Video games and mental health—it’s a discussion that’s been going on for years, often bouncing between extremes. Either gaming is saving lives or it’s ruining them, depending on which clickbait headline you happen to stumble across. But, as with most things, the truth sits somewhere in the middle.

Gaming is an escape, a challenge, a social hub, and sometimes, an absolute menace to sleep schedules (I’ve been there, more times than I care to admit). It has incredible benefits but also some pitfalls that are worth keeping an eye on. So let’s take a look at both the highs and lows of gaming when it comes to mental well-being.

The Upsides of Gaming for Mental Health

A Stress-Busting Digital Getaway

Life can be a lot. Bills, work, deadlines, that one neighbour who insists on mowing their lawn at 7 AM—it all adds up. Gaming offers an escape, a pocket of time where you can put the real world on pause and lose yourself in another. Whether it’s the cosy comfort of Stardew Valley or the chaotic joy of a Final Fantasy XIV raid, gaming can be a brilliant stress reliever.

Brain Gains: Sharpening Cognitive Skills

Contrary to what your non-gaming relatives might think, video games don’t rot your brain—they challenge it. Puzzle games boost problem-solving skills, strategy games train your decision-making, and action-packed titles can improve reaction times and hand-eye coordination. Tetris isn’t just fun; it’s practically a brain workout in block form.

Social Connection in a Digital Age

Online gaming is basically the modern-day equivalent of gathering around a campfire—except the fire is an RGB keyboard, and instead of ghost stories, you’re probably yelling at your friend for pulling the boss too soon. For many people, gaming communities provide a sense of belonging, especially for those who might struggle with social interactions in real life. Friendships forged in dungeons and battlegrounds? They’re just as real as any others.

Learning Resilience (One Boss Fight at a Time)

If you’ve ever fought any FromSoftware boss, you know the feeling: frustration, rage, the sudden realisation that maybe you’re not as good at dodging as you thought. But the beauty of gaming is that it teaches persistence. You fail, you try again. You adapt, you improve. And honestly? That’s a pretty solid life lesson.

Gaming as Therapy

No, really—gaming is being used in actual therapeutic settings. Specially designed games can help people manage anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD, offering safe spaces to explore emotions and develop coping strategies. Even outside of clinically designed games, titles like Animal Crossing or Journey can be incredibly soothing and restorative.

The Downsides of Gaming (Yes, Even for Hardcore Gamers)

The ‘Just One More Quest’ Spiral (a.k.a. Gaming Addiction)

Let’s be real—gaming can be very easy to overdo. When a game is designed to keep you engaged (looking at you, live service games), it’s easy to lose track of time. Extreme cases can lead to neglecting responsibilities, social withdrawal, and physical health taking a hit. If your ‘quick gaming session’ keeps turning into a 12-hour marathon, it might be time to reassess.

Sleep? Never Heard of It

Ever had that moment where you think, ‘I’ll just finish this mission,’ and suddenly it’s 3 AM? Yeah. Screens (and the blue light they emit) mess with melatonin production, which means late-night gaming binges can wreak havoc on sleep schedules. And when sleep suffers, so does mood, focus, and mental well-being.

Anxiety and Rage Quits

Not all games are calming experiences—some are pure, unfiltered stress. Competitive games can fuel anxiety, especially if ranked mode turns every match into a high-stakes pressure cooker. And let’s not even talk about rage quitting. If a game is making you more stressed than it’s relieving, it might be worth stepping back for a bit.

Social Isolation vs. Social Connection

Online gaming can be social, but if it’s replacing real-world interactions entirely, that’s where problems start. There’s a fine line between ‘gaming with friends’ and ‘gaming instead of maintaining real-life relationships’. And no, talking to your MMO guild every day doesn’t count as your entire social life (even if they do know more about you than your coworkers do).

When Gaming Starts Stealing Your Time

Work deadlines? School projects? Household chores? If gaming keeps getting in the way of responsibilities, it can start causing real stress—ironically undoing some of the mental health benefits it offers. Balance is key, and setting boundaries (like not starting a 100-hour RPG the night before an important meeting) can save a lot of trouble.

Finding the Sweet Spot

So, where does that leave us? Gaming can be incredibly beneficial for mental health—when it’s balanced properly. The trick is to enjoy it without letting it take over completely.

A few practical tips:

• Set limits (yes, even if you’re mid-dungeon, the world will survive if you log off).
• Prioritise responsibilities (that boss fight will still be there after you finish that deadline).
• Keep an eye on sleep and social interactions (actual human conversations are important too).
• If a game is stressing you out more than it’s helping, take a step back.

At the end of the day, gaming is meant to be fun, engaging, and (for many of us) a core part of our lives. Just remember: you control the game—don’t let the game control you.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a quest log that’s definitely not getting any shorter…