Recent financial reports from Microsoft and Sony suggest the gaming industry has taken a big hit in 2022. It has been suggested that gaming numbers are down by as much as 14% on 2021. 

Despite global living conditions returning largely to some semblance of normality after the pandemic, gamers are struggling more than ever with their mental health. 

![](/images/Screenshot%202023-03-10%20at%2009.39.42.png)

### Is it the gaming industry’s fault?

Many gamers in the community will raise the point that triple A game developers are now increasingly profit driven and less inclined to make new high-risk games with exciting new concepts. 

Other point to the lack of blockbuster titles as the reason for dwindling interest in gaming. Either way, it seems as long as they have some kind of battle pass or loot crate system, the gaming industry are good to go. Maybe it isn’t the games that have changed but us instead?

In many countries, we were locked down during the height of the pandemic and only allowed to leave our homes to buy food and essentials. At first, all the time gained from commuting to school, college or work allowed many of us extra time gaming. 

Playing online was the way we stayed in touch with friends and family. Gaming was our coping mechanism. For many, perhaps it stopped being fun and instead became a coping mechanism that isn’t needed  now lockdowns are mostly a thing of the past. 

### Do we still need to escape from real life?

We often compare our gaming experience back to when we was young and games where much less readily available. I remember having to beg my mum and do extra chores around the house for a new video game if it wasn’t my birthday or Christmas. 

The overwhelming feeling of rushing home to play your new game that you have been thinking about all day or running downstairs on Christmas morning to unwrap the new game you have been waiting months for. 

These days it seems more like video games are used to escape reality from real world stresses and problems for a few hours but it is often a doubled edged sword as the more you do this and neglect real world responsibilities the worse it becomes. 

Many people have reported feeling a sense of guilt when playing video games in their spare time now as they feel they should be doing something more “important” with their time. Is it just because many of us have transitioned into a different stage of adulthood during the pandemic where we now have more responsibilities? Possibly. 

### Have TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram impacted our attention spans?

There may also be neurological reasons behind why gaming numbers are dwindling. As smart phone and social media usage has grown, our attention spans have slowly become shorter and shorter. 

For example, the evidence suggests that YouTube videos are becoming shorter to follow user engagement levels. Our attention is being divided more than ever before.

Tiktok, for example, allows users to consume hundreds of different videos in minutes and has a average watch time per video of only 3.3 seconds! 

The habits developed through checking your phone will undoubtedly spill over into video games. By the time the game has even loaded, many of us are already looking for that next “thing” to consume. 

How often do you find yourself waiting to respawn (a lot in my case) in a multiplayer game or in a load screen and you will pick up your phone and start watching TikToks or even be watching YouTube whilst you are playing a game? 

### Ways to fall back in love with gaming

As the old saying goes “Absence makes the heart grow fonder”, if you are looking to try and enjoy video games more we suggest perhaps taking a break and trying another hobby.

This could be anything from rock climbing, playing the flute, drawing or even down hill cheese rolling (yes that’s a thing google it). 

Research has shown that exercising for just 15 mins before playing video games can increase attention and decision-making speed. 

Doing something different will stimulate your brain in new ways and you might find playing a few games can become fresh and appealing again. Bring your online friends offline where you can, but where you can’t, chat about what you’re doing beforehand. 

If you’ve got a regular game night or you’re part of a team, perhaps limiting your time will be more effective. 

If you aren’t open to or don’t have the option to try something new and want to stick to games, it is worth finding a game that gets you out of your comfort zone. 

Pick a game or genre you have never played before and give it a go. There are hundreds of millions of games out there to choose from and I would bet that you only play a handful on repeat. 

You never know, your new favourite game of all time could be out there waiting and you don’t even know it yet. Playing new genres also opens you up to engaging with different communities. Research suggests that by engaging with a more diverse group of people, our attitudes can change and shift over time. Ignore the old saying, opening your mind won’t make your brain fall out! 

### Summary: Has Covid 19 ruined gaming?

In a way I believe it has to an extent, many people looked to gaming for an escape from the stresses of life rather than a form of enjoyment like it was previously. The combination of the burnout from gaming in lockdown and shorter attention spans has led to many of us simply not having much fun in games anymore. 

Not all hope is lost, try other hobbies and see what you enjoy, this break from gaming could be what ignites your love for it that you once had and enable you to identify why you found gaming enjoyable in the first place (social aspect, storyline etc).

Do not worry if you are feeling like you no longer enjoy games, you are not alone, there are many reasons that may be causing it and the literal global pandemic certainly hasn’t helped. If you want to join our community of like minded gamers as a space to hang out and meet new people to play with check it out here: https://discord.gg/MFaHqGMW


Recent financial reports suggest the gaming industry took a big hit in 2022, with numbers down as much as 14%. But is it the industry's fault? Gamers' mental health is struggling, and many are turning to gaming as a coping mechanism. Are we simply playing games to escape reality? Has the pandemic ruined gaming for good? Read on to discover the reasons behind the decline and ways to fall back in love with gaming.

Has Covid Ruined Video Games?

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Whether online gaming causes anxiety is a hotly debated topic. Some say that online gaming can lead to addiction and social isolation, which can increase anxiety levels. Others argue that online gaming can provide a much-needed outlet for people who are struggling with anxiety, and can even help them to cope with their condition. So, who is right?

## What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. There is no one answer to how anxiety is developed as anxiety can be caused by a variety of factors, both genetic and environmental. However, some experts believe that anxiety may be caused by a combination of factors, including brain chemistry, personality, and life experiences.

People become anxious when gaming due to a number of factors. Some people may become anxious while gaming because of the fear of failure or not being good enough. Others may become anxious due to the fear of missing out on something important or fun. Additionally, some people may become anxious due to the feeling of being isolated from others while gaming. Gaming can also be very stimulating and cause a person to become overwhelmed. Equally, gaming can also be used as a tool to regulate anxiety through escapism. This may, in some cases, lead to addictive behaviour as the person feels like they need to keep playing in order to relieve stress or anxiety.

![](/images/shot-of-a-unrecognizable-woman-sitting-on-a-sofa-a-2022-09-22-21-19-59-utc.jpg)

## How to tell if your gaming habit is causing anxiety

If you find that your gaming habit is causing anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help ease your anxiety. First, try to cut back on the amount of time you spend gaming. Secondly, try to find other activities that you enjoy and can do to help take your mind off of gaming. Should you feel that you can't cut back, it is worth talking through your situation with a family member, friend, or one of our team. Finally, if you are having trouble managing your anxiety, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

If you find that gaming is impacting your daily life in a negative way, it may be time to consider seeking help. Some signs that your gaming habits are causing anxiety include:

\-You feel like you need to play to relieve stress or feel happy

\-You spend more time gaming than you do socializing or taking care of responsibilities

\-You miss work, school, or other important obligations because of gaming

\-You neglect your personal hygiene or health due to gaming

\-You feel irritable, restless, or moody when you can't game

## Ways to manage gaming-related anxiety

1.  Talk to someone who understands

If you're feeling anxious about gaming, it can be helpful to talk to someone who understands what you're going through. This could be a friend, family member, or therapist.

2\. Create a healthy lifestyle

Make sure to create healthy habits for yourself outside of gaming. This includes eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep.

3\. Set limits

It's important to set limits for yourself when it comes to gaming. This may mean only playing for a certain amount of time each day or week. Having set limits can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed or anxious about gaming.

4\. Take breaks

If you start to feel anxious while gaming, take a break. Step away from the game and do something else for a little while. This can help you reset and come back feeling refreshed.

5\. Seek professional help

If you're struggling to manage your anxiety on your own, seek professional help. A therapist can work with you to develop healthy coping mechanisms and manage your anxiety in a more holistic way.

## Conclusion

The scientific evidence around gaming and anxiety is conflicted. Some studies suggest that gaming can help ease anxiety, while other studies suggest that gaming can exacerbate anxiety. The most robust evidence currently available suggests... It is unlikely that a definitive answer will ever emerge to this question. Gaming is too diverse and pooling all genres together is unlikely to provide a clear solution. If you're feeling anxious and you're concerned gaming might be responsible or contributing to these feelings, speak to us and we'll be happy to discuss your situation in a non-judgemental and supportive way.


Do you find that online gaming is causing you anxiety? Learn about the signs that your gaming habits are causing anxiety and ways to manage gaming-related anxiety.

Can Gaming Cause Anxiety?

It's no secret that games can be a great way to escape from reality and relieve some stress. But did you know that there are also some games out there that can actually help with depression, anxiety, and stress? Here at Gamers vs Depression many times we talk about the detriments of too much gaming and escapism can have on your mental well being but in this article we are going to discuss some great games to pick up when you might be feeling down, anxious or stressed.

Here are just a few of the games that have been shown to help people with these mental health issues:

1.  Actual Sunlight

2.  Elude

3.  Hidden Folks

4.  Candy Crush

![](/images/photo-of-man-playing-video-game-with-joystick-whil-2021-08-28-20-05-16-utc-min.jpg)

### **1. Actual Sunlight**

You may have heard of Actual Sunlight already as it received fantastic reviews from big names like Vice and Rock Paper Shotgun when it was released back in 2015. According to the developers Actual Sunlight is “a short interactive story about love, depression and the corporation.” You play as Even Winter a Toronto white collar worker exploring the everyday struggles of having to maintain a relationships whilst dealing with crippling social anxiety. If you enjoy mainly text based games and are wanting to learn more about depression then look no further than Actual Sunlight.

There are a number of reasons why the video game 'Actual Sunlight' can help with depression. For one, the game encourages players to reflect on their own lives and to think about what might be causing them to feel down. The game also features characters that suffer from depression, which can help players to feel less alone in their experiences. Ultimately, 'Actual Sunlight' can be a helpful tool for people suffering from depression, as it allows them to reflect on their own lives and provides a sense of distraction and accomplishment.

### **2. Elude**

Elude is a very unique game in the fact that it was actually designed and built specifically to be an educational tool for the friends and family of those with depression. In Elude you search through a range of emotional landscapes, exploring through places such as creepy woods and breezy fields looking for “passion objects” to help overcome emotional obstacles. Their site states “Only when infused with passion is it possible to overcome the obstacles on the way to the tree tops, where one reaches ‘happines’.” What is also great about this game is you don’t even need to download it, it can be played right here in your browser.

### **3. Hidden Folks**

Another game that is particularly good for mental health is Hidden Folks. Hidden Folks is an award-winning game that requires players to find hidden objects in intricate hand-drawn scenes. The game is relaxing and therapeutic, and has been shown to improve mental well-being. Hidden Folks is a great way to reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, and boost mood and self-esteem.

