Tetris Reduces PTSD Flashbacks

[PNW_Trees]

I just read an article indicating that new research shows that the Tetris computer game helped to reduce PTSD flashbacks. In fact, it was the only computer game that did so. That is kind of cool. :smile:

 

[Nora]

This is AWESOME! I've taken refuge in many a simple computer game. How many other games did they pit it against?

 

[Gloria]

When I wake up from a nighmare in the middle of the night, I play either solitaire or blackjack on my computer. It makes me focus on the cards and stay focused on the cards and takes my mind off the nightmare.

I don't go on-line and play cards for money but I admit that when I am experiencing a lot of PTSD symptoms, I will play for hours and consider myself addicted to it. When I'm feeling good, I can't stand to sit on my computer and play games.

Boy! Does it ever help though when I am feeling triggered!! Good Luck!!

 

[avant-garde]

I have to admit that I find myself, when in my lowest of lows, playing comuter games - just the simple ones, like Tetris, Block'd and Solitaire, Mahjong, and so forth. It's a great way to keep focused on something else. I used to find that when I would have an anxiety attack, I would switch my computer on to play one of those games.

There must be some science in it.

 

[Elphaba]

I am finding this very interesting. I spend a lot of time playing simple computer games at times, but I find myself cursing myself as I do it as I feel I am just wasting away, wasting time, spending even more time NOT pulling myself together. At the same time, it is kind of "comfortable" to keep my mind on something. And it is better than staring into space.

 

[PNW_Trees]

I reread the article and the comparison was between playing Tetris, playing Pub Quiz, and sitting quietly. Only playing Tetris had a significant impact and the researchers theorized that it was because it was a visual game.

 

[Iam]

Hmm....interesting thread. I play solitaire on my computer all the time too. It gives me a break from being inside my head. I wonder if tetris works because you are having to search left and right for the place to put each block. That would fall in line with the eyepatch, writing left handed and EMDR.

 

[Kiskit]

yeah I am a hardcore gamer. When I was working as paramedic, I often would play Tetris before going on lengthy transfers. It helped me to stay focused for hours. never played it much when I was on for emergency shifts tho.

It never helped my ptsd symptoms due to the fact that back then we played Tetris in our workplace office and my boss was one of my worst physical abusers.

 

[Pink77]

I find this really interesting! I find myself playing either mahjong or another game like Tetris that helps calm me and preoccupies me and my rapid thoughts. It also makes me feel better about myself when I've had simple successes - finally beaten the game! :D Its good to know that Tetris can help with flashbacks. PNW_Trees, where did you see the article?

 

[lovinbiker]

Interesting post PNW
I have good friend that is Bi polar and she swears by tetris as a way to manage it.
Judging by the responses here aswell I would say theres clearly benefits in playing tetris ( I told my mum when I was 12 that computer games where good for me :D) for ptsd sufferers
Lb

 

[Unhinged]

This is really interesting. I find it is nearly impossible for me to play some of the more intense games that I used to love (like World of Warcraft). Gaming is a big thing in our house, and my husband often tries to get me to play new games with him but it is hard for me to figure them out now. But I do still love the simple games. They're basic, easy to focus on, and I don't feel overloaded by them. Awesome thread, didn't know other people played these games too. I'll have to get a tetris game now.

 

[Maggie]

I remember my father used to play minesweeper all the time- around the time he was doing EMDR and dealing with everything. I guess he was using that as a coping mechanism?