Mental Health Resources for the Games Industry
Nathan Adcock
Public attitudes toward mental health are improving year after year, allowing people to feel more comfortable seeking the help they need. After the pandemic, resources went online, becoming more accessible. This doesn’t mean reaching out is always easy, but having the right information and support available is incredibly important. Whether you’re struggling to manage bouts of stress or dealing with or dealing with something heavier, there is help out there for you.
Mental health is an issue that runs very close to our hearts at OPM, so we have compiled a list of helpful online resources for those needing support or information on the subject.
Mental Health Foundation – Games Industry Study
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/MHF-Mind-Gaming-Report
In February 2022, the Mental Health Foundation conducted an independent research study with recommendations for the games industry. The report found that the games industry can help people who need to protect their mental health in a big way. The industry has huge potential to be a force for good in promoting mental health. Furthermore, their research showed that players expect the games industry to act on this. Players want you to do more, not because you have to, but because you have the opportunity and ability to improve their lives.
Safe In Our World
Safe in Our World is an accredited charity that is supported by games industry figures, veterans, and ambassadors from all over the world. Its mission is to create an online space where people can seek support, obtain access to information and resources, and observe stories from real people in and around the video games industry.
With one in every four people worldwide affected by mental health issues, the task ahead is daunting. However, because video games are played by more than half of the world’s population, Safe In Our World spur initiatives to support and assist players worldwide.
NHS
Recently, The NHS announced their long-term plan to make a renewed commitment to improve and widen access to care for children and adults needing mental health support. The NHS is available for anyone in the UK that needs urgent mental health care or is looking for support for many mental health conditions, including:
- depression
- generalised anxiety
- social anxiety
- panic and agoraphobia
- other phobias
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- body dysmorphic disorder
Action for Happiness app
Action For Happiness is a global mental health charity that offers courses, events, and community support in order to make the world a kinder, happier place. The app is similar to having a personal action coach in your pocket who:
- Every day, sends you friendly nudges with an action idea.
- Sends you motivational messages to keep you going.
- Allows you to connect with and share ideas with people who share your interests.
Headspace YouTube
Andy Puddicome, Headspace’s co-founder and former Buddhist monk, guides the Headspace YouTube channel, which shares meditations, music for restful sleep, and short videos that explore the world of mindfulness. It’s a fantastic resource to try if you’re new to meditation and want to learn more about it. There are so many choices that you’re sure to find something to try even if you don’t have much time on your hands.
Mind
When you are dealing with a mental health issue, supportive and trustworthy information can make all the difference in the world. That is exactly what Mind does. They help people understand their situation and the options available to them by doing the following:
- Their Infoline, which provides confidential assistance to callers for the cost of a local call.
- Their Legal Line, which provides the public, service users, family members/caregivers, mental health professionals, and mental health advocates with information on mental health law.
- PIF Tick certified and award-winning information.
