I’m going to touch on a subject that I feel is rarely touched on in the gaming media, and definitely never mentioned in forums or comment sections. That subject is anxiety and depression.
Like many people that I know, I suffer from an anxiety disorder. It first really started hitting me back in 2011. My first ever full-on anxiety attack was one of the most frightening things that I’ve ever experienced. The short racing breaths and sheer sense of panic that overtakes you is beyond overwhelming. Fast forward a couple more attacks, I eventually went to see my doctor. After some tests I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. I was put on Lexapro – an anti-anxiety medication – to see if it would help me out at all. Luckily for me it did, and my anxiety has been much more controllable since. I was very recently diagnosed with depression.
Now that I have my origins out of the way, I will get down to the core of this post – using video games as a coping mechanism. There are those who would say that using something as “trivial” as video games to help you is just sad. I would disagree. I believe games are the perfect solution. A psychologist will teach you different types of coping mechanisms, from mindfulness to different breathing exercises. While those help some, it’s not something that works for all. I found that this therapy didn’t really help me.
This is where games come in. When I feel down, lonely, or like I’m struggling with my anxiety, I fire up Mass Effect 3, my virtual safety blanket. This transports me into my virtual self, Commander Brendan Shepard. He is strong, yet caring. A paragonto those around him. Once I’m in his boots, I start feeling better. It’s almost as if his attributes transfer through the keyboard and mouse to me. My anxiety starts to fade. I forget any loneliness that I was feeling. I am calm and in control of myself once more. I believe this is an amazing ability that only something like games, with their interactivity, can possess.
I’ve often wondered if I’m the only one who uses games in this way. Part of the purpose of writing this piece is to hear from you all regarding this subject. So head to the comments section below and tell me your story. I look forward to hopefully hearing from you all.