In hidden Folks their site states that you will “Search for hidden folks in hand-drawn, interactive, miniature landscapes. Unfurl tent flaps, cut through bushes, slam doors, and poke some crocodiles! Rooooaaaarrrr!!!!!”. The aim of the game is to find hidden targets by clicking around and interacting with hand drawn illustrations of 32 areas. The satisfying and lightly comedic nature of the game make it great for distracting your mind and take a little mental reset, even if just for a little while.

### **4. Candy Crush**

Candy Crush is a popular game that can be played on phones and computers. The object of the game is to line up matching candies and then crush them. The game is easy to learn and can be quite addictive. Candy Crush can be a good way to relieve stress because it is a distraction from everyday worries. The game can also be a good way to socialize, as it can be played with friends or family. The game has also been voted in at number one for the game that's best for stress relief. Now I know what you’re probably thinking “my MUM plays that game” and while yes that is probably true that doesn’t mean it is not enjoyable. It’s a super simple match 3 puzzle game which is quick and easy to learn how to play. It offers an unending amount of levels so that you can just zone out and start swiping candy, its amazing for stress relief and even says so when you load up the game. Some great features to mention is that its free to play, downloadable on your phone and doesn’t require Wi-Fi meaning that you can play literally anywhere. This game does however have a tendency to be addictive and make you want to keep going and going so self-control is key.

## **Summary**

So there you have it, four great games that can help with depression, anxiety, and stress. If you are struggling with mental health issues then hopefully one of these games can help provide some relief.  Its hard to say if there is just one best game for mental wellbeing and helping cope with stress. Just like how we all react differently to emotions, choosing the right game for you will depend on factors like personality and interests. Some may find single player games more enjoyable and others may find more escapism in playing a multiplayer game with friends. The good news is whatever type of game it is you find most comfort in it is most certainly out there waiting to be played and maybe you found a new game to try in this article!

If you're struggling with your mental health, using gaming as an escapism, or obsessing about a particular game, it can be a good idea to mix it up. Try thinking about gaming like food. No matter how good chocolate is, we know not to eat it all the time. Mixing it up and being more deliberate in your use of video games can be a positive step in finding a healthier balance. As always, if you feel like you are in a crisis please seek professional help. We're here if you need someone to talk when going through a rough patch.

P.s., If you've got a game you'd like to add to the list, drop us a message, we're always looking for positive new or lesser known examples.


Are you looking for some great games to help with depression, anxiety, or stress? Check out this list of 4 games that can actually help improve your mental well-being.

Games that can Help with Depression, Anxiety and Stress

If you play online, chances are you've encountered an angry gamer. Maybe you've had the experience of playing with a friend or team mate who's angry too. It can be pretty awkward and uncomfortable whether its online or with a group of friends, so it's important to know how to handle it. Here are some tips for how to handle angry gamers when playing with friends:

![](/images/angry-young-gamer-playing-game-on-computer-2022-01-30-08-38-39-utc-min.jpg)

1\) Try to stay calm. This is often times easier said than done when in the heat of the moment and especially if their anger is directed at you but if you can stay calm and help de-escalate the situation rather than rising it, this can help massively. This can happen quite frequently in online matches. There has been countless times where I have been in a game and a person has started flaming our team from minute one. Remain calm and kind to the person and focus on winning the game. Sometimes it's a strategy to throw you and they apologise at the end!

2\) Listen! Sometimes people don't know what they're saying until they say it out loud, so before you respond try listening for a few seconds and see if their point makes sense. If their anger is justified, then let them know that you understand where they're coming from and how upset they are. If they're just being rude, keep reading as we have some tips for this too!

3\) Respond in the moment! If someone calls you a name or says something unkind that makes you feel bad, don't wait until later—say something right away to attempt to resolve the situation! Being assertive and telling the person to stop is one approach. You don't have to meet anger with anger. Just be direct and straight to the point. This will help keep things cool between everyone involved and make sure no one feels like they were left hanging or ignored and hopefully can squash the problem immediately so you can get back to the game. 

4\) Don't take it personally! Remember: It's just a game (*note* *sometimes saying the phrase “its just a game” can actually make things worse*). Stay calm and treat others with respect no matter what happens during the game, because at the end of the day we all just want to have fun together. Try to think beyond the moment.  We don't want any drama getting in the way of a good time or worse your friendship. More often than not in online games the person flaming has had a bad day or a bad team the game previous and just wants to take out their anger on you. Riot (the creators of massively popular MOBA League of Legends) have reported that 98% of players experience toxicity in games and that they issues over 700,000 penalties per month. It's not you and it's a big problem in the industry.

5\) We are only human! We make mistakes, it’s going to happen but that’s okay and is a key part of every game (if we were all perfect at every game it wouldn’t be very fun now would it). Calling out other players mistakes in a game will only make them perform worse not better, next time try some words of encouragement and I think you will be surprised at how much it helps.

6\) If they continue to rage at you after you've tried to help the situation then it may be time to mute them. Communication is key especially in online competitive games such as Overwatch or Valorant where a team mate's call outs could be the difference between life and death. If your team mate has nothing constructive to contribute, sometimes it is just best to mute them and concentrate on your game. Obviously, this is not possible if you are playing with friends in real life so perhaps suggest taking a break to do something else or even try a different game.

7\) Set Boundaries. If you, for example, have a weekly game night with your buddies and one person is consistently making others feel uncomfortable by their anger when playing games then it’s okay to set boundaries and explain to that friend what is not acceptable and if it’s effecting your own well-being.

8\) Support them! Gaming unfortunately can cause all of us to rage from time to time but If it is a friend that you are noticing having anger issues consistently then you may want to help them seek advice. [Start by sending them our way for a free chat. ](/health-check)

I hope this guide helps you diffuse any online or in person gamer rage. Good luck out there and let us know if you've got other suggestions, thoughts or comments via our social media channels.


Looking for ways to handle angry gamers when playing with friends? Check out our tips and tricks to help you keep calm and carry on enjoying your game!

8 Ways to Handle Angry Gamers 

<center>![](/images/obese%20man%20with%20rsi-254a0412.jpg)</center>

# 13 Gamer Problems

There are many gamer problems. Negative perceptions of gaming in the eyes of parents, loved ones, and the media can make us question if gaming is good for us. In this article we dispel some outdated myths. We also outline 13 evidence based gamer problems you should take notice of.

In the eyes of many gamers, the mainstream media holds an agenda against gamers and the video game industry. Outdated and often baseless tropes around the negatives of gaming are often rolled out. Claims such as video games leading to violence are mentioned whenever a young person commits a crime. Ignoring the fact, of course, that almost all young people game to some extent or another in countries such as the USA and UK. 

Over the past decade, the scientific evidence has largely dispelled the notion that violent games lead to violent behaviour. Findings from large scale meta analyses have shown the relationship between violent games and violent behaviour to be so minute that it cannot be discounted that the effect generated isn’t purely what scientists call noise. A person with an automatic weapon killing people is not a gamer problem. It’s a society problem.

Parents and loved ones are often influenced by these outdated and baseless claims in the media. We understand that parents have concerns and some are legitimate.  Whilst claims about violent behaviour are largely without substance, there are negatives of gaming that need to be discussed. We have created a [Parents Guide to Gaming](https://gamersvsdepression.org/blog/parents-guide-to-gaming/) which may be of use to share.

In this video we outline 13 evidence based problems with gaming you should take notice of.  With this in mind, here are 13 gamer problems that are backed by science.

### Physical Health

*   **Gamer Problem 1. Sedentary activity-** There’s no denying that gaming is a predominantly inactive hobby. Prolonged hours at a desk or on the couch in the short term can lead to postural issues (especially if the desk/chair setup is improper). In the long term, the prioritisation of gaming will undoubtedly lead to a lack of physical activity, which can lead to a multitude of physiological issues (e.g. Obesity, diabetes, muscular atrophy).

*   **Gamer Problem 2. Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)-** These occur from frequent movements (think Tennis elbow). Most RSI injuries from gaming are hand and wrist related, the repetition of mechanical movement over a long period of time can make you more vulnerable to an injury of this nature. 

*   **Gamer Problem 3. Sleep-** Sacrificing sleep to game is an unfortunate social norm connotated with video games. The irony is that sleep deprivation has been shown to reduce the efficiency of cognitive functions when gaming. So sacrificing sleep for the grind is actually counterproductive. 

*   **Gamer Problem 4. Nutrition-** This is a subjective factor, but to generalise, if you spend long periods of time gaming you tend to let other facets of your life fall by the wayside. Eating is a necessity of course, but with the ease of accessing fast food and delivery services, the current world facilitates ordering out over taking the time to prepare a balanced meal. 

### Mental Health

*   **Gamer Problem 5. Alexithymia and emotional suppression-** Alexithymia is the inability to recognise or describe one's own emotions. Excessive video gaming has been associated with symptoms of Alexithymia. This can lead to a lack of emotional awareness, both in oneself and interpreting the emotions of others. Games can also be used to suppress or avoid negative emotions,  this can be a viable coping strategy when used sparingly, but issues can arise if you become reliant on this mechanism. 

*   **Gamer Problem 6. Dopamine-** Games by design are ‘dopamine inducing’. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which controls pleasure regulation in the brain. This is why gaming is fun and perceptively fulfilling. However, over time you can develop a tolerance due to the regular dopamine dumps from playing games. This means you’ll require even more dopamine in order to enjoy yourself, which usually leads to more game time. This is one of the main contributors to gaming addiction and there is more on our website [www.gamers](http://www.gamers/)vsdepression.org on this topic. 

*   **Gamer Problem 7. Motivation-** Motivation to do things is more psychological than physiological, and video games create the perfect system for positive reinforcement, rewards and excitement. Usually as humans we would need to venture out and pursue the unknown to feel these sensations. Now we can achieve that state from the comfort of our homes. The downside is that if we can attain this sense of achievement so effortlessly, one may not feel the need to pursue more tangible opportunities, such as learning a new skill, improving health or career development. That’s not to say gaming doesn’t teach useful and transferable skills and we will have a video on this shortly. As with all activities, being deliberate around the skills you wish to develop and why you’re performing the activity is key. 

*   **Gamer Problem 8. Negative escapism-** Escapism can be positive or negative, it’s an effective way to take a break from reality and ourselves for a short time. However, the behaviour starts to become negative when the duration is increased significantly and it becomes a reliance. It is essentially another coping strategy that can be misused for avoidant purposes. 

### Lifestyle

*   **Gamer Problem 9. School or work-** As I previously mentioned, if your game time increases, other activities tend to fall off. School and work performance are one of the most common facets of one’s life that start to be neglected from excessive gaming. This can result in stress, anxiety, jeopardise your future prospects or your current financial situation.

