Video games often get a bad rep, but playing them may actually help your mental health. Studies have demonstrated that commercial video games (not specifically tailored therapeutic ones) may offer positive mental health advantages such as helping regulate your mood and creating connections with others.
Gaming may be particularly appealing to neurodivergent people with increased sensory processing needs and prefer more structured daily routines, according to experts. But video games should not replace traditional therapy approaches.
Increased Self-Esteem
Researchers have recently discovered that video gaming can increase one’s self-esteem. This is likely because its reassuring qualities – especially following negative outcomes – help mitigate their effect on one’s sense of themselves (Katz, Laposa & Rector 2020).
Contrary to popular perception, video games can actually foster strong social bonds among players. Online multiplayer games allow gamers to collaborate and communicate with one another from around the globe; this fosters a sense of camaraderie and community for gamers suffering from social anxiety.
Mental health professionals are increasingly turning to gaming for therapeutic interventions, due to its cognitive challenges – like navigating complex virtual worlds or solving puzzles – providing effective means of improving depression and anxiety symptoms. Gaming also provides a platform for practicing coping skills which may come in handy during real life scenarios.
Reduced Stress
Video games situs judi bola offer great stress relief and can help players reach a state known as “flow,” where they become fully immersed in the moment – this can be especially helpful for those suffering from anxiety and depression. However, excessive gaming or inappropriate usage could result in negative health impacts for some individuals.
Mindfulness-meditation may be more effective at relieving stress than casual video games; however, physiological measures suggest they could both work equally as effectively to lower levels of tension (Thomas & Martin 2010). This could be particularly promising given their popularity among undergraduate students where stress is often prevalent (Thomas & Martin 2010).
Gaming violence, in particular violent games like those offered by Voelker who suffers from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), provides an emotional release. She finds its fast-paced nature helps her forget the worries of everyday life while giving her complete control of the playing experience.
Increased Social Connection
Researchers have discovered that commercial video games intended for entertainment can foster feelings of social connection, accomplishment and emotional regulation skills – thereby helping reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Gaming should not be seen as an alternative therapy solution; moderation should always be exercised but if your gaming habits extend beyond several hours per day it would be prudent to consult a mental health professional immediately.
Game’s immersive nature enables players to escape their worries and focus on captivating virtual experiences, providing a welcome escape. Achieve goals in-game creates a feeling of achievement which helps improve mood; overcoming difficult situations builds emotional resilience while teaching players how to cope with stress and trauma more easily – both key elements in building emotional resilience. Therefore, gaming has become an effective form of therapy as well as motivator for patients seeking rehabilitation services.
Improved Cognitive Function
Video games often seem like an ineffective form of mental health treatment, yet they could provide effective results. With many benefits including increased concentration and memory skills development, they could significantly help improve mental wellbeing.
Though gaming may appear as a solo pursuit, most modern videogames facilitate social engagement and collaboration among players while also aiding problem-solving skills development, which may prove beneficial for mental wellbeing.
Many games have also begun depicting mental health issues more thoughtfully and less stigmatizingly, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with titles like Celeste and Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice taking an inclusive and nonjudgmental approach towards issues such as anxiety and depression.
