Using Video Games: Therapeutic Approach To Solving Psychological Problems

A novel and quite interesting approach to handling mental issues is through playing video games. It would even help other players who are unwell, understand those who are going through emotional ordeals. Video games are, of course, a well-known tool for relaxation while momentarily setting aside any problems at hand. It is not intended by most game developers at least, as a therapeutic tool for anxiety or depression.

Interestingly, there is a deliberate trend towards addressing some psychological problems through gaming. While this is a good move, there are still some, however, who overuse video games to the point of addiction.

Teaching through gaming

Evan Garcia wrote a piece for WTTW on using video games to address mental disorders and

She encourages her students to develop games which have real-world implications. Among them are diseases such as sickle cell anemia and disorders such as anxiety.

One of her games merited a Stanford University School award the year prior. It is called Soteria, which deals with some aspects of anxiety. Players are set in a world within the main protagonist’s mind. They are to navigate this realm by conquering the lead character’s fears instead of avoiding them. Soteria teaches that it is by going through the ordeal and making a conscious effort does one overcome their mental disorders. Trying to escape from them, however, will not improve their situation. It might even make it worse.

This game though is still meant to be just that -- a game. While it can help a player understand what anxiety is, it is not meant to cure it. It should be taken more as a self-help guide which players can refer

The main character Senua initially appears to be on a quest to save her dead lover’s soul from the Norse goddess Hela. As the game progresses, however, it becomes more and more apparent that Senua herself has a lot of inner demons to overcome. She ultimately wins at the end when she learns to deal with the loss of her lover Dillion through acceptance.

Alex Barker, writing for Pharmacy Times, describes Hellblade as offering an authentic take on what psychosis is and its symptoms. It provides an insight for other gamers to better understand those who suffer from this mental disorder. Psychosis essentially causes the afflicted person to lose touch with reality, making them unable to distinguish between what is real and what is not. Hellblade’s players are introduced to its chaotic world as they embark on Senua’s quest.

The game again teaches that the only way to cure a mental illness is to confront it. Senua’s unwillingness to accept Dillion’s demise was one of the reasons why it was difficult for her to escape the darkness. She also needed to overcome the physical and mental abuse she suffered at the hands of her father. This contributed significantly to her disorder though was able to free herself from them as well by challenging and defeating