*   **Gamer Problem 10. Hobbies-** In similar fashion, prioritising game time can cause you to become disinterested in activities that used to be enjoyable. Interests do change over time, but if you find yourself giving up positive activities such as sport/exercise or hobbies with high social interaction, it may lead to lifestyle imbalances. 

*   **Gamer Problem 11. Stagnation-** Linking with motivation, playing games too much could lead to a feeling of plateau and stagnation in life. Creating a negative cycle of not feeling like you’re progressing in the real world, so you double down on gaming to experience that feeling of achievement and satisfaction. 

### Social and Relationships

*   **Gamer Problem 12. Social disconnection-** Games (particularly online) are a great way to meet like minded people and connect with others. This can actually improve social connection and reduce feelings of loneliness. However, spending too much time in the virtual world could negatively affect your social connections in real life. Socialising in the flesh is still an important part of social wellbeing. 

*   **Gamer Problem 13. Relationship issues-** Prioritising games can result in potentially neglecting the important people in your life. Whether that’s close friends, a partner, family and in some cases your own children. These relationships are vital for overall wellbeing and need to be preserved and maintained.

To summarise, excessive video game usage can lead to a variety of gamer problems that span across multiple aspects of one’s life. Just like everything else, too much of a good thing can become an issue, learning to achieve a balance between playing time and other activities (essential and nonessential) is integral to achieving and maintaining overall wellbeing.

That’s enough gamer problems for one video. If you want to hear about some of the many positives of video games, visit our YouTube channel where we cover many of the positive ways gaming can impact your life. Links in the description.


Gaming is great but every gamer knows there are problems. This article discusses 13 gamer problems to avoid.

Gamer Problems: The Negative Effects of Gaming

In this video we examine the academic literature and ask the question "Are Gaming and Depression Linked?"

ARE GAMING AND DEPRESSION LINKED?

*This World Mental Health Day sees the launch of a dedicated programme to support online gamers struggling with mental health issues.*

Today sees the launch of a psychological first aid support programme by Gamers vs. Depression. A Movember project led by an international team of psychologists, the project aims to support online gamers with their mental health. 

With some [60 million gamers reportedly addicted to gaming, one in three suffering with poor mental health](https://openpsychologydata.metajnl.com/article/10.5334/jopd.56/), and [young people in particular struggling to reconnect post pandemic](https://academic.oup.com/jpubhealth/advance-article/doi/10.1093/pubmed/fdab402/6499474?login=false), peer support services, such as Gamers vs. Depression, are in high demand 

Aligning with advice from the [World Health Organisation in 2021](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240025783), the project trains members of the gaming community to deliver psychological first aid to their fellow online gamers. This peer-support approach reduces the burden on overwhelmed mental health services and provides accessible support to all.

"Gamers often struggle to understand when their behaviour is becoming disordered. Being able to discuss concerns about gaming addiction, trolling, emotion regulation concerns, and relationship worries with a fellow gamer, who has been trained to deliver psychological first aid, can be a really positive first step in getting better" said the project's lead Dr John Mills. 

Grounded in scientific literature, the project uses evidence to inform and improve gamers understanding of mental health disorders, how to spot the signs of poor mental health in themselves and others, while providing guidance on the steps to improve their wellbeing. 

Tommy (Gamer): “Gaming is a great hobby and most of my friends play online together. Most of the time it's a fun and social activity. Gaming allows you to fight battles, drive race cars, or play in a World Cup Final with your mates. It can become an escape from the real world and our problems though and this is when it can actually make people struggling with their mental health worse. As a gamer myself I know how supportive the community can be and by doing my psychological first aid training, I can support those who struggle to moderate their gaming behaviours so they can better support themselves and their mates.”

By using gaming as a mechanism to reach young people struggling with their mental health, the team hope to enable those struggling to feel heard and understood by their own communities. Figures suggest 40% of men in particular will not seek help for their mental health by a doctor. Through their work, Gamers vs. Depression are hoping their efforts help to develop a culture of self-care and peer support in the gaming community.

John: “We know [men are nearly half as likely to seek support for their mental health compared to women. We also know that men are four times as likely to die by suicide](https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/suicidesintheunitedkingdom/2021registrations). We hope that by taking the conversation to men and engaging them in a way that feels natural, we can support in the treatment of depression before things spiral out of control." 


Ivy Lim-Carter - Director, Social Innovation, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention at Movember, said: "We were looking for fresh, innovative technology-based ideas to address the problem of loneliness, isolation and improve social connectedness in men and strengthen their overall mental health. We’re really looking forward to working with our new partners to develop initiatives that will support the mental health of men who are at risk of becoming socially isolated.”

1 <https://openpsychologydata.metajnl.com/article/10.5334/jopd.56/>

2 <https://academic.oup.com/jpubhealth/advance-article/doi/10.1093/pubmed/fdab402/6499474?login=false>

3 [https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240025783](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/97892400257834)

[4](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/97892400257834) https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/suicidesintheunitedkingdom/2021registrations




Today sees the launch of a psychological first aid support programme by Gamers vs. Depression. A Movember project led by an international team of psychologists, the project aims to support online gamers with their mental health. 

Psychological First Aid for Online Gamers

Gamers vs. Depression launch online psychological first aid support for gamers

## What You Mean When You Say "I Hate Myself"

Many people feel that their lives are not worth living and there is no hope for them. This can lead to self-loathing, self-hate, and in extreme cases, [suicide.](https://gamersvsdepression.org/blog/suicide-gaming/) The theme of this article will be on how to help you accept yourself and create a more positive view of yourself.

The first step is to stop the negative thoughts that are running through your head. Saying things like “I hate myself” helps no-one. If you've been thinking these thoughts for a while then it's going to take time to get rid of them. You need to think of the good things in your life and what makes you happy. Think about all the things that make you who you are and what makes you special - this will help increase your self-esteem in turn decreasing your self-loathing or self-hate. Everyone has strengths and almost all negatives have a positive. It can be hard to find them when you’re saying things like I hate myself though, so be patient and cut yourself some slack. 

Step two is realizing that everyone has flaws and imperfections but they are what make us human beings different from each other; they're what make us unique! We may have different strengths and weaknesses, but we all have something that we are good at. Alderian Psychology argues we all provide value just by being. 

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7qecP0Iq2qg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

### Negative Self-Talk

Self-talk is a conversation that we have with ourselves. It may be conscious or subconscious, and it can be positive or negative. The way we talk to ourselves determines how we feel about ourselves and how we behave in the world. Saying “I Hate Myself” is a form of negative self-talk. [Negative self-talk ](https://dictionary.apa.org/self-talk)is a harmful habit that many adults have developed over time. It can lead to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, shame, anger, and other mental health issues. Negative self-talk can also lead to physical problems such as [increased heart rate and blood pressure](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4565744/).

Positive self talk is an important tool for managing stress, staying healthy mentally and physically. It helps one to focus on the moment by reminding them of their own strengths and good things about themselves and what they are grateful for in life. Through positive self-talk and a lot of hard work, people can gain a more optimistic outlook on life. Positive and Negative forms of self-talk have been studied extensively within sport. Whilst not specific to gaming and esports, this [paper](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/James-Hardy/publication/222277408\_Speaking_clearly_A_critical_review_of_the_self-talk_literature/links/5c35d16e458515a4c717d240/Speaking-clearly-A-critical-review-of-the-self-talk-literature.pdf) provides a useful review of the literature.

### What is the Relationship between Self-Acceptance and Self-Esteem?

[Self-Acceptance](https://dictionary.apa.org/self-acceptance) is a relatively objective sense or recognition of one’s abilities and achievements, together with acknowledgment and acceptance of one’s limitations. Self-acceptance is often viewed as a major component of mental health. It is the opposite of [self-hatred ](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/self-hatred)in that it self-hatred encompasses continual feelings of inadequacy. [Self-esteem](https://dictionary.apa.org/self-esteem) is a person's perception of their own value or worth. In order to have good self esteem, one needs to have an acceptance of self. The two are intertwined and without one, the other cannot exist.

### Self-Acceptance and Why You Should Love Yourself?

It is crucial to learn to accept and love oneself. It is not selfish to love oneself and I do not mean self-love in a [narcissistic](https://www.britannica.com/science/narcissism) sense. Self-love is viewing yourself in a positive light, being patient and forgiving of yourself; in the same way you are more patient and forgiving of those you love. Without some semblence of self-love it can be difficult to find happiness and maintain a positive outlook. It's about respecting your needs, desires and boundaries. It's about accepting your imperfections. Self-love is about providing for your emotional needs, even if it means going against societal expectations.

> Love yourself, so you can love others and the world around you.

### How You can Start Accepting and Loving Yourself Right Now

Self-love and acceptance is the foundation for a happy life. It can be hard to find and has been discussed for centuries (see A[ristotle's view of Eudaimonic wellbeing](https://escholarship.org/uc/item/30m759kz)), but it can be found and practiced in many ways.

1\) Stop comparing yourself to others and instead, compare yourself to the person you were yesterday.

2\) Quit the negative self-talk. Saying “I hate myself”, however true it might feel, does nothing to improve your situation. Look for any positives, no matter how small. We all have value and strengths. 

3\) Do something you like every day.

4\) Find what it is that makes you happy and do more of it.

5\) Care for yourself like your life depends on it. 

6\) Identify the things that are making you say “I hate myself” and work on changing them. If it can’t be changed, work on accepting them and looking for any positives they might offer. [Aristotle](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ethics-virtue/) describes the Golden Mean between vices and virtues. For most things, a positive can be found to the negative. 

![](/images/i-hate-myself-golden-mean.png)

### Conclusion

It is important to stop saying "I hate myself" because it is not helpful and this kind of negative self-talk leads to negative emotions and behaviour. It is also important to stop comparing yourself to others. There is no point. We all run our own race and looking sideways at the achievements of others creates a false sense of inferiority. Instead, focus on improving yourself compared to the person you were yesterday, last week, or last year. Self-loathing leads to self-destructive thoughts and behaviors. Cut yourself some slack and remember negative things in your life provide you with the opportunity for growth. For when you turn a negative into a positive, you gain twice. You are no longer burdened with the negative situation, and in addition to that you are strengthened by your actions in making a positive change.


What you mean when you say "I hate myself". Many people feel that their lives are not worth living and there is no hope for them. This can lead to self-loathing, self-hate, and in extreme cases, suicide. The theme of this article will be on how to help you love yourself again and feel better about yourself.

From I Hate Myself to I Love Myself

MoJoOnPC discusses how he avoids burnout whilst continuing as a YouTuber with nearly 200 million views. 

AVOIDING YOUTUBER BURNOUT

There have been numerous high profile suicides in the gaming community recently. Watch our video to learn about some of the factors that are related to suicide. 

