Games for Depression?

     Depression is one of the most common, yet extremely dangerous, mental disorders we have. People commonly mistake depressive disorder for "being sad," but there is a big difference. Depression is an ongoing feeling, it is not a phase and it doesn't just "go away." Those going through depression feel worthless, lonely and often they lack motivation to do anything at all. It is hard for them to get up in the morning, they feel as if they do not have a purpose. This can become extremely dangerous, as depression can lead to many other terrible things. 

Statistics & Facts

        According to ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America) persistent depressive disorder affects about 4 million american adults in the United States yearly. This is just one of the many types of depressive disorders. About 16 million americans are diagnosed with major depressive disorder yearly. Depression is a threat to our country, because the disorder itself can result in self-harm and many other things. There are obviously a lot of medications out there for people with depressive disorder, the most popular ones being anti-depressants and therapy. However, some people become unresponsive to treatment or their body becomes accustomed to it. What is the next solution? What else can be done or suggested to those suffering with depressive disorder. 

How Can Video Games Help?

        Studies have shown that video games can actually help people make their way out of depression. A quote on Slate.com's article explained it perfectly reading, "video game play is literally the neurological opposite of depression." When we play video games, we tap into two main parts of our brains; the part that controls our motivation and the part that controls our learning. When playing a video game we all have an "end goal," or something we want to reach or get to to beat the game. Most games, to keep us interested start off easy and makes its way up to harder levels, requiring us to learn. So, a person who is depressed lacks motivation and doesn't improve at anything, they are kind of "stuck" in a sense because of the disorder. Game play is literally the opposite of depression when you think about it, so why not use it to reverse the disorder? We gain some kind of excitement and happiness that we as humans are addicted to when we reach our end goal/ level up in a game, the same thing happens to those dealing with depressive disorder. Depression legitimately shrinks the two parts of our brain previously mentioned (motivation/learning), and playing video game can increase it in size. 

Final Thoughts

     Playing video games to help get rid of your depression is like self medicating, almost like the game is your psychologist. Many have tried to say the opposite, that video games can put you into a depression, but studies have proven that to be inaccurate. Little by little, video games can help someone who is depressed gain their motivation and happiness back.

Links:
https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics
http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2015/11/how_video_games_can_teach_your_brain_to_fight_depression.html