Can Gaming Be Therapy
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- Опубліковано 14 тра 2024
- This article may contain trigger points about suicide and depression. Reader discretion is advised. If you need to talk to someone, a list of organisations that can help is at the bottom of this article.
Remember, help is available and you matter.
This week is Mental Health Awareness week so I wanted to update this article and the journey I’ve been on since writing it. I know, I know, I hate saying journey as it’s such a trope these days, but to be honest it’s been a hell of a ride. One of the biggest issues we face with Mental Health is the stigma that we perceive is attached to it, so I decided it was high time I touched up this story to share what happened after my mates and I established unofficial therapy gaming sessions… But let’s start at the beginning.
Do you need to talk to someone?
Beyond Blue: This is a national organization that provides information and support to help people deal with depression and anxiety. They offer a helpline that is available 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
Lifeline: Lifeline is a national charity that provides crisis support and suicide prevention services. They have a helpline that is available 24/7 on 13 11 14.
SANE Australia: SANE provides support to people dealing with complex mental health issues, including depression. They offer a helpline that is available Monday to Friday, 10am to 10pm AEST, on 1800 187 263.
Black Dog Institute: The Black Dog Institute is a not-for-profit organization that provides information, resources and support for people affected by depression and bipolar disorder. They offer a helpline that is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST, on 02 9382 2991.
Head to Health: This is an online mental health resource that provides information, advice and links to services and support for people dealing with depression and other mental health issues. It includes a directory of mental health helplines and support services across Australia. You can visit their website at headtohealth.gov.au/ for more information. - Ігри
Gaming got me through some very bad points in my life especially my last partner passing away from cancer, if it wasn’t for gaming and some new online friends I made playing destiny I doubt I’d be here now…that was 10 years ago….now I’m married to a beautiful woman in the Philippines and my life has finally took a turn for the better.
Gaming still helps if I’m feeling down or having a bad day and not feeling great so for me yes I believe it can be used as a type of therapy especially if you have a good group to play with, sadly 2 of my friends that helped me are not here anymore & my friend group is very small now but the memories I have playing Xbox together will always be with me
Thank you for sharing your story. That would have been hard to go through and I'm glad to hear things are taking a turn for the better. I think back a lot to the good old days playing Battlefield with mates, good times indeed.
It isnt a replacement for counciling, but it can help. Opening up to your mates like that is a great first step. Well told- I loved your story, and hope you keep being kind to yourself.
You're absolutely right, shouldn't be used to replace professional help, but having some mates to chat to definitely helped me take that next step. Thank you for your kind words.
knew i had to click this video when i saw the title! such an interesting topic and you covered it very well! gaming can be seemingly frivolous, but experiences like these and many others show the genuine impact of video games as a source of comfort, keep up the good work!
Thank you for your kind words. Not many views on this one, but a lot of positive stories about gaming and mental health coming from it so it makes it all worthwhile.
Yes
Absolutely
100%
Speaking of which, you logged those flight plans for our next session?