As much as it may appear counterintuitive to look to video game therapy for regulating mood and invigorating mental health, scientific research has actually determined that using video games can be beneficial for mental health. According to the findings of a study conducted by the German Institute of Human Nutrition, regular video gaming reduces depressive symptoms, increases motivation, and generally improves emotional regulation.
A cross-sectional study published by the University of Derby revealed that 75.4% of individuals who engaged in video gaming for therapeutic purposes found it to be a beneficial experience for their mental health. In order to achieve the best possible results, researchers recommend that video gaming should form a consistent part of daily routine, rather than an occasional or isolated activity.
In order to properly integrate video games into your personal wellness plan, it may be a good idea to make a few tweaks to ensure that you enjoy playing them safely and productively. That means being mindful of the games you select, the amount of time you spend playing, and how often you exercise as a form of self-care.
The significant effects that video games can have on the mental wellbeing of individuals clearly point to a promising future for mental health. With more effective and sustainable treatment strategies for mental health disorders being developed every day, not only can video games be utilized to enable a person to relax, but they can also play a pivotal role in treating devastating mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
"Power Up Your Mental Health: An In-Depth Review of Video Game Therapy"