Anxiety is a common struggle in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world. From social anxiety to generalized anxiety disorder, it can take a toll on our mental and physical well-being.
As someone who has struggled with anxiety, I have found that video games can be a powerful tool in managing my symptoms.
Not only do they provide a form of distraction and relaxation, but they also give me a sense of empowerment and control.
In this blog post, I will share my personal experiences with using video games as a form of therapy for anxiety and offer tips on how to choose the right games for managing anxiety. Together, let’s explore the power of video games in managing anxiety.
How Video Games Can Help with Anxiety
As someone who has struggled with anxiety, I have found that video games can be a valuable tool in managing my symptoms such as:
- Distraction and relaxation: Video games can provide a form of escapism by taking our minds off of anxious thoughts and providing a sense of relaxation. They can also help to reduce stress and tension in the body through the release of endorphins, which are chemicals that promote feelings of pleasure and well-being.
- Empowerment and control: Video games can provide a sense of control and accomplishment, which can help to counteract feelings of helplessness and anxiety. By allowing us to take on different roles and overcome challenges, video games can help to boost our self-esteem and sense of agency.
- Social connection: Multiplayer games can provide a social outlet for those struggling with anxiety, allowing them to connect with others and feel a sense of camaraderie and support. This can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Mindfulness: Certain games such as puzzle games or games that require a lot of concentration can help to increase mindfulness and reduce anxious thoughts. These games can help to focus the mind and promote a sense of calm, which can be beneficial for managing anxiety.
All in all, video games have been a helpful tool in managing my anxiety, but it’s important to mention that everyone’s experience is different and you should consult with a mental health professional before using video games as a form of therapy.
Types of Games that Help Relieve Anxiety
There are many different types of games that can be helpful in relieving anxiety. From puzzle games to multiplayer games, let’s explore the various ways in which different types of games can have an impact on anxiety symptoms.
I will also share personal recommendations for games that have been helpful in managing anxiety, and discuss how experimenting with different types of games can help to find the right games for managing anxiety.
Puzzle Games
Puzzle games such as Tetris or Candy Crush can be helpful in relieving anxiety because they activate the brain in a certain way that can help to focus the mind and promote a sense of calm. They are also a great way to distract yourself and forget whatever is bothering you.
Multiplayer Games
Multiplayer games can provide a social outlet for those struggling with anxiety, allowing them to connect with others and feel a sense of camaraderie and support. They can also provide a sense of accomplishment and empowerment by working together to overcome challenges.
Adventure and Exploration Games
Games like Minecraft, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing can be helpful to relieve anxiety as they allow you to explore and create in a stress-free environment. They are generally colorful, happy, and upbeat and can make you feel a sense of peace and tranquility.
Casual Games
Simple and easy to play games like Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja, and Subway Surfers can be helpful to relieve anxiety as they are easy to pick up and play, and don’t require a lot of concentration. They are great to play in short sessions and can be a quick distraction from anxious thoughts.
Mindfulness Games
Games such as Monument Valley, Rez, and Flower, that require concentration and are slow-paced, can be helpful to relieve anxiety as they promote mindfulness and can help to focus the mind and reduce anxious thoughts.
Note that what works for one person may not work for another, and it’s important to try different types of games and experiment to find what works best for you. It’s also important to mention that while playing video games can be a helpful tool in managing anxiety, it’s important to consult with a mental health professional before using video games as a form of therapy.
Blocking Out Anxiety with Video Games
There are some factors that might influence how well video games can block out anxiety, personally I find that sometimes games can be empowering, while other times they make my anxiety worse. Here are some key aspects you should consider before using video games to block anxiety.
- Difficulty level: Video games can be a powerful tool in blocking out anxiety, but the level of difficulty can play a role in how effective they are. Some people may find that difficult games can be empowering, while others may find that they make their anxiety worse. It’s important to find a balance that works for you and to be mindful of how certain games make you feel.
- Engagement: The level of engagement in a game can also play a role in how effective it is in blocking out anxiety. Games that are engaging and immersive can help to take the mind off of anxious thoughts, while games that are not engaging may not be as effective.
- Guilt: Some people may feel guilty for playing video games instead of doing other things, but it’s important to remember that taking care of oneself is important and that using video games as a form of therapy is a valid way to manage anxiety.
- Self-awareness: It’s important to be aware of how certain games make you feel and to listen to your body and mind. If a game is making your anxiety worse, it’s important to stop playing it and try something else.
One of the most important aspects in this is to find the balance that works for you and to be mindful of how certain games make you feel. If you handle that with care, you’re setting your path to success.
Combining Video Games with other Therapy Methods
Another thing that I’ve found that can be done successfully is that mixing video games with other therapy methods can be beneficial in managing my symptoms.
From incorporating video games into my Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions to using them in conjunction with medication and mindfulness techniques, I have found that a multi-faceted approach can be effective in achieving my therapeutic goals such as increasing self-esteem, developing social skills and reducing stress and tension.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Video games can be used in conjunction with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help manage anxiety symptoms. CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. By incorporating video games into therapy sessions, a therapist can help a person to identify and change negative thought patterns that may be contributing to their anxiety.
Medication
Video games can be used in conjunction with medication to help manage anxiety symptoms. Medication can help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, while video games can provide a form of distraction and relaxation. It’s important to consult with a mental health professional before starting any medication and to be mindful of how certain games make you feel.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Video games can also be used in conjunction with mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and yoga to help manage anxiety symptoms. These techniques can help to reduce stress and tension in the body, while video games can provide a form of distraction and relaxation.
Therapeutic Goals
Combining video games with other therapy methods can also be beneficial in achieving therapeutic goals such as increasing self-esteem, developing social skills and reducing stress and tension.
Conclusion
In conclusion, video games can be a powerful tool in managing anxiety symptoms. They can provide a form of distraction and relaxation, promote a sense of empowerment and control, and even promote mindfulness and social connections.
By choosing the right types of games and blocking out anxiety with video games, it can be a helpful tool in managing anxiety. Furthermore, combining video games with other therapy methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, and setting therapeutic goals can be beneficial in achieving desired outcomes.
Remember, it’s important to consult with a mental health professional before using video games as a form of therapy.
Everyone’s experience is different and it’s important to experiment and find what works best for you. Take care of yourself and don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help if you need it.