SUICIDE AND THE GAMING COMMUNITY

ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE?

Our Parent's Guide to Gaming breaks down what behaviours are problematic and helps you to connect with your kids over their passion.

PARENT'S GUIDE TO GAMING

Gamers vs. Depression's Programme Lead, Lee Cumbers, discusses how he became addicted to gaming and the steps he took to get better.

HOW I BECAME ADDICTED TO GAMING

We spoke to MoJoOnPC about his journey from unknown to becoming a YouTuber with close to one million subscribers.

MoJoOnPC on Becoming a YouTuber

# ![](/images/hero.jpg)Five Ways to Help You Stop Gaming?

Firstly, having the self-awareness to admit there may be an issue is commendable, and the first step toward addressing the influence and impact gaming has on you. Video games are a tool, they contain no positive or negative elements, like everything, it is the way they are used by the individual that causes the outcome, good or bad. 

You have already identified the ‘what’ in this paradigm, video games are causing a negative effect. Whether gaming is affecting your lifestyle, wellbeing, behaviours or emotions, knowing these outcomes will not be of any benefit unless revelations are sought. Understanding  the ‘why factor’ behind your urges or obligation to game in spite of the detrimental effects it is having- can lead you onto a path of regaining control. 

**‘The Watcher’**

Becoming the ‘watcher’ of your own mind essentially means becoming more self aware, present and taking a second to reflect on the reasons why you behave and react to situations, especially the negative ones. Is there a particular scenario or mindstate you experience that leads you to game excessively? Are there certain triggers, such as environmental stressors (work, school), interactions or exchanges with others that result in negative emotions or attack your self worth (relationships, friends, people of influence), or any other impactors that cause you to seek escapism and refuge in the form of immersing yourself in a virtual world? 

Identifying these potential triggers will help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, and those negative automatic responses- have now been brought to the forefront of your mind. 

This practice of becoming ‘the watcher’ doesn’t need to start and end with video games, it’s a valuable practice that can be applied to any aspect of your life. Reflective practice can be difficult at first, try writing down your thoughts and revelations, or talk about them outloud- to yourself, or with someone supportive. 

**Quit game - are you sure? Yes/No**

Now you’re on the pathway of identifying the cause(s) behind the effect, you may be wondering about the severity of your situation, and what steps you should take next. Let’s begin with the idea of quitting, if you find yourself experiencing the following difficulties, it may be time to log-off for good: 

*   Lack of or no self-control over your game time, and attempts to reduce gaming in the past have failed.

*   Excessive gaming has impacted your physical health, such as physical inactivity, poor nutrition and sleep hygiene. 

*   Gaming has negatively affected your mental health and wellbeing, experiences of increased anxiety, depression, mood swings, irritability, and a reliance on relieving negative emotions such as hopelessness or guilt through playing.

*   Gaming has negatively impacted your social connections and activities. You spend a significantly reduced amount of time interacting with friends/family and have given up your other hobbies altogether. 

If you find yourself displaying these behaviours, going cold turkey is only one viable solution. However, if you don’t want to lose your favourite hobby, there are many other things you can do to regain control over your gaming habits and more importantly your life, without resorting to the nuclear option. 

*   **Monitoring and regulating-** Structure and routine are integral when attempting to change your behaviour. Allocate a time window for playing, I would suggest 2-3 hours initially, then you can attempt to reduce this time or even go a whole day without gaming. I would also suggest prioritising your essential activities before your game time slot. Completing your work, homework, and chores such as cooking and cleaning. Once all the necessities of life are complete, you’ll find yourself enjoying your gaming hours even more, guilt-free.

*   **Explore other hobbies-** The aspects of gaming that attract users, such as a sense of achievement, problem solving, acknowledgement of skill, progression and many others, are also the foundations of numerous recreational activities. Finding a new hobby can give you that satisfaction you get from playing, while also potentially increasing your physical activity, social interactions and skill development, depending on the activity you’ve chosen of course.

*   **Dopamine detox-** Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in our brain that regulates feelings of pleasure. Excessive video gaming can cause you to develop a tolerance. This is the same with any activity that invokes pleasure, hence the saying ‘too much of a good thing’. To detox, you will need to remove gaming, gambling, social media and other contexts that stimulate a feeling of anticipating positive or negative feedback. Activities such as reading a book, painting or crafts more broadly can be good alternatives. It usually takes around 2 weeks to normalise your dopamine levels. But, why stop at 2 weeks? If you’re feeling a lot better, see how long you can go. 

**Party up!**

Changing your own behaviour can be a lonely and exhausting process. The motivation to do it needs to come from within, attempting to change yourself because of external influencers usually results in a relapse.

However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t include people in the process, you could encourage a friend or relative to also walk this path with you, or ask them to help you monitor your own behaviour. Dopamine detoxes are also much more effective and successful if you do them with others. If you’re quitting video games altogether, having an extra set of eyes to keep tabs on you could help, especially if you are experiencing withdrawal from gaming. 

Realising the premise of your relationship with video games is the first stage to making a positive change. Understanding the reasons why you’ve become reliant on games is the second. Once you understand the ‘why factor’, the next course of action- will be entirely up to you.

Changing your life can be a challenging experience. If you’re looking for more information about how to stop gaming or would like FREE help and support, our [network of psychological first aiders are here to hel](/health-check)[p](/health-check).


Ever thought about taking a break or making the decision to stop gaming? Read our article on your options and how to approach reducing or stopping gaming.

Stop Gaming?

![](/images/Untitled_Artwork.jpg)

# Gaming Addiction: Are You  a Gaming Addict?

It’s estimated that 60 million people are experiencing gaming addiction. The potentiality of gaming addiction becoming an endemic is worrisome to say the least. 

Gaming Addiction, also known as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) involves an unhealthy fixation on playing games.

In 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Gaming Disorder as a mental health condition for the first time. Categorising IGD as a behavioural addiction, along similar lines to gambling- and you can see why 

Considering the exponential growth of the video game industry and its users in recent years, Internet Gaming Disorder could be on the verge of becoming an endemic. 

**Signs and symptoms**

According to the American Psychiatric Association, displaying 5 of the following symptoms within a one year period could result in an IGD diagnosis. 

*   Preoccupation with gaming

*   Withdrawal symptoms when gaming is taken away or not possible (sadness, anxiety, irritability)

*   Tolerance development, the need to spend more time gaming to satisfy the urge

*   Inability to reduce playing, unsuccessful attempts to quit gaming

*   Giving up other activities, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities due to gaming

*   Continuing to game despite problems

*   Deceiving family members or others about the amount of time spent on gaming

*   The use of gaming to relieve negative moods, such as guilt or hopelessness

*   Risk, having jeopardised or lost a job or relationship due to gaming

**Causes**

The previously mentioned signs provide the foundations of causality, with the defining factor being the transition from enjoying games in your recreational time, to the incessant and compulsive need to game. There are many reasons someone could begin to misuse video games, so here’s a general overview:

*   **Stress:** Everyone gets stressed, so we develop coping strategies in order to manage it. Gaming can be a positive way to reduce stress and regulate emotions. However, it can also be used detrimentally, such as suppressing negative emotions. This can result in a dependency and negative association between feeling stressed and using gaming as a form of avoidance.

*   **A need to escape:** Escapism is a coping strategy that can be positive and is arguably essential for wellbeing. Escaping reality and even yourself for a few hours by immersing yourself in a virtual world or vicariously living through a character is an excellent way to relax. The issues arise when the hours spent escaping start to impact one’s life such as the deterioration of relationships, education, work, sleep or nutrition.

*   **Videogame design:** I am not pointing a finger at game developers, but it needs to be mentioned that videogames are designed with persistent play in mind. Accolades and rewards for playing every day, playing a number of matches or hours a week and elements such as season passes, in-game purchases and downloadable content (DLC)- are all present to entice the player to keep gaming. Additionally, the aesthetic and phonetic design of games are used to classically condition individuals. The soundbite played when completing a level, or coming in 1st place- are constantly stimulating our happy hormones (dopamine, serotonin).

*   **A need to achieve:** Games facilitate many opportunities to achieve, progress and win. This can create a sense of purpose, recognition and gratification. If these satisfying feelings aren’t being experienced in everyday life, whether it’s school grades, work or most importantly- one’s perception of achievement. One may increase their game time because it’s an activity that perceptively provides all these factors, a temptation that’s hard to resist.

*   **Your virtual self:** Online games are an excellent way to meet likeminded people with shared interests. These can turn into true friendships and social connections over time. The ability to be anyone you want and create a large network of friends around the world may be more compelling than who one is in the real-world. Resulting in prolonged gaming in order to invest more time into this virtual life.

**What can you do?**

First off, video games are merely a tool just like everything else, they can be used for positive and negative means. Nevertheless, if you feel that you might be playing too often or using video games in a detrimental fashion, here are a few ways to take back control of your relationship with gaming: 

*   **Become the watcher of your mind:** This is easier said than done. All it means is to become more self-aware, and begin to understand why you are displaying these behaviours when it comes to gaming. Gaining this introspection promotes self-regulation and can enable you to still enjoy an activity that you love, but not abuse it. One tip is to reflect immediately when you feel the urge to game, understand why you’re feeling like this, is there a trigger or cause? It takes a lot of practice, patience and time, so be nice to yourself during this process.

*   **Find another interest:** Expanding your horizons and interests can help you find an equilibrium between gaming and other aspects of your life. This could be learning an instrument, a language, exercising, trying a new sport, or learning a new skill. Self-improvement, progression, control and a simple ‘cause and effect’ relationship are a few of the things that make games so enticing. Other hobbies share similar features, which can lead to experiencing those satisfying moments, while also improving your skill set, health and social connections.

*   **Monitor and reduce your game time:** Allot yourself a time period or a certain day to play games. Routine and structure can help you stay on top of your game time and give you something to look forward to, while also reducing the likelihood of letting essential activities such as sleep, work or school fall by the wayside.

*   **Cold turkey:** Just quit games immediately, uninstall them, sell your console or PC. If you feel like the above options won’t help because you’ll be unable to sustain them, this may be the most viable solution.

*   **Party up!:** Bring a friend or relative into the loop, explain that you are trying to reduce your game time, or quit altogether. Ask them to help you monitor your own behaviour, or even come along for the ride by also reducing or quitting gaming, social media or any other activity. You could also ask them to try a new hobby or learn a new skill with you.

Has this video got you thinking about gaming addiction or questioning whether you are a gaming addict? [Click here](/health-check) to speak to a psychologist trained gamer support coach. Thanks to the wonderful folks at Movember it's completely free.



Gaming addiction is a growing concern globally. This article looks at ways you can identify whether you're a gaming addict. 

