DISCLOSURE: I am not a mental health professional. If you need help finding a mental health care provider, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit Online Therapy to call, message, or video chat a certified therapist online. This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I may also receive compensation from Online Therapy or other sources if you purchase products or services through the links provided on this page. You can read my full disclaimer.
For some reason, there is still a huge misconception that video games are bad for you.
They make you violent. You’re irresponsible and lazy if you play them.
For me, that is the complete opposite.
CONTENT WARNING: This post mentions self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
Playing video games makes me forget my problems associated with my mental health.
They calm my anxiety. They distract me from my depression. You can read more about how they help me here.
I got my first computer when I was 7 or 8. Ever since then, I’ve played The Sims.
And even though I’ve played many games in my life, I’ll always consider Sims to be one of my favorite games of all time.
I own The Sims: Complete Collection, every Sims 2 expansion pack and stuff packs, all Sims 3 expansions, and several Sims 4 games. I also have all The Sims games for PlayStation 2.
And because I play Sims on a pretty consistent basis, I found these 4 ways The Sims helps my mental health.
The Sims and Mental Health
✨ Speaking of your childhood, have you downloaded your free inner child healing workbook yet? 👇
1. ESCAPE REALITY
A huge part of my struggle with depression is wishing I could escape from my life. The Sims helps me do that.
The game also helps me escape from my anxiety-filled head.
Sims has even allowed me to distract myself from thoughts of self-harm.
You can be whoever the heck you wanna be with Sims. You can even be a witch, a zombie, a vampire.
The fact of the matter is: you can completely control every thing that happens in the game.
Plus, I’m a big fan of downloading Custom Content to further increase the creativity of gameplay. I’ve downloaded
Some of my favorite sites to download from are Mod the Sims and The Sims Resource.
More ways to honor your inner child:
👉 13 Nostalgic Activities to Reconnect with Your Inner Child
2. REMEMBER GOOD MEMORIES
Whenever I’m feeling my lowest, I whip out my old school Sims games.
Playing video games creates lasting, fond memories. You tend to remember the exact emotions you had when you initially played the game.
Even though I’ve lived through some pretty intense childhood trauma, I was a much happier person when I was a kid.
And I’m the type of person who hates throwing out anything with a good memory attached to it.
This means that unless I absolutely despise it, I will never throw out or give away a video game.
Even when I’m 75, I know I will always go back to them.
Plus, The Sims still brings me so much joy today. I could never part with it.
More signs of toxic shame:
👉 13 Nostalgic Activities to Reconnect with Your Inner Child
3. FIGHTS LONELINESS
I’m a legacy type player, meaning I love to fill my game with a bunch of different generations.
Nearly every sim has a connection with another sim, whether by blood, relationship, or friendship.
It might sound weird, but I feel like all sims are unique.
Each sim has their own personality traits, skills, memories, and aspirations.
Putting so much time and energy into these sims makes you almost feel a part of their world, even if only for a little while.
Plus, you could very easily play Sims with a friend or sibling.
Some of my favorite memories are playing with my sister and friend.
Do you remember your childhood friends?
👉 27 Movies About Childhood Friends (Filled with Nostalgia)
4. DISTRACTS FROM BAD THOUGHTS
Anytime I feel my thoughts turning negative, I turn to Sims. Just seeing the start-up screen puts me in a better place.
If you’ve never played Sims, you might not know how funny it actually is playing it.
The sounds the sims make. Their dance moves. All their facial expressions when they don’t want to do something.
I always laugh out loud when I play any of the games.
When you’re laughing and having a good time, it’s kind of hard to feel in a bad place.
Some of my other favorite games:
- Kingdom Hearts franchise (PlayStation)
- Uncharted franchise (PlayStation)
- RollerCoaster Tycoon (PC)
- Need for Speed (multiple platforms)
Do you play video games to help your mental health? What are your favorite ones to play?
Related video game posts:
- My 10 Favorite Computer Games to Help Your Mental Health
- Why Video Games are Good for Our Mental Health
- Best PlayStation Games for Your Mental Health
Did you know that there is online therapy?
Online Therapy is a complete online therapy toolbox.
Your therapy toolbox includes:
- Live video, voice, or text chat session with your therapist
- 8 easy-to-follow sections, including 25 worksheets
- Activity plan, journal, and tests
- Yoga and meditation videos
What I love about Online Therapy is that there are several life-changing options and therapists available, and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home.
This means you never need to worry before getting help.
Get 20% off your first month with my exclusive link.
