Video games have been heavily attacked over the years for the ways that they may impact young people’s emotional health. However, a 2014 survey found that video games can help prevent mental health problems in children.
Video gaming, the survey said, even shooters, may boost children’s learning, health, and social skills, along with their general mental health. This may provide hope for people hoping to recover from severe and lifelong mental health problems.
Video Games and Depression
Along with the fun experienced by video gaming, a 2021 study reported that casual video game play improved depression symptoms by promoting flow states—moments when a person is fully immersed in an activity without distraction. A 2020 study also found that even artificially increased flow states lessened depression.
Flow states also may help people cope with pain and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and improve learning and memory.
Video Games and Drug Abuse
A growing body of evidence shows that video games help people with drug addiction by distracting them from abusive behaviors.
More actively, researchers at George Mason University and virtual reality (VR) technicians are using VR to simulate real-world drug encounter reactions in an immersive environment. The study focuses on providing players with simulated drug relapse triggers so they can learn how to cope with the cravings.
Drug rehab centers may integrate this option alongside traditional treatment to provide multiple treatment methods for their patients.
Video Games and Veteran Mental Health
Veterans experiencing mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, also may find a recovery outlet through video games.
One study, examining how video games helped veterans with trauma, concluded that gaming improved:
- Confidence
- Social connection
- Personal growth
- Employment opportunities
- Leadership
The benefits were the same no matter the genre—fantasy, sports, puzzles, first-person shooters—because they were due to the distraction value and connections made with other gamers.
Video Games and Pain Distraction
Physical pain is often a cause or symptom of serious anxiety and mental problems and can be hard to properly manage without addictive painkillers. Video games may help by providing pain distraction benefits. A 2012 study found that 42% of individuals needing therapy for pain experienced less pain while playing.
Mental Health-Specific Video Games
While video games may provide general help for mental health concerns, many newer games also address mental health directly. A few of these games, some free, include:
- Omori: This role-playing game explores anxiety and depression in realistic ways, providing individuals with a better understanding of their symptoms.
- Depression Quest: Players may use this text-based game to explore depression symptoms and examine how depression impacts a person’s behavior.
- Gris: In this action game, players learn about grief and depression and explore how these emotions impact a person’s capabilities.
- Spiritfarer: This simulation game provides players with a platform for exploring grief and survival guilt that may occur after a loved one passes away.
- Celeste: Players may explore many emotional situations in this game, including self-harm, alienation, and the challenges common to trans individuals.
Each of these games provides insights into mental health without lecturing the player. You can play the game as recreation alone. You can also experience in-depth stories that explore mental health in in-depth ways that may help provide solace to those experiencing these issues as well.
Expert Help is Important
While you don’t need professional help to play video games as therapy, they won’t replace therapy. They offer therapeutic support, but for serious mental illness or substance use disorders, expert help is still needed.
Working with a psychologist or counselor may produce a unique array of benefits and help you transition to a healthier life. You may even work directly with your counselor to choose games that suit your emotional needs the best.
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