You’ve likely heard the claims: “Video games breed violence. They’re a waste of time.” For much of my life, I would have agreed with the latter statement, despite the disproven notions of aggression. Games like Halo and Fortnite seemed trivial and frivolous. However, after facing a series of traumatic events in late 2019 and early 2020, my perspective shifted dramatically. In fact, video games played a crucial role in my healing journey.
I was no stranger to gaming. I received my first console, a clunky old Nintendo, in Kindergarten. I spent countless hours immersed in Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt. During my teenage years, I enjoyed puzzlers like Tetris and dabbled in games like Pokémon, Kirby’s Dream Land, and Sonic the Hedgehog. Eventually, life took over, and I stepped away from gaming—work and school demanded my attention, and I traded Tetris for term papers. But those past choices are irrelevant now. What truly matters is my current reality. Today, at 37 years old, I am a gamer who utilizes video games as a coping mechanism for PTSD.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Those affected often endure distressing thoughts and feelings long after the event, including flashbacks, nightmares, and feelings of detachment. This was my experience after the devastating loss of my mother, whom I found in a harrowing condition.
Following that trauma, my sleep was shattered by nightmares and extreme insomnia. I felt trapped by my circumstances and haunted by an abusive past. My emotions were a chaotic blend of anger, apathy, sadness, shame, and fear. Concentrating on anything was nearly impossible.
I frequently battled suicidal thoughts, contemplating ending my life on multiple occasions. Simply being present with my children became a challenge. But everything changed when my spouse gifted me Animal Crossing in the spring of 2020. Suddenly, I had a way to escape the torment of my past. The vibrant characters and the charming setting of Asokatown provided me with a distraction, grounding me in the present. Animal Crossing became my sanctuary, sparking a desire within me to keep moving forward.
My situation isn’t isolated. Research from 2019 indicates that video games can assist veterans in overcoming mental health challenges like PTSD and substance abuse. Another study highlighted a link between puzzle games, such as Tetris, and trauma recovery, suggesting that these games can help reduce intrusive thoughts following a traumatic event. Tetris, in particular, may help alleviate PTSD-related flashbacks.
While Animal Crossing is a significant part of my healing, I also prioritize therapy. I meet with my therapist weekly to work through both present and past challenges, and I consult my psychiatrist regularly to monitor my mental health. I also lean on friends and family for support. However, without the timely arrival of Animal Crossing and my rekindled passion for gaming, I often wonder if I would have made it through the difficult months of 2020.
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In summary, video games have proven invaluable in my recovery from PTSD, providing a sense of community and a safe space for emotional expression. While they are not a substitute for professional help, they have played a significant role in my healing process.