The Power of Video Games as a Coping Mechanism: A Therapist’s Perspective II By Deanna Edwards, MA
In the world of mental health, coping mechanisms are the tools we use to navigate emotional stress, anxiety, or difficult situations. As a therapist, I’ve seen the evolution of how people cope with life’s pressures. One method that has become increasingly common is video gaming. While it has its critics, video games, when used mindfully, can serve as a valuable coping mechanism for managing stress, anxiety, and even depression.
Understanding Coping Mechanisms
Before diving into the world of video games, let’s define what a coping mechanism is. Coping mechanisms are strategies people use to handle stress, emotions, or trauma. These can be healthy—like exercise, talking with a friend, or journaling—or unhealthy, such as substance abuse or avoidance. The goal of any coping mechanism is to help the individual manage their emotional or mental state and regain control over their life.
In therapy, my role is to help clients identify their current coping mechanisms and assess their impact. For some, video gaming serves as a tool to help alleviate stress and provide an escape from reality, but it’s important to recognize both its benefits and limitations.
Video Games
Video games often get a bad rap, with accusations of promoting violence or fostering addiction. However, when used in a balanced and intentional way, gaming can offer several benefits:
- Cognitive Benefits: Many video games require problem-solving, strategic thinking, and quick decision-making. These cognitive challenges can serve as mental stimulation, helping to improve focus and critical thinking skills. Some games have even been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety by promoting mindfulness and present-focused attention.
- Stress Relief Through Immersion: Video games allow players to immerse themselves in a different world, giving them a temporary escape from reality. When someone is overwhelmed by work, personal issues, or general life stress, playing a video game can provide a mental break. Games, particularly those with engaging storylines or challenging puzzles, allow players to shift their focus from real-life worries to the task at hand.
- Achievement and Motivation: Many games are designed to reward players with achievements, levels, or new abilities, giving them a sense of accomplishment. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with depression or low self-esteem. The tangible progress and sense of control in a game can provide a sense of mastery that might be difficult to achieve in other areas of their life.
- Social Connection: Multiplayer games and online communities offer opportunities for social connection. For individuals who feel isolated or struggle with social anxiety, online gaming can provide a way to engage with others in a less intimidating environment. The sense of camaraderie and teamwork fostered in many games can build relationships and offer emotional support.
The Importance of Balance
While there are clear benefits to using video games as a coping mechanism, it’s essential to maintain balance. Like any coping strategy, overreliance on gaming can lead to problems if it becomes a form of avoidance. For example, playing video games for hours every day to avoid confronting difficult emotions or situations can exacerbate underlying issues. It’s crucial to monitor how gaming impacts other areas of life, such as relationships, work, or school.
In therapy, we often discuss moderation. Setting time limits, choosing games that promote relaxation or skill-building, and recognizing when gaming is being used as a way to avoid real-world responsibilities are key factors to keep in mind.
A Therapeutic Tool for Some: For some individuals, video gaming can also be incorporated into therapy. Games that promote mindfulness, such as journey-based games with calming visuals, or those that encourage problem-solving, can be therapeutic tools in themselves. As a therapist, I might suggest games that align with a client’s therapeutic goals. For example, puzzle games for cognitive stimulation or narrative-driven games for emotional processing.
Additionally, video games can serve as a bridge in therapy for younger clients who may feel more comfortable talking about their gaming experiences than their emotions. The stories, characters, and experiences in games can offer a platform to explore deeper emotional topics.
When Gaming Becomes a Problem
Like any coping mechanism, gaming has the potential to become problematic when used excessively. Signs that video gaming may be crossing into unhealthy territory include:
- Difficulty stopping or reducing game time, even when it causes problems in other areas of life.
- Neglecting responsibilities or relationships in favor of gaming.
- Using gaming as a primary way to avoid real-world challenges or emotional issues.
- Causing health problems like screen related vertigo
In such cases, it’s important to address the underlying issues driving the gaming behavior. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and other therapeutic interventions can help individuals regain balance in their life and find healthier ways to cope.
In Conclusion: As a therapist, I recognize that video games can serve as a valid and sometimes powerful tool for coping with life’s stressors. When used mindfully and in moderation, gaming can offer a much-needed escape, cognitive stimulation, and social connection. However, like any coping mechanism, it’s important to approach it with balance and awareness.
If you or someone you know struggles with stress, anxiety, or emotional challenges, exploring different coping strategies, including video gaming, can be beneficial. The key is to ensure that gaming remains part of a broader toolkit for managing mental health and not the only means of escape. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to explore this topic further or discuss how video games—and other coping mechanisms—can fit into a healthy mental health routine.
About The Author
Deanna serves as a LPCC at Ellie Mental Health. My role is to facilitate this process by providing a supportive place. My counseling approach is profoundly shaped by my background in art therapy and my experience with the neurodivergent community. My creative pursuits, including writing, acrylic pours, and mixed media art, deeply influence my therapeutic practice. My personal experience with therapy also significantly informs my approach. I utilize principles from Internal Family Systems, dream work, art therapy, and strength-based therapy to address a wide range of needs, including PTSD, ADHD, life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief, and interpersonal relationships. As a newly graduated counselor, I take great pride in guiding individuals through their journeys of self-discovery and healing. I am committed to helping clients tap into their inherent strength and wisdom, with the belief that everyone has the capacity to overcome life’s challenges. My personal experience with therapy also significantly informs my approach.
Email: deedwards@elliementalhealth.com
Phone: (720)-504-0201
