The Relationship Between Gaming and Mental Health

Humanity is evolving, and while only physical health was a priority in the past, people have become increasingly interested in mental health in recent decades. A person can be called mentally healthy when they feel emotionally comfortable and can cope with different situations in life. Also, mentally healthy people do not think the world is against them, and nobody needs them. Today we’re going to talk about how gaming affects mental health. We’ll also tell the stories of Solitaire Social players – how the game has helped them and what it does for their mental health.

What Is a Mental Health and Why Games Can Affect That

Mental health is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being, and it encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being and influences how we think, feel, and behave. A good mental state is essential for maintaining healthy relationships, managing stress, and making sound decisions. On the other hand, poor mental health can lead to various issues, such as anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses.
While gaming can provide entertainment, relaxation, and even social interaction, it has also been known to impact mental health positively or negatively, depending on how the person engages with gaming.

How Gaming deals with Stress and Anxiety

Playing games like solitaire can be a great way to manage stress and anxiety. When we play games, we focus on something enjoyable and engaging, which helps us take our minds off our worries and reduce stress levels. Solitaire Social is an excellent game for managing stress and anxiety because it is a simple and easy-to-learn game that doesn’t require a lot of strategy or skill. This means we can play it without putting much pressure on ourselves to perform well or win.
In addition, solitaire can be played alone, which can be helpful for those who prefer to spend time alone when they are feeling anxious or stressed. Playing the game can also provide a sense of accomplishment and control, as we can complete the game on our own terms and at our own pace.
Overall, playing solitaire can be a great way to manage stress and anxiety. It provides a fun and engaging distraction from our worries and can help us feel more in control and accomplished.

Gaming as an Escapism and Relaxation Tool

Secondly, games can have a positive impact on mental health by providing a form of escapism and relaxation. Playing games can help people forget their worries and problems and provide a way to unwind and relieve stress. For example, the game Solitaire Social can offer a safe space for people who unfortunately suffer. In our book ‘The power of Solitaire Social: stories of impact, ‘ Marie Lamb shared her story. She had to deal with her son Adam’s illness for many years, and she found solace in playing solitaire to take her mind off her troubles. Unfortunately, she lost him in December 2016 after a long and debilitating battle with the illness. Playing Solitaire Social was one way that helped her to cope with her loss.

Gaming and Cognitive Function

Gaming can improve cognitive function. When you play video games, you are constantly making decisions, solving puzzles, and reacting to situations in the game. This can improve your problem-solving skills, reaction time, and hand-eye coordination. In addition, some video games require players to use strategy and critical thinking, which can improve cognitive function.
Games like Solitaire Social can not only form new neural connections but also ‘restore the old ones’. Our player Tammy Hauan told us a story where Solitaire Social has helped her recover from a recent epileptic seizure by assisting her in re-learning to recognize letters, numbers, and pictures. This gives her a sense of achievement even for small tasks and motivates her to continue her recovery.

How Gaming Can Help Build Social Connections

Last but not least, gaming can be a social activity that can improve social skills and relationships. Multiplayer games allow players to interact with each other and form friendships. This can be particularly beneficial for people who struggle with social anxiety or have difficulty developing relationships in real life.
As our player Lyn Holcomb Smith said, you can ‘meet’ people with varied backgrounds worldwide in the game Solitaire Social. It is like getting out of a personal bubble – you can meet people with whom you have no touch points in real life.

Which Games Can Have Negative Effects on Mental Health

While games can positively affect mental health, some games can also have negative effects.
Violent games: Games that contain violence, gore, and aggression have been linked to increased aggressive behavior, desensitization to violence, and reduced empathy.
Gambling games: Games that involve gambling and betting can be addictive and lead to financial problems, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicide.
Addiction is one of the most prevalent side effects of gaming. Gaming addiction is a dangerous disorder that can result in a number of issues, such as sadness, anxiety, and social isolation. Individuals who are gaming addicts frequently put gaming above other responsibilities like employment, school, or spending time with friends and family.

Does it Make Sense to Play Video Games for Mental Health?

The relationship between gaming and mental health is complex, and the effects of gaming on mental health can vary depending on the individual and the type of game being played. While gaming can positively affect mental health, such as reducing stress and anxiety and improving cognitive function and social skills, it can also have negative effects, such as addiction and exposure to violence. You can choose the safest games, such as Solitaire Social, to avoid negative impacts.