What is Gamers vs. Depression?

Gamers vs Depression (GVD) is a global mental health project led by an international team of psychologists who aim to support online gamers with their mental health. 

With support from men’s health charity Movember, Gamers vs Depression is training 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. So far, the project has supported gamers on five continents and continues to grow every day.

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.