Can Video Games Actually Improve Mental Health?

When people think of video games, they often associate them with wasted time, addiction, or unhealthy habits. Rather, gaming can be a powerful tool for escapism – especially for Gen Z and Millennials, who use it as a way to disconnect from the stresses of busy everyday life.

Video games provide a hands-on, engaging form of entertainment that can offer a much-needed mental break. With millions – if not billions – of people gaming daily, the online world has become a massive space for social interaction, creativity, and community. For many, gaming isn’t just about the games themselves; it’s about connecting with others and finding relief from reality.

Personally, I’ve turned to video games during some of the most stressful times in my life. Whether it was a bad day at school or work, I knew I could come home, immerse myself in a game, and unwind. It was about the comfort of routine, the joy of doing something I loved, and the chance to stay connected with friends even when life felt overwhelming.

The Science Behind Gaming and Mental Health

This article by the National Institute of Health presents an experiment testing stress, blood pressure, and emotional responses to different types of video games.

The study highlights that while certain games may cause temporary stress responses, they can also lead to increased positive emotions – suggesting that not all stress is bad.

“…We found that fighting game players showed a cardiovascular stress response after gameplay while puzzle game players did not. However, fighting game players also reported higher levels of positive emotions after gameplay.”

There is a stress reaction to everything we do, and gaming is no different. However, video games also offer a range of positive effects, including increased happiness, a sense of accomplishment, and productivity. In fact, some people feel more productive and motivated while gaming rather than mindlessly scrolling through social media.

Of course, different types of games impact players in different ways.

• Creative games (Minecraft, Stardew Valley) can provide players with a sense of freedom, creativity, and relaxation.

• Relaxing games (Animal Crossing, Journey) can lower stress and have a calming effect.

• Competitive games (Call of Duty, League of Legends) may temporarily increase stress, but they also provide a dopamine rush and a sense of mastery that keeps players engaged.

• Story-driven games (The Last of Us, Life is Strange) encourage emotional investment, pushing players to make difficult decisions and process complex emotions.

If video games have been shown to offer these benefits – helping us feel happier, more connected, and even emotionally engaged – why do they still carry such a negative reputation?

Escapism vs. Avoidance: The Fine Line

Stress and depression among young people has only increased over the years, and gaming has contributed to escaping feelings of self doubt and loneliness, but sometimes this can turn into outright avoidance of responsibilities by an excessive amount of playtime.

“Greater competition, inequality, and loneliness are the principal factors of the modern, western social environment blamed for rising rates of psychopathology, including depression.”

Video games can be more than just a healthy distraction from life’s hardships – they can become a bad habit if they start replacing real-world responsibilities. You may find yourself slipping on daily tasks, avoiding social interactions, or losing sleep. Most games are designed to be deeply immersive and rewarding, making them an easy escape when life feels overwhelming.

To maintain a healthy balance between escapism and real life, time management is key. One simple strategy is setting alarms to limit game time – for example, playing for two hours and then taking a break. Another effective approach is using gaming as a reward. Let’s say you ace a test at school or get a promotion at work (or even complete a smaller goal, like finishing chores) – you can treat yourself to a few hours of gaming to relax and unwind.

However, real-world engagement is still the most important thing in life. Taking breaks from gaming allows us to focus on other fulfilling activities, such as exercise, writing, reading, or spending time with friends and family.

I struggled with this after losing my job. I felt lost and relied on video games to give me a sense of purpose. I would stay up late, spend entire days playing alone, and sink deeper into isolation. It was a dark time. What helped me climb out of that hole wasn’t cutting out gaming completely – it was finding other ways to process my emotions. Reading and writing became outlets for my thoughts, and instead of using games to forget, I started using words to understand.

Social Connection in Gaming

The majority of video games today feature various multiplayer formats, allowing players to connect with friends across the city, country, or even continents. Over the years, video games have done an incredible job of bringing people together – whether you’re collaborating with teammates to solve a puzzle or competing against each other in a fighting game. At their core, many modern games are meant to be played with others, emphasizing connection and shared experiences.