Gaming Addiction: Are You  a Gaming Addict?

Gaming Addiction: Are You  a Gaming Addict?

![](/images/emotionless-portrait-man-black-jacket-jeans-standing-near-wall.jpg)

# Suicide and the Gaming Community

The gaming community has been rocked by several suicides in recent years. Streamers such as [Reckful](https://www.tmz.com/2020/10/07/byron-bernstein-reckful-suicide-gaming-world-of-warcraft-twitch/), [Erika](https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/etika-daniel-desmond-amofah-death-youtube-mental-health-852559/), [BJ Jammi](https://www.koreaboo.com/news/korean-twitch-streamer-jammi-suicide-death-radical-feminist-cyber-bullied-male-extremists/), and [Kika ](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10299347/Serbian-YouTuber-Kristina-Kika-Dukic-21-dead-bullied-Instagram.html)are just a few of the streamers who have or are suspected as having taken their own life. These tragedies have led many to ask how such tragedies can occur. 

In the UK and US, suicide rates have fluctuated between 10 to 15 people per 100,000 range for the past two decades. Men are statistically around three times as likely to die by suicide as women and in the UK, Suicide remains the single biggest killer of under 35s regardless of sex. Globally, someone takes their own life roughly every 40 seconds. 

Most of the discussion around suicide focuses on the individual’s mental health. Clinical depression is positively correlated with suicide. Mental health, however, is only one of the factors. The biomedical model suggests that suicide is mostly a consequence of psychiatric pathology (i.e., abnormal brain functioning) and inadequate treatment of depression. Whilst still the dominant perspective, this view is becoming increasingly challenged. 

Recent [studies](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032722006334?via=ihub) have begun to challenge the narrative that depression can be treated by simply addressing a chemical imbalance in the brain. Unlike in the 1960s when the Serotonin hypothesis was first presented (i.e., that depression is the result of a chemical imbalance between serotonin and other neurotransmitters within the brain), depression is now largely accepted to be a heterogenous disorder with potentially multiple underlying causes.

If depression — and by extension suicide — is not solely caused by dysfunctional brain chemistry, what are the causes? In short, depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors. Many of the causes are well known. Childhood trauma, family history, and recreational drug use are all reasonably well known factors. It is important to note that suicide is rarely caused by one factor. Many of the reasons outlined in the following paragraph operate in an interrelated manner. As I hope will become clear, suicide is a complex phenomena. 

1.  Financial. The loss of wealth, mounting debts, and other forms of financial pressures can be a factor. Suicide and unemployment rates are positively correlated. For example, suicide rates spiked during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Financial catastrophes can lead individuals to lose hope that a brighter future is possible.

2.  Shame. Maintaining a good name and reputation is important to the majority of people. History has shown that many people have taken their own lives as a response to scandal. The feeling of humiliation and the perception that there is no way to regain one’s previous standing may lead to suicide. 

3.  Grief. Whilst suicide and depression are linked, it is not the case that they must always be linked. A catastrophic event, such as the death of a loved one, the breakdown of a relationship, or losing a valued career can also lead to suicide. 

4.  Loneliness. Statistically, those who commit suicide are more likely to live alone, have fewer friends and have less involvement in community activities. Maintaining a broad range of social connections is key to avoid dependency on one individual or community. Research suggests, for example, that being divorced doubles the risk of suicide — particularly immediately after the loss. 

5.  Protest. Whilst many reading this may only have experience of Tibetan monks setting fire to themselves in protest to recall here, the issue is far broader. Sometimes suicide is used as a last ditch attempt to inflict guilt on a someone who has emotionally, morally, or physically injured them. Suicide rates amongst rural farmers are particularly high and suicide here, could be viewed as a form of protest to their conditions (i.e., starvation and poverty). 

Depression is often viewed as holding a negative view of the world and non-pharmacological interventions such a cognitive behavioural therapy can be effective in challenging and reframing negative thoughts. Another approach that is gaining interest is [social prescribing](https://gamersvsdepression.org). Where it is clear that the person has become disconnected from the community or lacks meaningful activities, social prescribing can be a useful strategy — typically in combination with other forms of intervention. 

As with all of these factors, there are vast individual differences in the psychology of each of us, what we value, and how we respond. It is important that we understand the factors and know how to spot the signs.  By forearming ourselves with such knowledge, we equip ourselves with the ability to act with empathy, kindness and consideration should the time come that someone reaches out for help. Doing so might just save someone’s life. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, have considered suicide or know of someone from the gaming community who is, please seek/direct them to immediate support. We have contact numbers available [here](/get-support).

 

 


There have been numerous high profile suicides in the gaming community in recent years. Our video outlines some of the lesser known factors that are related to suicide. 

Suicide and the Gaming Community

![](/images/young-african-guy-male-professional-cybersport-gamer-wearing-headphones-looking-camera-while-playing-online-video-game-participating-esport-tournament.jpg)

# **My Experience with Gaming Addiction**

I displayed some symptoms of internet gaming disorder (IGD) in my teenage years, and certain signs even return when I experience high levels of stress. Withdrawal was the most prominent for me, I remember becoming irritated and even aggressive when I was unable to game for a sustained period of time during adolescence.

Without going into a whole memoir, I wasn’t happy at school or with myself in that period of my life. Like every teenager, I was struggling with external stressors, social pressures and my own identity. 

I’ve been playing games since I was 4-years old, but from the age of 14-17, there was a definite change in the reasons behind why I wanted to play. I was good at online games, ranking high on world leaderboards. That felt amazing and from my perspective it was an achievement more important than school grades or social expectations.

The importance of these achievements stemmed from the fairness and control you have while playing games, the unbreakable rules, acknowledgment of skill and the firm ‘cause and effect’ relationship of playing well = reward. This was much more appealing than the perceived uncontrollable aspects of life I struggled with at the time. 

Luckily, at 17 I started going to the gym, which became my new main hobby. I still game in my recreational time, but exercise has become my positive coping strategy.

Gaming Addiction, also known as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) involves an unhealthy fixation on playing games.

In 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Gaming Disorder as a mental health condition for the first time. Categorised as a behavioural addiction, along similar lines to gambling, drug abuse and social media addiction.

Over 2 billion people gaming globally and according to a systematic review and meta analysis conducted in 2021, 3-4% of players are experiencing gaming addiction: <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33028074/>

8.5% of youths aged 8-18 are diagnosed with IGD annually. The overall total estimate of addicted gamers is 60 million, and that’s a conservative calculation. 

The potentiality of IGD becoming an endemic in the gaming community is a worrisome notion, especially taking into account the exponential growth of gaming and esports. Obtaining a deeper understanding of gaming addiction is integral, so here is everything you need to know about Internet Gaming Disorder. 

**Signs and Symptoms**

These are the following signs and symptoms of IGD according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA): <https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/internet-gaming> 

Internet Gaming Disorder (DSM-5)

*   Preoccupation with gaming

*   Withdrawal symptoms when gaming is taken away or not possible (sadness, anxiety, irritability)

*   Tolerance, the need to spend more time gaming to satisfy the urge

*   Inability to reduce playing, unsuccessful attempts to quit gaming

*   Giving up other activities, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities due to gaming

*   Continuing to game despite problems

*   Deceiving family members or others about the amount of time spent on gaming

*   The use of gaming to relieve negative moods, such as guilt or hopelessness

*   Risk, having jeopardised or lost a job or relationship due to gaming

5 or more of these symptoms need to be present within a 1-year time period in order to declare an official diagnosis. 

**Causes**

The aforementioned signs draw the line between enjoying one’s recreational time, and an incessant obligatory need, while also providing a foundation for causality. There are a multitude of causes and reasons that gaming addiction could manifest, so here’s a general overview:

*   **Stress:** Everyone gets stressed, so we develop coping strategies in order to manage it. Gaming can be a positive way to reduce stress and regulate emotions. However, it can also be used detrimentally, such as suppressing negative emotions. This can result in a dependency and negative association between feeling stressed internally or externally and using gaming as a form of avoidance.

*   **A need to escape:** Escapism is a coping strategy that can be positive and is arguably essential for wellbeing. Escaping reality and even yourself for a few hours by immersing yourself in a virtual world or vicariously living through a character is an excellent way to relax. The issues arise when the hours spent escaping start to impact one’s life such as the deterioration of relationships, education, work, sleep or nutrition. 

*   **Videogame design:** I am not pointing a finger at game developers, but it needs to be mentioned that videogames are designed with persistent play in mind. Accolades and rewards for playing every day, playing a number of matches or hours a week and elements such as season passes, in-game purchases and downloadable content (DLC) are all present to entice the player to keep gaming. Additionally, the aesthetic and phonetic design of games are used to classically condition individuals. The soundbite played when completing a level, coming in 1st place etc. are constantly stimulating our happy hormones (dopamine, serotonin).

*   **A need to achieve:** Linking to the point above, games facilitate many opportunities to achieve, progress and win. This can create a sense of purpose, recognition and gratification. If these satisfying feelings aren’t being experienced in everyday life, whether it’s school grades, work or most importantly one’s perception of achievement and success. Increasing an activity that perceptively provides all these factors is a temptation that’s hard to resist.

*   **Your virtual self:** Online games are an excellent way to meet likeminded people with shared interests. These can turn into true friendships and social connections over time. The ability to be anyone you want and create a large network of friends around the world may be more compelling than who one is in the real-world. Resulting in prolonged gaming in order to invest more time into this virtual life. 

**What you can do**

First off, video games are merely a tool just like everything else, they can be used for positive and negative means. Nevertheless, if you feel that you might be playing too often or using video games in a detrimental fashion, here are a few ways to take back control of your relationship with gaming: 

*   **Develop your ability to self-reflect:** This is easier said than done. All it means is to become more self-aware and understanding why you are displaying these behaviours when it comes to gaming. Gaining this introspection can facilitate self-regulation and put you on a pathway to still enjoying an activity that you love, but not abusing it. One tip is to reflect immediately when you feel the urge to game, understand why you’re feeling like this, is there a trigger or cause? It takes a lot of practice, patience and time, so be nice to yourself during this process.

*   **Find another interest:** As mentioned above this worked great for me. When I started going to the gym it improved my self worth, confidence and the act itself shared striking similarities with gaming. Self-improvement, progression, control and a simple ‘cause and effect’ relationship. To this day I’m an avid gym goer, without it I may have delved deeper into gaming addiction. If you’re interested in what exercise can do to help your lifestyle and gaming performance, click here: <https://gamersvsdepression.org/blog/gaming-performance-exercise/> 

*   **Monitor and reduce your game time:** Another strategy I practice, I allot myself time or a certain day to play games. For me and my friends, Wednesday evening is game night. Routine and structure can help you stay on top of your game time and give you something to look forward to. 

