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Video games that are tackling mental health issues

nytimes.com

1–10 of 41 posts

Re: Video games that are tackling mental health issues

#4
As someone lucky enough not to deal with these issues, I think the idea of these games bringing these issues to a broader group of people is really important. For example, I bought Celeste because it was a great platforming game, and found myself really unexpectedly moved by the plot of her depression/anxiety and it's relation to the mountain. That said, I would not have bought the game because of the plot alone. I think this is a really awesome and clever way of making these issues better known!

Re: Video games that are tackling mental health issues

#8
Video games are a temporary panacea, if even that. Notice how no doctors, studies, or anything worthwhile was cited -- just self-reported anecdata.

Nothing can replace well-trained mental health specialists (psychologists and psychiatrists), a solid support system (family, friends), healthy social environments (book club, church), and physical activity (a friendly soccer league, going on trips, exploring). "More videogames" for people that are already anxious and depressed seems honestly like some of the most harmful and bizarre advice I've ever seen.

Re: Video games that are tackling mental health issues

#9

Doesn't this sidestep the problem? We aren't lacking in games to cut stress. Arguably time away from videogames would help, and more time out in the world.

I haven't read the article, but there have been a number of games that I found personally helpful. It's not that they're helpful because they provide an escape from real life and its problems. Instead, they can be a source of meaningful dialogue about common problems, and they can help us to see that we are not isolated and that our troubles are not as impossibly unique as they might feel. After a quick skim, I haven't played any of the games in the article, but two games that made a fairly large impact for me were Celeste and OwlBoy.

Re: Video games that are tackling mental health issues

#10
post #8

Video games are a temporary panacea, if even that. Notice how no doctors, studies, or anything worthwhile was cited -- just self-reported anecdata. Nothing can replace well-trained mental health specialists (psychologists and psychiatrists), a solid support system (family, friends), healthy social environments (book club, church), and physical activity (a friendly soccer league, going on trips, exploring). "More vide…

This article isn't offering advice, its just a fluff piece about games that tell a personal story.
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