It’s Mental Health Awareness Week – a subject that is extremely important to Green Man Gaming.
In recent years video games have evolved from simply being entertainment to powerful tools with a remarkable potential for enhancing mental health and well-being. Contrary to the prevailing belief that video games are detrimental to our mental health, research suggests that when used mindfully and in moderation, video games can actually have numerous positive effects on our psychological well-being.
This may seem obvious if you’ve ever had a bad day at work and launched into a game of Doom Eternal to take out some of that frustration, but we’re glad the wider world is waking up to how good games can be.
In this article, we will explore some of the key benefits of video games on mental health and how they can be harnessed as a therapeutic tool.
Stress Relief and Relaxation
Video games offer an immersive and captivating experience that can serve as an effective form of stress relief. Engaging in a game can divert our attention from daily worries, allowing us to relax and unwind. The interactive nature of gaming promotes a sense of control and achievement, triggering the release of endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers. By providing an enjoyable escape, video games can effectively alleviate stress and anxiety.
Of course, only if you’re enjoying your game. If you’re stuck in a 20-loss streak in Dead by Daylight, the enjoyable escape benefits might dry up. But it’s ok, play something else!
Cognitive Stimulation and Mental Agility
Many video games require strategic thinking, problem-solving, and quick decision-making. These mental challenges can significantly enhance cognitive abilities such as memory, attention span, and multitasking skills. Research suggests that action-oriented games can improve hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
Additionally, puzzle-solving games promote critical thinking and logical reasoning. By engaging in these mentally stimulating activities, video games can help keep our minds sharp and agile.
So the next time someone tells you to put down Portal 2, tell them you’re sharpening your brain. It’s not ‘fun’, it’s ‘mental exercise’.
Social Connection and Community
Contrary to the notion of video gaming being a solitary activity, many games offer an online multiplayer experience, enabling players to connect with others across the globe. These virtual communities provide a sense of belonging, support, and social interaction, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with social anxiety or have limited opportunities for face-to-face interactions.
Building friendships, teamwork, and collaborating with others in multiplayer games can foster a sense of camaraderie and positively impact mental well-being.
Just remember to block anyone who gives you hassle when online – life’s too short to spend your time around toxic teammates!
Emotional Resilience and Empathy
Story-driven video games often immerse players in rich narratives and complex characters, allowing them to experience a wide range of emotions. These emotional journeys can enhance empathy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to understand diverse perspectives.
By navigating through challenging situations and overcoming obstacles in games, players can develop resilience, adaptability, and a greater sense of self-efficacy, which can transfer to real-life scenarios.
Video games offer an ability to step into someone else’s shoes that is unlike any other media out there. While other forms of media allow you to experience someone else’s life, only in a video game can you become someone else. Video games are full of experiences that can expand your ability to think and feel empathy for others, we definitely recommend getting your hands on some story-driven experiences.
Therapeutic Potential
Recognizing the benefits of video games, professionals in the field of mental health have started to incorporate gaming into therapeutic interventions. Gamification techniques are employed to encourage positive behavior, motivate patients, and facilitate rehabilitation in individuals with physical or mental health conditions. Additionally, specific games designed for therapeutic purposes, such as those targeting anxiety disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), have shown promising results in reducing symptoms and improving overall well-being.
While excessive or inappropriate gaming habits can have negative consequences, it is essential to acknowledge and embrace the potential benefits of video games on mental health. When approached mindfully, video games can serve as a powerful tool for stress relief, cognitive stimulation, social connection, emotional resilience, and even therapeutic interventions. As research continues to explore the intersection of gaming and mental health, it becomes increasingly clear that video games have the potential to enhance our well-being in meaningful ways.
So, the next time you pick up a controller, remember that your favourite game might be doing more for your mental health than you realise.