*   **Cold turkey:** Just quit games immediately, uninstall them, sell your console/PC. This is an extreme option in my opinion, but I do know people who have had success from this. If you feel like the above options won’t help because you’ll be unable to sustain them, this may be the most viable solution.

To conclude, gaming addiction is on the rise. By understanding what IGD is, how it may be affecting you and implementing strategies to regulate your game time, you can begin to build a healthy, positive relationship with a hobby you love doing. If you're concened you may be becoming a gaming addict, [book a chat with our psychologist trained gamer support coaches](/health-check).


Over 2 billion people gaming globally and according to a systematic review and meta analysis conducted in 2021, 3-4% of players are experiencing gaming addiction.

Game Addiction: The Harsh Reality of Being a Gaming Addict

![](/images/DALL%C2%B7E%202022-08-26%2014.23.27%20-%20Asian%20man%20wearing%20virtual%20reality%20headset%20on%20alien%20planet,%20Rick%20and%20morty%20style%202d.png)

# Gaming Addiction and it's affect on Families

Gaming addiction diagnosis has increased in recent years. Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) involves an unhealthy fixation on playing games, subsequently causing other aspects of life to fall by the way-side.

In 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Gaming Disorder as a mental health condition for the first time. Categorised as a behavioural addiction, along similar lines to gambling, drug abuse and social media addiction. 

The accessibility, mobility and cost effectiveness of the modern gaming world facilitates living in a falsified reality, with disregard to other importances such as education, physical, psychological and social well being.

As a parent, sibling or loved one, you may have concerns surrounding the behaviour of your child/family member when it comes to playing games. So it’s time to shed some light on game addiction, how it can affect the family dynamic, and what you can do to invoke a positive change to the lifestyle of the child in question. 

## **WHAT makes video games enticing?**

Video games are a tool just like everything else. They can be used for positive and negative means. Given the topic, the negative connotations will be more appropriate, but it’s important to remember that games and devices are not the causality, to find that will take time, attention and rebuilding. 

Here are a few aspects of video games that compel individuals to pick up a gamepad:

*   Escape from reality- Immersing yourself into a virtual world where you can literally be anyone and anything. 

*   Creativity- Some games can invoke creativity, a trait embedded into all of us. Minecraft is a popular example of this. 

*   Control- Games are set in a controlled environment, with rules, regulations, fairness and absolution. This level of stability can be tempting if one’s life or environment is the exact opposite. 

*   Vicarious living- Creating an in-game character or living vicariously through a protagonist can be entertaining and fun. It also furthers the escape not only from reality, but from yourself. 

*   Sense of achievement- Beating a level, winning an online game or improving your performance can be very satisfying and act as monikers of progression.

*   Social support- Online gaming is an incredibly social activity, where you can play with friends, make new ones and match with likeminded people from around the world. 

## **WHY do people get addicted to games?**

The core reasons behind one’s addiction are usually very convoluted, multifaceted and difficult to pinpoint. However, from a behavioural perspective, the elements of video games above make it easy to see why this tool is utilised for negative purposes:

*   Negative escapism- Escapism is arguably an integral part of maintaining wellbeing. This coping strategy can turn negative when it’s being used to excess, such as a reduction or absence of other hobbies, poor hygiene, sleep and nutrition. When the recreational activity of gaming becomes sacrificial, and the ratio of escapism outweighs the time spent doing essential tasks, a change needs to be made.

*   Avoidance- Intertwined with escapism, a child may be avoiding perceptively stressful or difficult aspects of their lives and the negative emotions they conjure. They may feel this is the only way they can cope with the world around them and the emotions they feel. 

*   Dopamine hit- Achieving milestones, aesthetically/phonetically pleasing gameplay and superficial reward systems are just a few triggers of happy hormone release. Most game developers enable this further by implementing features such as rewards for regular play, downloadable content (DLC) and in-game purchases.

*   Perception of achievement- A child may feel that they are failing in aspects of their lives, whether that’s personal friendships/relationships, education, work or expectations from society/people of influence, gaming is a one-stop shop for recognition and gratification.

*   The vicious cycle- A period of excessive gaming could lead to a loss of tangible elements in one’s life, health, wellbeing, relationships, social connections and many others. After experiencing these downfalls, turning back to gaming may seem like their only option. And the cycle repeats. 

**When gaming becomes a disorder: Signs and Symptoms**

These are the following signs and symptoms of IGD according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA): <https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/internet-gaming> 

Internet Gaming Disorder (DSM-5)

*   Preoccupation with gaming

*   Withdrawal symptoms when gaming is taken away or not possible (sadness, anxiety, irritability)

*   Tolerance, the need to spend more time gaming to satisfy the urge

*   Inability to reduce playing, unsuccessful attempts to quit gaming

*   Giving up other activities, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities due to gaming

*   Continuing to game despite problems

*   Deceiving family members or others about the amount of time spent on gaming

*   The use of gaming to relieve negative moods, such as guilt or hopelessness

*   Risk, having jeopardised or lost a job or relationship due to gaming

5 or more of these symptoms need to be present within a 1-year time period in order to declare an official diagnosis. 

## **The Family Unit**

Considering the aforementioned symptoms of IGD, it is clear that the main objective outcomes primarily affect the wellbeing of the user. Excessive gaming can lead to negative lifestyle changes such as:

*   Reduction of physical activity

*   Sporadic sleep pattern and deprivation

*   Reduced personal hygiene and self-care

*   Difficulty concentrating outside of game-time

*   Poor nutrition and eating patterns

When it comes to the family dynamic as a whole, these negative changes are likely to result in a reduction of social interaction, emotional distancing and an overall disconnection with family members in every sense.

As a former child who spent most of his time video gaming, even displaying some of the symptoms above, such as faking sick in order to get out of school so I could game all day. I feel I can bring a unique perspective to this topic, which is usually discussed without the experience of being on the receiving end of the negative reinforcement and punishments that usually ensue. 

## **HOW you can support your loved one and rebuild the relationship**

First on the agenda, significantly reduce or stop any negative reinforcement or punishments surrounding your child playing video games. This could be acts like taking the console/PC away, or making passive-aggressive comments when your child is choosing to play games in their free time. From personal experience, all this does is confirm the parental disapproval, causing them to socially withdraw even more and severing the connection further between you both. This creates an overall negative association between an activity your child loves doing and the feeling of shame and inability to talk or discuss a hobby they love. 

It is essential to approach the situation with a high level of understanding in every sense of the world. Understanding what your child could be going through, how they are feeling, and a good general knowledge of video games is the best place to start. So here are some steps to take when attempting to rebuild the relationship:

*   Learn about video games- How they work, types of games and why people play them. This may surprise some people, but children DO want you to ask them about what they are doing with a majority of their free time. As a child I attempted to converse with my parents and siblings about my gaming endeavours, which most of the time were met with confusion or apathy, to the point where I didn’t bother anymore. Learn what games your child likes playing, what they involve, are they social/team-based or solo games? Ask to watch them play, or even suggest playing a game together. 



*   Understand and identify with them- Attempt to start conversations stemming from gaming, do they play with friends online? How did they meet? How long have they been playing together? By taking an interest, you can use gaming as a bridge to more sensitive or real-world subjects, such as in-person friendships, school, work, how they are feeling, emotions or any other matter that could be sensitive or difficult to talk about. Gaming can also act as a distraction or guise, with the child primarily focusing on the game, it can sometimes facilitate them opening up more in an environment they are familiar with and comfortable in.



*   Negative association to positive- It’ll take some time, but you need to remove the potentially villainous status perceived by your child. The one who takes their console away and disapproves of their recreational choices. Understanding games and taking an interest in their lives will help this process. From there it’s all about reinforcement and following up. For example if they play online in a team, ask your child how their games went, do they play in a league or tournaments? Did they work well together? What was the best moment? If it’s a solo game, did they beat that level, get that trophy, beat that boss etc. Over time you should slowly reconnect with your child, maybe on a deeper level than previously achieved. 

Once the relationship has reverted back to a neutral or even positive status, being able to converse with your child about more sensitive matters should be met with less resistance. Additionally, you’ve opened up a new way to bond and spend time with your child, playing a game together and becoming a support system. 

At this stage, this would be the best opportunity to address potential issues that are concerning you. Your child should hold you in a higher esteem, and respect your opinion more, even if it goes against their gaming status quo. 

Has gaming addiction affected your family? Make sure to follow us on social media for our parents guide to gaming and [arrange a time to speak to our psychologist trained gamer support coaches for advice. ](/health-check)

What is gaming addiction and why do people become addicted video games? These are some of the questions we answer as well as steps you can take as a family to help. 

Gaming Addiction and it's affect on Families

Watch our mini-documentary on Moist Esports epic Rocket League win at the 2022 Spring Major. 

Moist Esports: The Rising Waters (Mini-documentary)

Obtaining healthy sleep is important for both physical and mental health, improving productivity and overall quality of life. Everyone can benefit from better sleep, and sleep hygiene can play a key part in achieving that goal. This is especially important as sleep is closely connected to mental health and has demonstrated links to depression and other mental health conditions. Previously, sleeping problems were seen as a result of depression, but growing evidence suggests that poor sleep may be a cause of depression.

![](https://preview--gvd-v2-eae55.stackbit.dev/images/sleep%20copy.jpg)

So! Sleep hygiene is crucial in improving mental health and it can be achieved by following a few rules:

*   Avoid exposure to blue light before bed - blue light, in the form of screens, disrupts sleep by lowering melatonin levels. Normally, melatonin levels begin to rise in the mid- to late evening, remain high for most of the night, and then drop in the early morning hours. However, blue light from phones, tablets, computer screens or TV can boost alertness and alter our circadian rhythm (or internal clock) by fooling the brain into thinking that it’s still daytime. Cut down your exposure to unnatural light an hour before bed and no screen time 30 minutes before bed.

*   Alcohol - Perhaps the most misunderstood drug when it comes to sleep. Alcohol is part of the sedative family of drugs. The old wives tale of a ‘night cap’ does not work to put you to sleep but sedates you. It knocks your brain out and stops natural sleep. This is different to normal sleep as the body struggles to work through it’s typical sleep cycles. You spend less time in a deep sleep and more time in less restful REM stages of sleep. Leaving you feeling tired the next day regardless of the time you have spent in bed.

*   Caffeine - Caffeine has a 6 hour half-life - you may be unaware of the effect. It has a similar effect to alcohol in causing you to spend less time in a deep sleep and more time in less restful REM stages of sleep. So, two or three doses of coffee even 6 hours before bedtime could cost you upto to an hour’s sleep. It is important to note caffeine does not just come in the form of coffee or traditional black tea. It can be found in energy drinks (Monster and Red Bull) and green tea. Look to decaffeinated options and try to avoid caffeine after midday. 

