(TR: Mental health topics) Hey, guys. I won't be able to be online nearly as much anymore. I have a problem with going on Scratch much later than I should. So, after a talk with my parents, they decided I will only have 30 minutes of Scratch per day. I didn't want to have to do this, but it is for the good of my mental health, so I must do it. Don't worry, I will still be on for limited periods most days. I just won't be able to do so to the degree I always have. (Continue reading below.)
Additional Context: When I was 12 years old, I made my @HELPINGBRAIN account for 6th grade computer science. It was not my first time using Scratch, nor was it my first account. But it was my first time actually sharing my projects. Additionally, with that class, my skills on this website improved. However, during that period, I also started to make friends with other Scratchers. I unfortunately also experienced some drama, but overall, things went well. The problem was, no real limits were set, so I quickly began using Scratch excessively, even after my @HELPINGBRAIN account ended with its class(which prompted me to make this account). Soon, my parents also set time limits in which the internet would cut out after a certain time in the evening. This continued for a while and I eventually began finding ways around those time limits. When I was 14-15, I realized I had depression and screens were partially linked to it(as well as other things, like world events). We tried so many things: making a schedule, finding alternatives, therapy(I'm still in it. Don't worry, I like being in it). But now, the ways I have gotten around my time limits have been found out. Now, it is settled: I cannot be on here as much anymore. So to everyone who I have active RPs and/or Collabs with, along with anyone who relies on me for emotional support, I am sorry. I cannot be there with and for you like I have in the past. But this decision is for my own wellbeing. May you all find joy in your lives. I love you all and I will see you in the limited time I have to do so. -
