Gaming and Mental Health: Exploring the Benefits and Drawbacks

“Can gaming affect my mental health? Can gaming help me in my mental well-being? What to do if gaming becomes an obsession?” If you are a gaming enthusiast prioritizing your health, these questions must pop into your head.

Gaming and mental health are intricately entwined, forming a relationship as unique as it is intense. According to research, 90% of gamers in Russia acknowledged the importance of mental health. 41% of gamers believed gaming has helped them connect with people worldwide, improving their mental health, While 8% still seek professional mental health support when needed.

In this article, we’ll discuss video games and mental health. So, with no more fuss, let’s jump into the fray!

The Positive Impact of Gaming

Just like reading, gaming is also one of the ways to escape from the daily challenges of life, even for a short period. It boosts your self-esteem whenever you accomplish a tricky level. It also stimulates creativity.

You can experience various adventures by playing different roles. A significant amount of gamers have found emotional benefits in gaming. One of the key benefits of video games is that they provide a way to build connections.

These connections are more valuable for people with disabilities. It can help them, and you as well, to overcome the feeling of isolation, improving mental health.

The Negative Impact of Gaming

Just like every other thing in this world, gaming also has both pros and cons. It’s okay if you love gaming, but obsession can be harmful. As I mentioned above, gaming can help you escape from reality, but it goes wrong when you start to neglect your surroundings completely.

It’s correct that video games help with depression and anxiety unless you start spending day and night on them. If you begin to skip your meals, sleep, and interaction with even your family, that’s where gaming can be a threat.

Playing violent games can have a profound impact on your personality. You may start getting frustrated and angry quickly.

Maintaining a Healthy Gaming Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy gaming lifestyle is crucial to avoid a health crisis. Below are a few things you should follow:

• Set how many hours per day and days per week you should play, ensuring you don’t fritter away your entire time in gaming
• Keep yourself away from gaming devices an hour before you sleep to avoid blue light exposure
• Do not engage in violent or stressful games
• Always keep healthy snacks and water bottles with you
• If you’re feeling tired or your eyes are paining, take a break

Gaming, Money, and Mental Health

When you’re a gamer, you certainly have to spend on gadgets or in-game purchases, and that’s completely okay. But when you start throwing money down the drain, especially when you aren’t the one earning, the trouble begins.

The algorithm of in-game purchases works like this: the more you spend, the lesser your chances of winning are. They make you spend money, offering different benefits. And when, even after purchasing features, you fail to accomplish your goal, you start taking stress, and your mental health keeps getting worse.

Sometimes, other gamers influence you to buy things, and you spend on them without a second thought. And if you can not purchase that thing, you again start taking stress. You need to determine where you are spending, and it’s okay if you don’t have certain things that other gamers or your friends have.

Conclusion

Gaming and mental health is a trendy topic nowadays. If gaming is sucking up our energy and isn’t letting us live social life, affecting our mental health, it’s mandatory to consult an expert.

Let me know if this article is helpful. Also, would love to hear a tip from you!