Do Video Games Make Depression Worse?

Phil Owen at Kotaku writes:

"Until recently, I had never considered the idea that my gaming habit, which could charitably be described as heavy, could be harmful to my mental health. It wasn't just that I dismissed that idea; the idea had never popped into my head.

But as psychological professionals debate whether or not "gaming addiction" should be listed as a condition in the next update to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the psychological Bible)—and as I finally take my mental health seriously—I am reevaluating that idea. I'm reevaluating it, even though my psychiatrist and my therapist have never discussed gaming as an issue.

Unfortunately, there is not a whole lot of scientific data, in the form of psychological studies, to help me out in my journey of self-discovery. There are, however, a few researchers who are intent on studying the possible link between gaming and mental disorders like depression. I spoke with two of them to get a more p...

[ab5olut10n]

CoD's popularity depresses me. Does that count?

[Detoxx]

Yup. I know that feel

[ArcticWolfUK]

Gaming does not cause depression, people who suffer from depression are just more likely to play games.

[Hicken]

As a long time gamer and sufferer of depression, I agree. That escape is crucial to coping, or it was for me. I wasn't addicted to gaming, but wanting to get further in a game was one of the few things that kept bad thoughts at bay.

I don't know if being depressed makes a person more likely to get addicted. I suppose it's possible, but then that potential for addiction must be there in the first place. I think, overall, the two things are separate situations that just so happen to overlap from time to time. The same can be said for many situations.

Edit: No, I don't think so. Because those "frustrations" can just be pushed aside. The good thing about video games is that you can just walk away if you're getting frustrated with things not going your way. You can change games or just not play at all; can't do that with life, and that's why video games are popular for people struggling in such a way.

In any case, don't go thinking you've figured anything out. I assure you that you haven't.

[Ben_Grimm]

You suffer from depression Hicken? Hmmmm, it's starting to come together now.

Let me ask you does the frustating nature of video games i.e dying, difficult levels, gameplay, would those factors add add to depression?

[ape007]

if u are really depressed, you'll not even find the slightest of pleasure in games

[StrawberryDiesel420]

This is spot on. I was gaming regularly for years but up until recently I have stopped due to the fact that I'm just not feeling it. People tell me I'm depressed, but real life isn't peachy all the time, and for me recently its been tough to say the least. I noticed whenever I pop in a game, I just can't let it absorb me like I once did. Life problems just seems so much more important and they consume my thoughts. I almost sold all my games except a few gems, then I figured maybe I am really depressed and one day again I will enjoy gaming. Your comment describes exactly how I've been feeling lately and reminds me that I'm definitely depressed.

[RickHiggity]

Well if your depressed about something that you feel is missing from your life, video games certainly won't help.