Video Games and Mental Health
As an interactive and often social form of media, video games may offer unique benefits to individuals’ mental health that other forms of entertainment do not.
For many, the believed relationship between video games and mental health has historically been a negative one, perhaps calling to mind video games leading to violence, video games as an addiction, or video games being used as a means of excessive escapism. In fact, I can remember about 5-10 years ago, typing “video games and therapy” into Google would yield almost exclusively results concerning therapy for these types of issues or concerns.
However, the mental health landscape has begun to shift more towards embracing what good video games can do for individuals’ mental health, and completing the same Google search today, thankfully, tends to reflect this.
It is easier than ever to find good research on video games and anxiety management, the applications of video games in therapy specifically, and more.
As a therapist and someone who has loved video games all my life, I could not be happier to see the mental health world begin to see what I see in the art form. Throughout my own time as a gamer I have experienced some of the stories and characters I have most resonated with, exhilarating moments of self-discovery, and cherished memories with people I love most.
When I discuss video games with clients, I tend to focus on three different applications: self-care, narrative/identity, and social support.
Video games can be a powerful tool in your self-care toolbox, but it’s all about selection and listening to what you need. Yes, sometimes self-care is going for a run or eating a nutritious meal but other times it is rest, fun, and giving yourself a break; that’s where video games come in. I love competitive, fast-paced multiplayer games but personally I know to avoid them when I am not in a good headspace. Games that have a cozy atmosphere, require you to do simple but satisfying tasks, and instill a sense of accomplishment all while giving you some time and space to zone out are what we want here.
Some games that fit this category might be: Stardew Valley, Minecraft, The Sims 4, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Animal Crossing
Video games have just as many rich, powerful stories to offer as any other art form, and often the player may feel even more invested in the story of a game since they are an active participant in it themselves. The stories and characters we resonate with help shape us. In therapy, discussing these aspects of gaming can be invaluable. I want to know if your favorite protagonist finding strength to protect their friends meant something to you or that being able to control a canonically trans character made you feel seen. There are plenty of insights we can gain by taking apart what aspects of a specific story or character meant so much to us and therapy can be an excellent place to do that work.
Some games that fit this category might be: Celeste, Baldur’s Gate 3, Earthbound, The Last of Us, Undertale
Video games are often a more accessible means of connecting with friends, both old and new. Maybe you hop into a game with your friends every Thursday night or join a Discord community around your favorite multiplayer game to meet people, there are plenty of games to play with friends and ways to do so. Additionally, for those who may have social anxiety or just feel nervous to work towards expanding their social support network, video games (and other hobbies) can take some pressure off because everyone is similarly invested in the activity and can share that passion with each other.
Some games that fit this category might be: Fortnite, Among Us, Fall Guys, Mario Kart, Lethal Company
Video games are a vibrant, diverse art form and there is absolutely a game for everyone. Video games, above all, should be about joy.
