Video games seem to be blamed for many different negative effects on mental health. Some studies indicate that gaming results in people becoming anxious, depressed, angry, or even violent. However, there is more to the story.
Playing video games has numerous benefits for your mental health. Video games can help you relieve stress and get your mind going. Some benefits include:
Mental stimulation; Feeling accomplished; Social interaction; Emotional resilience;
Mental health recovery : Playing games can help with trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Despite what people may think, playing video games boosts your mood and has lasting effects. Whether you’re using gaming to spend time with your friends or to release some stress, it's a great option.
Playing video games has been linked to improved moods and mental health benefits. It might seem natural to think that violent video games like first-person shooters aren’t good for your mental health. However, all video games can be beneficial for different reasons.
Try strategic video games. Role-playing and other strategic games can help strengthen problem-solving skills. There’s little research that says violent video games are bad for your mental health. Almost any game that encourages decision-making and critical thinking is beneficial for your mental health.
Set limits. Though video games themselves aren’t bad for your mental health, becoming addicted to them can be. Spending too much time gaming can lead to isolation. You may also not want to be around people in the real world. When you start to feel yourself using video games as an escape, you might need to slow down.
Play with friends. Make game time fun by playing with friends. There are online communities you can join for your favorite games. Moderate gaming time with friends can help with socialization, relaxation, and managing stress.
Limits of Video Games as a Mood Booster
Video games stop being good for you when you play an excessive amount. In these cases, you may:
- Have anxious feelings
- Be unable to sleep
- Not want to be in social settings
Another troubling sign is using video games to escape real life. This type of behavior can lead to video game addiction, which then leads to other negative behaviors. Too much gaming can become a problem, but in moderation, it can do great things for your mental health.
If you can’t stop playing video games on your own, you can contact a mental health professional.
SOURCES:
American Addiction Centers: “Video Game Addiction Symptoms and Treatment.”
AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION: “Video game play may provide learning, health, social benefits, review finds.”
Frontiers in Psychiatry: “Commercial Video Games As Therapy: A New Research Agenda to Unlock the Potential of a Global Pastime.”
Frontiers in Psychology: “Gaming well: links between video games and flourishing mental health.”
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