The world of video games has been a part of entertainment, engagement, and education since the dawn of the digital age, and over the years they’ve evolved into an essential source of relaxation and recreation for millions of people around the globe. Video games have been widely associated with psychological health, and many people struggle with depression and mental health issues, with gaming providing an escape from the real world and a chance to have fun, relieve their stress, and feel better about their situation.
However, it’s important to note that there is a very real and potential risk when it comes to the use of video games and their effects on depression. Studies have pointed to a potential correlation between heavy gaming, depression, and increased risk of suicide, and it’s important that gamers, medical professionals, and parents are all aware of this.
Despite the potential risks, there are also ways that video games can help with depression. Gaming stimulates the hormones that promote daily enjoyment of life, as well as providing a way of interacting with other players which can alleviate loneliness and isolation. It has also proven to be a great way of relieving stress and can improve concentration.
In addition to this, gaming can also serve as a form of positive escapism and create a sense of control and problem solving that can help depression sufferers take their mind away from their struggles. Games can also provide an outlet for emotions, as some of them feature characters that can represent an emotional state and through which players can work through their problems.
Furthermore, gamers can also make use of custom game mode settings to reduce the difficulty level to a comfortable setting according to their skill level or to the challenges they’re currently facing. Video games can also offer a plethora of missions, objectives and sidequests which can keep a player occupied for several hours which can give them something productive and exciting to do
Finally, for sufferers of depression, gaming can also provide a opportunity to have fun and express themselves in ways not possible in real life, allowing for creative outlets for fear, loneliness, and other negative emotions. Playing a game doesn’t have to be solitary, with many allowing for groups of friends to come together in a safe space to share their experiences and emotions.
In conclusion, while there is a very real risk of video gaming addiction and the associated depression, there are also many ways in which video games can help sufferers with depression. By taking the necessary steps to ensure balance in gaming, these titles can be used as an escape and can provide valuable opportunities for social interaction, creative expression, and problem solving.


