Gaming & Mental Health: A Balanced Look at the Benefits and Risks

In recent years, video games have evolved from simple entertainment into immersive, complex experiences that shape how we connect, cope, and even heal. For many, gaming offers a sense of escape, mastery, and community. For others, it can become a source of emotional strain, isolation, or avoidance. As mental health professionals, it's important to explore both sides of the coin.

 The Mental Health Benefits of Gaming

1. Emotional Regulation & Stress Relief   Gaming can offer a structured outlet for stress, especially in titles that promote relaxation, creativity, or flow. Games like Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing have been praised for their calming environments and low-stakes gameplay. A 2020 study published in JMIR Mental Health found that casual gaming was associated with reduced stress and improved mood in young adults (Kowert et al., 2020).

2. Social Connection   Multiplayer games and online communities can foster meaningful relationships, especially for individuals who struggle with in-person socialization. Platforms like Discord and cooperative games like Minecraft or Fortnite allow players to collaborate, communicate, and build friendships across distances. For some neurodivergent individuals, gaming provides a safer space to connect without the pressure of face-to-face interaction.

3. Cognitive Engagement & Skill Building   Strategy games, puzzles, and role-playing games often require planning, memory, and problem-solving. Research from the American Psychological Association suggests that certain types of games may improve cognitive flexibility and executive functioning (Granic et al., 2014). These benefits can be especially helpful for youth navigating attention or learning challenges.

The Mental Health Risks of Gaming

1. Avoidance & Emotional Suppression   While gaming can be a healthy coping tool, it can also become a form of emotional avoidance. When used to escape unresolved stress, trauma, or interpersonal conflict, excessive gaming may reinforce patterns of suppression and disconnection. Clinicians often observe this in clients who use gaming to numb anxiety or depressive symptoms without addressing root causes.

2. Sleep Disruption & Physical Inactivity   Late-night gaming sessions and screen exposure can interfere with sleep hygiene, which is closely tied to emotional regulation. The Sleep Foundation notes that blue light from screens can delay melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Additionally, sedentary gaming habits may contribute to physical health concerns that indirectly affect mood and energy.

3. Toxicity & Online Harassment   Not all gaming communities are safe or supportive. Exposure to online bullying, misogyny, or racial slurs—especially in competitive environments—can exacerbate feelings of isolation or trauma. A 2021 report from Take This, a nonprofit focused on mental health in gaming, highlighted the emotional toll of toxic online spaces, particularly for marginalized players.

Therapeutic Considerations

As with any tool, the impact of gaming depends on how it's used. For some clients, integrating gaming into therapy—such as using narrative games to explore identity or emotion—can be transformative. For others, setting boundaries around screen time and exploring alternative coping strategies may be more appropriate.

The key is intentionality. When gaming supports connection, creativity, and emotional regulation, it can be a powerful ally. When it becomes a barrier to presence, growth, or self-care, it may need to be re-evaluated.

Written by: >Dr. Jerry Mercado, PhD, LPC, LCCA, NCC

Founder of Psych-Evolution, LLC & Just Mia  

Trauma-Informed Therapist | Creative Wellness Advocate