There are aspects of playing video games that are good for your overall mental health, but there are also aspects of gaming that can be detrimental to your mental health. You should do what you can to take care of your mental health, in order to continue to enjoy gaming and so you can continue to be healthy. Here is a look at how to do this.
Positives About Gaming
When it comes to gaming, it may be able to help you let off some steam. Whenever you succeed at missions or levels, you might even begin to feel a sense of accomplishment. Moreover, when games have positive stories or good things happen to characters you like, this might be able to improve your mood. Gaming could be one of your favorite things to do, which is something that will bring you enjoyment, as it is a good form of entertainment, and can be done in the privacy and safety of your home.
Negatives About Gaming
The bad effects of gaming are present when someone becomes addicted to video games. They may be unable to stop playing, which can affect their sleeping and eating habits. Moreover, if certain games are not as easy to play as others, and you are unable to get better or you are being bullied online, this may lead you to start to feel bad about yourself or become depressed. If any of these aspects are affecting you, there is help out there. BetterHelp can be there to work with you on your self-esteem and address how you are feeling. They offer online therapy services which you will have access to exactly when you need them.
What You Can Do
There are a few things you can do, in order to take care of you and your mental health, while still enjoying the gaming that you love.
- Limit the time you play games. You don’t necessarily have to give up the gaming you enjoy completely, but make sure that it doesn’t take over your entire life or routine. Decide how long each day you want to play and then go do something else.
- Play games you like and that improve your mood. If there are games that you notice cause you to become upset and start screaming, do your best not to play those games. Instead, stick with games that improve your mood or help you unwind after a long day.
- Keep online gaming to a minimum. When you intend to play online multiplayer games, be sure that you are playing with friends or that you don’t spend a lot of time online gaming. In some cases, bullying occurs in online matches, so this may be something you want to avoid. On the other hand, if you are only playing with people that you personally know and trust, this should be less of an issue.
- Talk to BetterHelp when you need to. When you aren’t feeling your best, it is okay to reach out for help. BetterHelp is able to connect with you through video chat and a number of other different ways, so you are able to get the therapy you need, without having to leave your house. You can check out their app at https://apps.apple.com/us/app/betterhelp-online-counseling/id995252384.
Do your best to take care of you, regardless of how often you are gaming. Playing video games is something that can improve your mood and your health, but it should be done in a certain way. When you aren’t feeling your best or you are being disrespected while gaming, try to find something else to do. Additionally, be sure that gaming isn’t taking over your life.