• Posted on Jan 1, 2024

🎮 Did you know that video games can have a positive impact on mental health? Years ago, there were studies about the benefits of video games in terms of dexterity, concentration, memory, creativity, teamwork, and more. But today, I want to talk about something even more important – how video games can help combat loneliness and reduce depression.

Back in May 2023, Vivek Murthy, our United States Surgeon General, released a public health advisory notice about the Epidemic of Loneliness. Loneliness is a serious issue that affects people from all walks of life. On a side note – statistics show that men commit suicide more than women. It’s a heartbreaking reality, but I can’t help but wonder how many lives video games have saved.

Both my brothers and my son are “serious gamers”. Because of my close relationship to them, I have been exposed to their video game friends and culture for many years. My brothers and son play videos games every day (not an exaggeration). They enjoy watching video game events and attending conventions. One brother writes video game fanfiction and the other has a YouTube channel where people subscribe just to watch him play.

I cannot remember the last time I saw my brothers without their Poké Balls™ on their belts. This red and white ball is a daily wardrobe staple that helps them catch “Pokémon” as part of a game. My son’s career goal is to be a video-game YouTuber. He received four “how to be a YouTuber” books this past holiday season. He has not graduated to a Poké Ball™ yet, but he’s on his third Pikachu sweater and for his last birthday we took him and his friends to see “The Mario Brothers Movie”.

The power of video games to connect

I have witnessed firsthand the power of video games to help people feel connected to others. Many video games are played with people across the world, together in real time. Despite it being virtual, connection is connection. It can provide a sense of purpose and motivation, which can be a beautifully, potentially-life saving thing.

Imagine being able to log into a game and instantly connect with people who share your interests and passions. You can form friendships, work together towards a common goal, and experience a sense of belonging. In a world where loneliness is on the rise, this is something truly remarkable.

The next time you hear someone dismiss video games as a waste of time, remember the potential they have to make a positive impact on mental health. Let’s start a conversation about this and break the stigma surrounding video games. Yes, video games can be a way to self-sooth and self-medicate. Video games can also be a way to step out of the stress of the real world for a fun, mental health break.

A heathier way to address depression and increase engagement

There are those who numb symptoms of depression by smoking, drinking, prescription drugs or some potentially destructive habit. How people chose to self-care is not for me to judge. I support those who experience video games as a way to cope, find joy, connect with others, and feel a sense of accomplishment. Arguably, I believe video games are healthier and less risky than most of the alternatives. Leaning into the mental health benefits of playing videos games is especially meaningful considering the isolation caused by the pandemic.

As someone who has served as a leader in learning and development, HR, and organization development for over 20 years, I prioritize finding ways to “gamify” learning. I have seen success when I implemented play at work (or made work playful), even in workplaces where we are working remotely. Incorporating fun and play into the workplace can improve engagement, retention, and belonging.

I recall a particularly introverted and quiet employee who attended a playful virtual event we hosted. They did not overtly participate at all, but as soon as it was over – they were the first to say in the chat how much fun they had and ask when we would do this again. They clearly received joy from the playful space we held together during connection-building activities.

Most video games are for entertainment, but they can also be educational. The video games I know focus on building up resources and strength to overcome obstacles and achieve an important goal – individually or as a team. These are meaningful work and life skills.

Video games is its own culture

This is not to say that serious gamers are “perfect”. We know no one is, nor should they strive to be. For example, serious gamers are known to speak in ‘video game’ language that can appear to socially awkward to those unfamiliar with video game culture. For example, a gamer might say “I’m not getting older, I’m leveling up.”, “I’m running on only two life bars so I can’t hang out tonight. Gotta recharge.”, and “Sorry I missed that; I’m still downloading what you’re trying to say.” You may also discover (as I have), that some serious gamers talk in third person when deeply enthused or elated.

I have no doubt that video games have been a lifesaver to countless people all over the world. I have seen firsthand the impact videos games have had on improving personal well-being and teamwork among friends and family. I have also observed the impact play has had for increasing engagement and fostering a sense of belonging in the workplace.

It’s the below recent articles by PsyPost and Frontier that have inspired me to speak up about my perspective on video games and mental health.

𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 – https://www.psypost.org/2023/12/cognitive-trainings-using-video-games-might-increase-subjective-well-being-of-individuals-with-depression-215084

Frontier – https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02127/full

✔️ How many lives have video games saved?

✔️ How many workplaces have been reinvigorated through play?

Leverage video game technology for wellness

As a child, play came to us naturally. As adults, let’s not forget play as a means to learn and connect with ourselves and the world around us. Video games are a type of play whose potential seems unlimited, especially as technology advances. For many of us, more and more of our lives are spent leveraging technology for both work and recreation. Now, let’s lean into the opportunities of deliberately leveraging video game technology for wellness.

As an HR consultant, I’d love to see Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) add “play videos games” to their list of resources and suggestions for those who reach out for help. Workplaces who value fun at work, inclusion, and employee wellness would benefit from exploring the power of video games and other forms of play at work. We can do this. It starts with chipping away at the stigma surrounding video games and those who play. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels connected and supported.

If you’ve had a positive experience with video games or play in general, I would love to hear your story. There is power in gaming. I appreciate research like this that seeks to understand and lift up the benefits of video games as a resource we can tap into for healing, connection, and joy.

#VideoGamesForMentalHealth #GamingCommunity #empathyatwork #valuesbasedleadership

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