*   Set Your Sleep Schedule

*   This means having a fixed wake-up time regardless of the day whether it’s weekday or weekend.

*   Prioritise sleep! 

*   It may seem tempting to game for hours into the night and into early morning but it is vital that you treat sleep as a priority. If you calculate a target bedtime based on your fixed wake-up time, ensure you are ready for bed by that time. For example, if you want to wake up at 8AM and want 8 hours of sleep, make sure you are in bed by 12PM without having looked at a screen (TV,Monitor,Phone) for at least 30 minutes as the blue light emitted from the screen causes poor sleep. 

*   Don’t Toss and Turn:

*   It helps to have a connection between being in bed and being asleep. Therefore, if after 20 minutes and you haven’t gotten to sleep yet, try getting up and stretching or reading or anything calming in low light before trying to sleep again. However, try to not use a screen to do this.

*   Incorporating Positive Routines during the day

*   Get Daylight Exposure

*   Be Physically Active

*   Dont Smoke

*   Reduce Alcohol consumption

*   Reduce Caffeine consumption especially in the afternoon and evening

*   Don’t eat too late

If you can follow the majority of these rules, usually your sleep will become deeper and more refreshing, however it isn’t the same for everyone, so try and find what works for you and if you have long-lasting or severe sleeping problems or daytime sleepiness, it’s best to talk with a doctor who can recommend the most appropriate course of treatment.


Everyone knows we should sleep 8 hours a night. But what happens when we don't and how does this affect our gaming performance?

How Sleep Improves Your Gaming Performance

It’s well known that exercise provides a multitude of benefits to the physical, psychological and social wellbeing of an individual. Whether exercise is carried out through sport, at the gym, outdoor activities or even at home, elevating your heart rate and getting the body moving is an essential part of living a healthy lifestyle. 

Conventional benefits aside, what if I told you that regular, structured exercise could improve your gaming performance, and prevent injuries or ailments that come as a result of prolonged gaming time?

Gamers in the aggregate have a poor relationship with exercise, mostly due to the sedentary nature of the activity. However, this stereotype is somewhat broken when looking at professional Esports players. Pro-gamers are starting to incorporate exercise into their daily routines because of the numerous physiological and psychological benefits that can improve performance, such as: 

*   Improved posture

*   Increased muscle mass

*   Prevention of Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)

*   Prevention of physiological conditions e.g. Type-2 Diabetes

*   Increased energy levels

*   Increased self-confidence

*   Reduced stress

*   Reduced mental health issues e.g. Depression

*   Elevated mood

*   Improved cognitive functioning

Cognitive functioning refers to multiple mental abilities; including learning, thinking, reasoning, remembering, problem solving, decision-making and attention. All of these factors contribute to in-game performance. By implementing an exercise regime, you could see an improvement in your personal performance, and skyrocket your rank and MMR! 

Public Health England recommends at least 150 minutes of exercise per week (that’s only 4 Counter-Strike games per week!) involving a combination of aerobic exercise (e.g. jogging, cycling, swimming) and full-body resistance training (e.g. free weights, resistance machines, bands). 

Specifically, postural retraining focuses on exercises that target your core, shoulders and back muscles. If you feel like your posture may be inadequate, and you find sitting down for long periods at your desk uncomfortable, this would be a good place to start. Improving your posture can reduce and prevent RSIs from occurring, while increasing your overall physical wellbeing. 

Additionally, breaking up sedentary time with exercise or active rest periods has also been shown to improve physical wellbeing. While standing up from your desk and walking around has been recommended to prevent the negative effects of prolonged sitting. Calisthenics (bodyweight movements such as squats) are considered the most effective form of energy expenditure. These can be done anywhere, require little space, and no equipment is necessary. 

In my opinion, implementing moderate aerobic exercise (outside if you’re able to) and a routine of calisthenic exercises is the best place to start if you’re looking to add exercise into your daily lifestyle. Once you become more comfortable and confident with exercise, seeking out a sporting club, activity centre or gym would be the next step. If you’re looking for information and advice along your exercise pathway, researching online using reliable sources and seeking help from accredited professionals will facilitate you utilising your time effectively, and exercising as efficiently and safely as possible. 

So start working those muscles, and flex on your opponents in-game! 

Sources: Public Health England. [Tulder, Malmiraara & Koes (2007)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1895638/).[ Carter, Jones & Gladwell (2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25816733/)). [Pirries & Lodewky (2012).](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1755296612000129?via%3Dihub)


Improve Your Gaming Performance with Exercise

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We’ve all been here, a few bad games, feeling tilted, frustrated, but is there something more going on? (Getting killed, conceding goals etc. Chat frustration).

You may have noticed a recent change in your teammate’s behaviour, a friend acting uncharacteristically while playing, something they’ve said, or done, that’s caused you to become concerned for their wellbeing.

By learning how to Spot the Signs of a struggling comrade, you can begin to effectively support your friends both on and off the virtual field of play.

Everyone experiences mental health issues differently, but there are some key indicators that someone might be in distress, and potentially approaching a crisis.

Has their mood changed? Are they behaving differently? Has the vocal, energetic shot caller of the team become avoidant and withdrawn? Or has the coolheaded clutch master, become erratic and aggressive?

These drastic changes in your teammate’s personality could indicate that something is wrong. So, how do you go about supporting your friends in their time of need?

You can reach out to them, with the help of **ALEC**:

*   Start by **Asking** how he’s feeling, avoid intrusive questions, and pay attention to their response by:

*   **Listening** to them, empathise, and seek understanding of what he is going through, appreciate that it’s extremely difficult to talk about one’s mental wellbeing, and reassure them that opening a line of communication is a positive step.
    Don’t feel pressured to find answers or solve the issue, instead,

*   **Encourage** Action: help him to focus on the simple things that could improve how he feels, and conclude the conversation by providing information on sources of mental health support.

*   Finally, remember to **Check-in**, follow up after your chat. This will let him know that you’re available to speak again about sensitive matters.

Being a point of contact for conversations about mental health can be very rewarding, but could also be emotionally overwhelming, be conscious of your own wellbeing and make sure you also have an appropriate support system in place.


One in three people are thought to be struggling with their mental health. Would you know how to spot the signs of depression in your friends? Watch our video to find out. 

Spotting the Signs of Depression in Gamers

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Welcome to part 3, in this third and final video, we’ll be looking at the numerous interpersonal and mental skills that can be developed and transferred from the virtual field of play, into everyday life.

In Part 1 we outlined the focus of this series and examined whether the evidence around the negative aspects of gaming often discussed within the media hold up to scientific scrutiny. In Part 2, we then examined the literature around the positive aspects of gaming and once again, examined the available evidence. In this video, we delve into the transferable skills that can be developed while gaming and the types of roles and activities these can support offline.

Whether it’s school, further education, or a career pathway; there are many skills that are essential and desired by oneself, and by an employer or educator. Buzzwords like ‘communication’, ‘teamwork’ and ‘analytical skills’ are conveyed through job advertisements and academic curriculums.

Video gaming once again provides the perfect platform for nurturing and honing the attributes that are heavily sought after. So here are just a “few” benefits from playing games that seamlessly transfer into the current World.

Development of interpersonal skills- Interpersonal skills are described as: The skills we use every day when we communicate and interact with other people, both individually and in groups.

Most online multiplayer games require a high level of communication, cohesion and teamwork. Being able to gel and work collaboratively with others is absolutely vital in any environment.

Mental skills- Also known as psychological skills, these are essentially “tools for the mind”. Which include skills such as positive self-talk, enhancing confidence, goal setting, stress control and achieving the most productive mindset.

Video games have been shown to boost self-esteem and confidence, and the dynamics of most games facilitate goal setting, efficiency, relaxation, patience, and many other virtues that are constantly utilised in academic and work environments.

Gaming harnesses and develops your mental skillset, improving concentration, emotional regulation and thought control; while also providing a way to relax and positively escape.

Development of cognitive skills- Which are the core skills your brain uses to think, read, learn, remember, reason and pay attention. These skills work cohesively to take in and identify information, process the relevant points, and move them into your bank of knowledge. Think of your cognitive ability like a muscle, the more you condition and utilise these skills, the more efficient they become.

Playing video games is like a workout for your cognitive skills, because a plethora of cognitive functions are taking place constantly, the multi-dimensional aspects of gaming provokes a multi-functional response from the user, which enhances many desirable cognitive attributes that are pivotal in real-life.

Here are just some of the the numerous cognitive skills developed from playing in the virtual World:

*   Problem solving and logic- puzzles and overcoming adversities are part and parcel of nearly every video game.
*   Planning and resource management- Forward planning and knowing what items or objects you have at your disposal is a frequent occurrence in most games.
*   Multi-tasking and tracking shifting variables- Players and game environments are constantly changing, handling and tracking multiple stimuli is a necessity when playing.
*   Quick thinking, fast analysis and decision-making- a fraction of a second, the mishandling of information, or one bad decision can be the difference between winning and losing, so you better think fast!
*   Strategy and anticipation- strategising and predicting the behaviour of opponents is half the battle, especially when playing online.
*   Situational awareness- Games provide an exposure to a variety of unique situations, over time you learn what responses are best for certain scenarios.
*   Reading and maths skills- Reading, language and mathematics are fundamental in most games, especially mental arithmetic (woman equation meme).
*   Perseverance- Probably the most prevalent skill required for all games, not giving up on a level, or trying to reach a higher rank is commonplace in the gaming world.
*   Enhanced memory-  ‘All is mind’ when it comes to games, filtering and remembering information is pivotal, and something you do all the time in everyday life.
*   Improved concentration- Honing your game skills improves your attentional focus.
*   Mental mapping- A combination of memory and awareness, being able to mentally map your position and the environment itself leads to an improved performance outcome, while you won’t be expected to remember every peek angle of your office building (CS Office game), the skills required will easily transfer into many real-world situations.
*   Pattern recognition- Another facet of memory and awareness, this can be anything from puzzle and problem solving, to recognising behaviours of your opponents.

And finally: Management skills- Objectively there are many simulation games where you take on the role of a manager, whether it’s a sports team, a theme park, or a bespoke diner, you’re in charge. From an online, competitive perspective, this could mean managing or captaining an esports team while playing in a league or tournament, or even more casual like taking on the role of shot-caller in ranked games (Rush B).

To conclude, video games can be a positive way to cope with the stressors of life, be used to maintain social relationships with friends, provide opportunities to form new connections with others, and develop mental and interpersonal skills that can be transferred into real world situations. As long as your game time doesn’t start to outweigh other essential acts and responsibilities, gaming is arguably one of the best hobbies you can implement into your daily life. And I’m sure the ever growing population of 3.24 billion gamers worldwide would agree with me.


