Mental Health and Video Games

I like many others use video games as a way to relax and have fun, but when does that hobby go too far?

Video games are a great way to improve coordination, they a allow us to meet new people and connect with others during pandemics. I can sit down to play for a small amount of time and then all of a sudden it’s a few hours later.

Is the thing I use to relax now becoming another toll on my mental health, am I using it as a mean to escape and in turn potentially crippling my social skills and increasing my anxiety?

Yes and no.

I was once unemployed and not doing anything in my life. To fill my time and pass the days I would constantly play games and got used to the company of people on the other end of the line. I forgot what it meant to talk with someone face to face and engage socially with people. This added to the already building monster of anxiety inside and made me feel uncomfortable going outside.

I decided enough is enough, I spent a lot of time working on my anxiety and reconditioning myself to be brave enough to go back into the world and get a job, go back to university and start a new career. Now I’ve managed to gain some control, video games are now by way of relaxing and not a void filler. They have gone back to being the thing I love.

Finding the balance between enjoying yourself and filling a void can be tricky, especially in these troubling times, where we can be cut off from our friends and loved ones.

Just remember to look after your mental and physical health. It’s not weak to ask for help. If you think a loved one might be struggling, ask them if they are ok. Stay happy and healthy x