Many of us often turn to video games when we need to unwind from a stressful situation or when we simply want to have a fun and relaxing time away from tiring responsibilities.
Psychologists have proven that electronic games can help get rid of feelings of anxiety and depression, or at least reduce them, for their role in distracting you from the worrying matter and making you happy.
Some of these games are specifically designed to deal with anxiety and depression. And since the mechanism of dealing with depression and anxiety varies from person to person, but if you are someone who helps them with distraction or rapid mental alertness, in our list we review 5 video games that can help you, most of which you can download on your smartphone.
Video games that can help fight depression and anxiety
1-SuperBetter
The developers of SuperBetter are focusing on tackling depression and anxiety by turning it into a game.
The game has been practically tested with a clinical trial and a randomized control trial that has proven the game's ability to reduce negative emotions in players.
The game offers a form of energy to help the player complete missions and get rid of some bad guys, or everyday obstacles.
2-Bejeweled
Several studies have found that puzzle games have a significant effect on reducing stress. Accordingly, in 2011 East Carolina University commissioned puzzle game developer PopCap Games to develop Bejeweled and other unofficial mobile video games.
Through experience, it has been proven that the game, along with other games developed for the same goal, including: Bookworm Adventures and Peggle, clearly contributed to enhancing the mood and reducing the levels of depression in the players. 3-Flower
- To download the game, click here
Although Flower wasn't created specifically as a treatment for depression and anxiety, it was meant to bring positive emotions.
The nature of the game is relaxing, not challenging or brainstorming for players. The goal is simply to control the wind to blow in a certain way through gardens and flower fields.
When a petal touches other flowers, several petals join the group. Some of the dead fields in the game come to life as soon as they are touched by the moving petals.
4-Personal Zen
Another app developed to boost mental health and break the cycle of stress and anxiety. Like SuperBetter, Personal Zen has been tested by a specialized team and subjected to numerous clinical trials to prove that it is “stress-resistant”.
The game itself includes a grass field with one sad side and one happy side. When the faces disappear, players have to track the sparkle behind the happy face. The goal is to train the brain to focus on the less severe and threatening option.
5-PRISM_
PRISM_ can help distract players from the things that are causing them anxiety. This simple mobile puzzle game allows players to reveal different geometric shapes and place the pieces in the correct places to reveal the centers of the shapes.
The game has 13 levels to keep players engaged and focused on completing the mission, also without time limits, so players can take the time they need.
All the while, there is a soothing soundtrack to keep players relaxed and less anxious.