In today’s games, you can team up with friends to battle bad guys, build cities, or explore vast landscapes. These shared activities not only provide a source of entertainment but also serve as valuable experiences that help us connect with others and strengthen bonds – often from the comfort of our own homes. Additionally, many online communities provide opportunities to form new relationships with like-minded people.

One of the best examples of this, in my opinion, is the World of Warcraft community. Despite being out for over two decades, it still boasts a loyal and highly engaged player base. As a massive multiplayer online (MMO) game, World of Warcraft encourages players to join forces to take on quests, defeat powerful bosses, and build relationships within the game’s expansive world. The game’s community has remained open over the years, with guilds, alliances, and in-game friendships creating strong social networks.

Beyond the gameplay itself, the social dynamics in World of Warcraft highlight how gaming can foster real-world connections. Many players form lasting friendships and even meet in person, continuing their online bonds offline. This sense of community transcends geographic boundaries, proving that video games can play a significant role in social connection.

Games Designed to Help Mental Health

Some video games are designed with the intention of resonating with players struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health challenges. These games provide more than just entertainment – they create a space for self-reflection and connection, helping players feel seen and understood. Titles like Celeste, Gris, and Wandersong stand out to me the most. They don’t just tell stories; they explore themes of struggle, resilience, and self-acceptance. By immersing players in these narratives, they encourage those facing mental health challenges to reflect on their own experiences and, in some cases, seek further support.

Beyond their emotional depth, these games serve as reminders that no one is truly alone in their struggles. They reinforce the idea that even in the darkest moments, there is always a path forward – no matter how powerless one may feel.

Another genre that has gained popularity for its mental health benefits is cozy games. These games are often designed as stress relievers, offering a sense of comfort, inclusivity, and gentle escapism for those who need it. Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, Night in the Woods, and Journey are great examples. They provide a peaceful, low-stakes environment where players can unwind, build connections, and find joy in simple, everyday tasks. Whether it’s creating a virtual farm, decorating a home, or exploring a beautifully crafted world, cozy games allow players to engage with stories in their own way – offering both relaxation and a creative outlet.

Personal Reflections: How Gaming Helped Me

The most important thing video games have brought into my life is connection. As I’ve grown older, friends and loved ones have moved away to pursue their lives. The one thing that has kept us frequently connected is video games, along with the communities and media surrounding them. Even beyond social interaction, gaming has given me a way to fill my free time – without it, I know I would have felt the weight of isolation much more. In that sense, I’m grateful as well.

The game that helped me most during my childhood was Apex Legends. It’s a first-person battle royale where you choose from a roster of unique Legends, each with their own abilities, and compete against other squads to win. I played this game almost daily for nearly five years with my friends. There was always a sense of competition and a drive to be the best versions of ourselves while also growing closer as individuals.

But as my friends started moving away, my relationship with Apex changed. The game began to feel less like a fun challenge and more like an addiction – something I relied on to fill a void. It gave me a sense of meaning, something to keep me coming back even when it no longer felt fulfilling. Eventually, I decided to step away from video games altogether to collect myself and figure out how to move forward. When I returned, I made a conscious choice to avoid shooter games and focus on interactive multiplayer experiences that let me enjoy time with my friends without the weight of heavy competition.

What I’ve learned is that video games can’t be your only escape – if they are, they’ll eventually pull you into an even deeper spiral. But in moderation, and with the right kind of games, they can be a valuable tool for connection, relaxation, and even personal growth.

Video games are often dismissed as distractions or time-wasters, but for many people – including myself – they are much more than that. They offer an escape, a way to process emotions, and most importantly, a means of connection. Whether through multiplayer experiences, deeply personal storytelling, or simply the comfort of familiar worlds, gaming has played a significant role in my life.

That being said, like anything else, balance is key. Video games can be a powerful tool for coping with stress and finding joy, but they shouldn’t replace real-life responsibilities or meaningful personal growth. Learning to enjoy them in moderation and choosing the right games for the right reasons has helped me appreciate gaming in a healthier way.

At the end of the day, video games – just like books, movies, or music – are what we make of them. They can be isolating, or they can bring us closer to others. They can be an unhealthy escape, or they can be a source of comfort and self-discovery. It all depends on how we engage with them.

What games have helped you through difficult times, and why?