Gaming for mental health

[ZandraJoi]

Do you find playing games, be it online or board games even, helps your anxiety, depression, even stress levels?
If it’s an easy but challenging game, I find it relieves stress & calms me down. However, if it’s too intense with too much gore, I liken it to a horror movie & my heart races. Not good for stress lol
What games do you play to help your mental health?

 

[Hulk]

Mobile Gaming really helps my mental health. Playing Minion Rush or Dice with Buddies. Video gaming doesn't help though as I cannot stand all that shooting or whatever is the craze these days.

 

[Shortie]

Video games have been a huge help in my life through the years with some of the things I have been through if I am honest. I always find if I am having a bad day or if things don't seem to be going right, if I turn to playing video games it always helps me to relax and feel better. I now just have to get better at knowing when to take a break from work when things get too much so that I don't get too stressed out and just turn to do something I enjoy as that has been something I keep neglecting.

Games for me that I like to jump into when I am feeling stressed or my mental health isn't doing too well are Fortnite, Destiny 2 or even just mobile games on my phone like Harvest Land.

 

[Shree]

Gaming can support mental health by reducing stress, improving cognitive skills, and fostering social connections. I play relaxing games like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing to cope with stress and anxiety. I also play puzzle games like Tetris to improve problem-solving. Action RPGs like Dying Light provide escapism and a sense of accomplishment. Multiplayer games encourage social interaction, reducing loneliness.

 

[Ravenfreak]

Gaming can definitely help with mental health. I like to play comfort games when I'm down, I know I can enjoy them and I don't get stressed out trying to figure out how to beat a boss, or take the right path. I don't mind playing a game I never played before, but usually if I'm having a rough day I just go back to the games I'm familiar with.

 

[Fidelia]

I always play games to ease my mental pain. It has been a good therapy to distract my mind from mental stress and depression. I have realized that the weeks I have had much time to play video games, I always have the lowest blood pressure in those weeks.