Are you in a situation of addiction? Screen addiction is not yet a recognized pathology, but the doctor often meets patients with problematic use.”
To be added to the doctors’ curriculum
The psychiatrist, like other doctors, does not yet have specific training on this problem in his curriculum. “There is still too little information on this subject in medical curricula.”
Furthermore, is the doctor at risk of addiction, as with alcohol or other substances? “The doctor is a citizen like any other. Young doctors who are very connected must remain vigilant. However, I want to reassure on one point: we work many hours, and during this time, in theory, we do not have the opportunity to “spend time on screens”. When I talk about it with colleagues, they rather express the feeling of connecting “more than they would like”.
Concrete solutions
The book also addresses the issue of solutions. Are there recommendations like for alcohol (10 drinks per week, no more than 5 per day and 2 days without alcohol)? “Not at this stage for two reasons. First of all, the pathology is still not recognized. Second, screens in themselves are not addictive; it is rather the way in which we use them that has an impact on health.”
The advice is specific: “Everyone should establish screen-free rituals. In the morning, for example, you should be able to get up, brush your teeth and eat breakfast without having looked at your phone. Same thing in the evening: it is important to have an hour without a screen before going to bed. This allows you to fall asleep more peacefully, because screens are often a source of stress. Blue light also has an impact on the production of melatonin, not to mention the endless scrolling of content. As a family, it is essential to create moments of exchange without screens, for example during meals. Technoference (the interference of technology) in relationships shows that, in young children, it can lead to a delay in language acquisition.”
I’m Freeing Myself From Screens! – A Psychiatrist’s Guide to Mastering Your Digital Consumption
by Dr Caroline Depuydt | Racine Editions
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