You’ve likely encountered the narratives: “Video games incite violence. They encourage aggression. Gaming is merely a frivolous pastime.” For much of my life, I would have concurred — not with the former, as that’s been debunked, but with the latter. After all, titles like Halo seemed like mindless shooting games, while Fortnite appeared trivial and pointless. However, everything changed after I faced a series of traumatic experiences in late 2019 and early 2020. I discovered a profound appreciation for video games; in fact, they played a crucial role in my healing journey.
I was no stranger to gaming. My first console was a chunky Nintendo system I received in Kindergarten, where I lost countless hours to classics such as Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt. I transitioned to puzzle games in my teenage years, with Tetris remaining a favorite. Other beloved titles included Pokémon, Kirby’s Dream Land, Mario Kart, and Sonic the Hedgehog. Yet, as life progressed, I gradually distanced myself from gaming. Various responsibilities, like work and school, took precedence, and I set aside the controller. The reasons for this shift are numerous, but what truly matters is the present. Today, at 37, I embrace gaming once more as a tool to manage my PTSD.
According to an article from the American Psychiatric Association, “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that can develop following exposure to a traumatic event, such as natural disasters, serious accidents, terrorist acts, combat, or sexual violence.” Individuals with PTSD often grapple with intense, distressing thoughts and feelings that linger long after the traumatic experience. After witnessing my mother’s passing, I found myself struggling with debilitating symptoms. I discovered her in a tragic state, which led to disrupted sleep, nightmares, and overwhelming insomnia. My emotional state became erratic, oscillating between anger, apathy, and profound sadness. Concentration felt impossible.
I faced persistent suicidal thoughts, contemplating ending my life on numerous occasions. Living became a battle, and even simple joys, like playing with my kids, felt too daunting. Then, in spring 2020, my husband introduced me to Animal Crossing. This game became a turning point. The lively characters of Asokatown provided a much-needed distraction from my pain, grounding me in the present. The delightful world of Animal Crossing became my sanctuary, motivating me to pursue daily activities and instilling a sense of hope.
My experience aligns with findings from a 2019 study suggesting that video games can support veterans dealing with mental health challenges, including PTSD. Another study highlighted a link between puzzle games like Tetris and trauma recovery, indicating that engaging in such games shortly after a traumatic event can lessen intrusive thoughts. Research has even shown that Tetris could help alleviate recurring visual memories of trauma.
While Animal Crossing and other games have been beneficial, they are not my sole coping mechanism. I attend weekly therapy sessions to work through both current and past struggles. My psychiatrist monitors my mood and medication, and I lean on friends and family for support. However, I genuinely believe that without the timely release of Animal Crossing and my return to gaming, I might not have navigated the challenges of the past year, particularly the difficult summer of 2020.
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Summary
This article reflects on how video games, particularly Animal Crossing, have played a significant role in helping the author cope with PTSD following a traumatic event. Through gaming, the author found distraction, grounding, and motivation to engage with life again, supported by both therapeutic practices and scientific studies indicating the mental health benefits of gaming.
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