Gaming is no longer just for entertainment. BioGamer Girl has taken a second look at the hobby and how it can be used to treat a variety of mental health symptoms. New research has come to light that shows that video games can provide affordable and stigma-free treatment for mental health across the world.
A recent study in the journal JMIR Serious Games reviewed research on how commercial video games can help with depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. It concluded that video games help improve mental health outcomes, especially for those individuals who can’t access other types of care due to cost or location.
This will give the world’s 2.7 billion gamers the convenience of major emotional wellness benefits through the aid of video games. Video games allow users to experience social connectedness and reduced loneliness while providing mood regulation benefits. Video games give clients the feeling of being part of a community of like-minded individuals that value their participation and share similar goals within the video game. Overall, the researchers concluded that commercial video games are just as capable at providing mental health benefits as those just outlined for therapeutic effects.
- Relax and become more open and less inhibited
- Win and lose gracefully, building on social skills
- Become better at reading social cues and comprehend pragmatic language
- Practice self-control, self-expression, not giving up, communication, and using rules and strategies
- Improve cognitive skills such as planning, organizing information, and developing working memory
Life’s complicated. We’ll coach you through it.
Our coach Mandy Valentine is an ex-mental health worker with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Life Coach certification.
Email biogamergirl@live.com to get started on your journey to a better life. We offer packages for everyone's budget. Your first session is completely free!
