Annually on October 10, it’s World Mental Health Day! On this day, it’s important to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and its support. Both of us, Nox & Lumi, as tiny content creators wanted to add our own voice to speak out about the importance of mental health and mental well-being. And as passionate gamers, and especially fans of the co-op genre, we wanted to do so in regards of gaming.
Not only on World Mental Health Day, it's important to us to highlight how gaming can positively impact mental well-being - especially when experienced together with people you feel a connection with. Co-op gaming, in particular, offers such a unique blend of social interaction, collaboration and shared emotion, making it a valuable asset for mental health and stress relief in this increasingly digital world. A world where feeling disconnected from others and experiencing loneliness is getting more common.
Reach out to those you care aboutIn today’s fast-paced society, many people struggle with feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and stress. Therefore, the next time you or someone close to you expresses those feelings, consider playing games with each other. If you haven’t heard from someone you care about in a while, maybe use this chance to reach out again. Especially, if it is someone you used to play games with - be it an old MMO guildmate, a friendly colleague from your last workplace, or even someone you don’t know yet (a.k.a a kind stranger in an online game). Going through challenging missions together, solving difficult puzzles, and achieving victories as a team can bring you joy, happiness and a feeling of fulfillment. Other than that, it can help you relax, and take a step back from your busy life in an environment where social interaction might not always be as enjoyable as we’d wish it to be.
So, dive into one of the endless adventures that co-op games have to offer - together. And should you perchance encounter some unfriendliness along the way, always remember: the disconnect-button is just a click away :) Stay safe and stay healthy! We as humans are all in this together - and if you feel like you’re being all on your own, please reach out to someone you can trust or contact your doctor ,who will be happy to help.
About the Video AboveThe video above is taken from our weekly co-op news round-up on YouTube. The scene we used to support our message are from the Steam Next Fest demo of 'Lynked: Banner of the Spark', a cozy roguelite co-op game coming out on Oct 22. We really loved the positive, friendly and caring NPCs and the vibrant game world. If you feel like experiencing this for yourself, and ideally with your favorite person/people, go check it out on Steam.
Disclaimer
We are not giving this information out in the role as health professionals, and the information provided in this content is for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered medical advice or used as a substitute for professional care. If you are experiencing mental health challenges or feel seriously unwell, please seek advice from a licensed healthcare provider or mental health professional. Your well-being is important, and professional guidance is essential in managing mental health concerns.
ReferenceJones CM, Scholes L, Johnson D, Katsikitis M and Carras MC (2014) Gaming well: links between videogames and flourishing mental health. Front. Psychol. 5:260. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00260