Poll Do Video Games Calm You?

[cypher]

I occasionally play video games. It does help me relax and take things off my mind. Usually I'll play untill I'm tired of it, or I cant figure out how to solve some type of problem/riddell or cant find something I need to move on in the game.

Yeah, I have a gamecube too batgirl and I cant find any games for it now. Their nowhere... well ebay probally. The funny thing is, I still see the Gamecube itself being sold when theres no games to play on it. (??) But I think the nintendo ds is compatable with the gamecube, so if you have a gcube with no/limited games, buy the ds w/ some games and hook it up. Theres more games for the ds so you just hook it up and can play on the tv. or something like that.

 

[Firenze]

It's definitely a good coping mechanism. It seems to switch off certain parts of my mind and keep me occupied to a level that is just distracting enough without being tiring.

 

[moog]

I play them once in a while and I find them relaxing.

It is actually a very interesting subject, I read about a study and project being done a few years ago providing Virtual Reality Therapy for Iraq Veterans. And when I was looking for the article to post here, I found another one on using similar science for first responders from New York on Sept. 11, 2001.

Here are the articles, just add a W to the start of the link.

Virtual Reality Therapy for Combat Stress
ww.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4806921

APA: Virtual Reality PTSD Therapy Shows Promise in Iraq Veterans
ww.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/APA/tb/9388

9/11 PTSD Therapy
ww.sciencentral.com/articles/view.php3?type=article&article_id=218392349

 

[Lucky Laser]

Video games definitely calm me down. Fighting games can be an appropriate way to release some pent up stress and role-playing games can be a nice little break from reality. Strategy games or puzzle games are also good to keep my brain focused on something if I need that.

 

[morgan]

I don't currently play video games but, after reading some of these posts, I think I'll start. Any recommendations as to what to buy that has the most variety of games? Play station or something?

 

[moog]

I don't currently play video games but, after reading some of these posts, I think I'll start. Any recommendations as to what to buy that has the most variety of games? Play station or something?

I actually think for someone that doesn't currently play video games (no current preference) the Nintendo Wii would be a great choice. It provides choices for physical interactivity, which is a great bonus as a potential "treatment".

 

[Deleted member 487]

Yeah, sometimes it is comforting. Something about how much I hate nazis, and sometimes nothing can really make me feel better than going to "god mode" on a WW2 wargame and killing every Nazi there. I'll just stand there, have unlimited life, unlimited ammo, and....it has been very relaxing. Unique in itself, I think.

 

[Torqueo]

I carry my nintendo ds around with me at all times. When I get into a downer, I tend to pick it up and start playing.
My boyfriend even noticed that I play miles better when I'm in a downer and trying to distract myself, then when I'm just playing casually. Especially if we're on an xbox 360 and we're playing 2 player xD

 

[cyndi]

I'm so glad to be absolved of my guilt of playing games! Thanks all. I don't really play all that often, but I sooooo enjoy the yahoo puzzle games or solitaire, tetris, etc. They are all very calming to me. The games allow me to put stuff in order, control my environment, focus completely on something other than the issues in my life. I do play better too the worse off I am. Funny, huh? I don't like violent games though. (triggers) Maybe I'll treat myself to a Nintendo at some point :) Interesting poll and thanks for the links above, anyone hear of therapy we can access if we don't fit in those specific situations?

 

[UmightKnowMe]

Yup....I always have a few screens open on my computer at once and while I wait for screens to refresh or whatever I play the game. Usually something pretty mindless....or a puzzle game but not like a real brainy one....I think its a kind of dissociation maybe. I dunno.

 

[xxarmywifexx]

Guilty

The DH and I have computer sitting side by side and we are World of Warcraft addicts. We have 10 lvl 70's and counting. Enough said...lol

-xxarmywifexx

 

[JustJane]

I don't know if the games calm me as much as focus my attention on something else - and that comforts me. I am more apt to play a game of backgammon or scrabble against the computer than actually play a video game. I can tell when I am particularly troubled because I will wake up during the night feelijng the need to play a game of scrabble. Then I can go back to sleep.