Gaming gets a lot of negative press but there are a host of benefits too. This article introduces a few of the key ones and some you may not have thought of.

The Positives of Gaming

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Welcome to part 2, in this video we’ll be taking a look at how gaming can positively influence your mental health and social connection.

In Part 1, we laid out the focus of this three part series and began with the negative aspects of gaming; looking at what the available literature tells us and whether the claims are supported by evidence. The link to Part 1 is in the description.

Part 2

Mental health problems have increased in prevalence and severity over the last few years. It is estimated that 1 in 6 people would have experienced a common mental health problem in the past week (mentalhealth.org). Mental health issues are also one of the main causes of the overall disease burden worldwide, meaning it’s one of the biggest impactors of health and wellbeing on the global population.

Recent research has shown that gaming can have a positive effect on wellbeing. A study conducted at the University of Oxford found playing video games is positively correlated with overall wellbeing. (https://psyarxiv.com/qrjza). Policy makers around the world have been contemplating the regulation of video game playing time and its overall influence on wellbeing, even though there isn’t enough adequate data to justify these notions, and the findings revealed so far support the idea that gaming may actually facilitate positive mental health.

So here’s a few benefits that video gaming can have on your mental health:

Video games lead to healthy brain stimulation- Most games promote the stimulation and use of many different areas in the brain, such as problem solving, decision-making, pattern recognition, and many more. It also provokes multiple dimensions of critical thinking and improves analytical skills. In part 3 of the series, we’ll be going into much more detail regarding these aspects.

Playing games can help relieve stress- Immersing yourself into an RPG, working through an action-adventure franchise, or battling against others online are excellent ways to relinquish stress. Gaming is an interactive and diverse tool for unwinding, and promotes ‘positive escapism’- taking a break from reality in order to decompress from a rough day or week, and providing an opportunity to gain some perspective on the daily stresses of life.

Video games can help you develop coping strategies- When faced with a difficult life situation, people tend to use coping mechanisms in order to deal with the obstacles they’re facing. While some of these mechanisms can be negative, such as abusing drugs and alcohol, gaming incites opportunities to learn how to effectively cope with real-life difficulties by overcoming virtual adversities, invoking perseverance and promoting a sense of achievement.

Intertwining with mental health is ‘social connection’, which is defined as: “The relationships you have with the people around you”. They may be close by such as family, friends and co-workers, or far away, meaning you only connect with them over the phone or online.

Having social connections with others in any form are important for a variety of reasons. One of the main outcomes is the development of ‘Resilience’ which is the ability to bounce back after stressful situations, this is strengthened when you give and receive social support.
Support from your social connections can also contribute to feelings of purpose and meaning in life. Being there for others, and having people you can turn to when in need are pivotal for improving and maintaining wellbeing.

In light of recent years, social connection has become more important than ever before. Video games are arguably the best platform for socialising and maintaining relationships. Communication is a constant when gaming online, and creates an almost perfect environment for different capacities of conversations to be shared among friends or new people.

Gaming and livestreaming are effective ways to combat loneliness. Loneliness is the perceived feeling of being alone or isolated, regardless of what social connections you have. This modern way of socialising with people who share similar interests and affinities can help overcome the feeling of being alone, while becoming part of a genuinely supportive community.

There are many different ways to create social connections through gaming, this could be something like joining an esports team or league, playing MMORPGS and other games that involve teamwork and large-scale interaction, or playing online games in general where matchmaking connects you to thousands of people across the World. The possibilities of meeting new people, and staying connected with old friends are endless, and video games make it effortless and enjoyable.

In summary, playing games in moderation can be good for your health and gaming is an effective way to maintain positive mental wellbeing. The empirical research being conducted supports the idea that video games are actually a useful tool for mental health, going against the baseless statements of policy makers and government officials. Forming and maintaining social connection with others has never been easier through gaming, meeting like minded people at the touch of a key or button promotes the generation of new relationships through fun and enjoyable experiences that bring people together from across the World.

In part 3, we’re going to discuss how video games can help your personal, academic and career development, as well as nurturing other mental skills that transfer into real-life situations. Make sure you hit that subscribe button to stay notified, and check out our website for more information.


There is a lot of discussion about the negatives of gaming, but it's not all bad. Watch this video to hear about some ways gaming can be good for your health.

Can Gaming can be Good for Your Health?

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Since the birth of video games, there has been an ongoing argument in the mainstream of whether gaming is positive or negative in regard to overall well being.


Typically, the media falls on the side of detriment. Proposing that video games can lead to laziness, aggressiveness and even violent behaviour. However, due to the unstoppable growth of gaming and its firm implementation into modern society, whether many media outlets like it or not, video games are here to stay.


Like with most things, an unjust negative outlook on a particular topic is usually formed due to misinformation and lack of understanding. The somewhat one-sided viewpoint of video games has left a skewed perspective in the eyes of parents, government and health officials. We have attempted to take a critical look at the evidence with a view of providing a more nuanced and balanced perspective of the pros and cons of gaming. In this three part series, we will present the outcome of this investigation.


Before we dive into the numerous benefits of picking up a gamepad, or using your keyboard and mouse for more than just work and internet surfing, let’s take a look at the perceived negative aspects of gaming. While some are truthful, there are others that are not backed up by empirical research or data. For example: The notion that violent video games cause violent behaviour is completely anecdotal. Academic research shows no correlation of violent games inciting real life violent behaviour, in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Video games of any genre have been shown to reduce stress, facilitate relaxation, and regulate emotions.


After decades of this completely farcical narrative being pushed in the mainstream media, one game developer company decided to hit back. Rockstar games, the creators of the Grand Theft Auto series, were scrutinised by no other than Hillary Clinton, due to the violent and profane nature of the game franchise. Clinton suggested that new regulations should be introduced to combat games like this. Rockstar subtly responded when they released GTA 4 in 2008, the fictional setting for the game is ‘Liberty City’, which shares strong similarities with New York city, including their very own Statue of Liberty, referred to as the Statue of Happiness. Upon closer inspection, the face of ‘Lady happiness’ shares a striking resemblance to Hillary Clinton. Although Rockstar Games have never confirmed the reference or intent behind this easter egg, it was revealed that the file name for the statue is “stat_hilberty01.wdr”. So you can decide for yourselves.


Another misconception is that video games are a waste of time, and provide no progression in regard to personal and societal development. Once again this couldn’t be further from the truth. Professional gamers are paid annual salaries, receive bonuses, sponsorship money and donations from fans. Professional streamers are essentially entertainers, they can vary from elite gameplay, comedy, interactive and supportive content. Their revenue streams are very similar, and tend to lead into other career pathways such as esports coaching, presenting and hosting podcasts. In 2021, a streamer by the name of CriticalRole made 9 million dollars just from his live stream alone. Later in the series, we’ll be looking at the plethora of benefits gaming has to offer when it comes to personal and career development. However, this isn’t going to be a one-sided affair, there are some negative elements of gaming that are supported with evidence. The sedentary nature of video gaming is usually the first aspect mentioned. And Yes. Gaming is for the most part an inactive hobby (with the exception of some VR games). However, finding a balance between adequate physical activity and sedentary recreational time is essential when it comes to any hobby.


Additionally, using video games as a form of negative escapism can also be detrimental to your health. Gaming can become a reliance, and even addictive. Internet Gaming disorder (or IDG) involves an unhealthy fixation on playing games, subsequently causing other aspects of life to fall by the way-side. Behaviours include a preoccupation with gaming, withdrawal symptoms when gaming is taken away or not possible, and continuing to game despite problems.


Like everything, though, too much of something good can lead to undesirable outcomes. Prioritising video games over essential activities such as sleep, nutrition, and physical activity can be damaging to your physical and mental wellbeing. What seems to be often overlooked is the fact that video games are merely a tool just like anything else. It’s no different to exercising, watching films and TV shows, or even reading books. Doing any activity to excess can be harmful to your health, even the ones with positive connotations. For example, if you exercise excessively, you can cause your physical and mental health to decline over time. If you spent all your time reading, and sacrificed sleep, eating and physical activity as a result, that would also be bad for your wellbeing.


In summary, video games have been given a bad wrap over the years, but the powers that be are not telling both sides of the story. Nevertheless, this stigmatisation hasn’t managed to stop the gaming scene from becoming one of the biggest conglomerates in the world. As long as a healthy balance is achieved and maintained, video games can provide a plethora of mental, developmental, and social benefits.


In Part 2, we’ll be taking a look at the ways gaming can facilitate positive mental wellbeing and social connection, hit the subscribe button to be notified, and check out our website for more information on gaming and health.



In this video we discuss the negatives of gaming. It's not all doom and gloom though, this is a three part series so make sure to check the positives out too. 

The Dark Side of Gaming

The Last of Us: Depression in Dystopia Course

The Last of Us series has been a worldwide phenomenon. It's also a great story to discuss and explore the topics of grief, loss, and depression. Our course does this and more.

THE LAST OF US: DEPRESSION IN DYSTOPIA

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MojoOnPC chats with Dr John Mills from Gamers vs. Depression about his journey and how gaming helps him to stay socially connected.



Gamers vs. Depression X MojoOnPC

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We spoke to League of Legends Shout-Caster extraordinaire Dezachu about gaming and mental health.



League of Legends shout caster Dezachu gives his thoughts on mental health in the LoL community and what it's like being a shout caster.

Shoutcasting in League of Legends with Dezachu

Dezachu on Shout-casting in League of Legends

Social support and gaming is extremely important for young people and the relationships they develop. Watch our video to find out how.

Gaming and Social Support

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# About Gamers vs. Depression 

Gamers vs. Depression is a global mental health project that uses esports to teach gamers about the importance of mental health, self-care, and social connections.

Launched this week, Gamers vs Depression is aiming to establish whether esports can be used as a vehicle to deliver depression literacy programmes to gamers around the world.

Gamers vs Depression founder, Dr John Mills said “We want to equip gamers with the knowledge and skills around mental health disorders so they can better support each other.”

The organisation is currently conducting a closed beta test of its programme and looking for around 200 volunteers to give feedback.

In addition to their depression literacy programme, Gamers vs. Depression also provide access to resources to improve gaming performance, improve sleep hygiene, create positive exercise routines, maintain a nutritious diet, as well as a parents guide to supporting gamers.

“Thanks to Movember, everything is free to access” says Dr Mills. “At Gamers vs. Depression, we don’t believe in monetising people’s mental health”.


We're thrilled to be partnered with Movember. Find out more about the project and how the global men's health charity is supporting us. 

Gamers vs. Depression Receives Funding from Movember