10 Video Games I Play to Reduce Stress & Depression Symptoms 

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This might seem strange to say, but it’s actually videos about childhood games and technology that help me handle my anxiety. I’m a former hardcore video gamer, but I stopped playing in 2005, because it contributed to my obsessiveness, and took over my life. Ever since, I’ve put that energy into writing, photography, and making videos. Your videos, and also very much those by Clint at LGR, help me connect to my childhood without the danger of reigniting my old non-stop gaming addictions. I can’t really say how much you and LGR have been appreciated when I desperately needed time to chill out. I’ve watched all of your videos, and they really do their part to settle me down. Thanks so much!

Learning English (I am Brazilian) helped me a lot with my depression because it expands a lot the horizons of the internet and of the games, being able to play point and click games and watch many good RU-vid channels about video games like yours.

Stardew Valley is my “chill out” game. Because, despite everything you can do, none of it matters. There’s no time limit, it’ll repeat the years forever, and any goals are the ones you set yourself. Just play one day at a time. Crop get ruined, or you time it wrong before the season change. Who cares? Just grow something else. Missed a fish that only shows up under certain conditions? Buy one from the traveling merchant. Pass out in the mines? No big deal, nothing lost can’t be regained.

This video couldn't have come at a more appropriate time, thank you Roses.

Animal Crossing has always been great for my mood. Just having a nice, wholesome little town that I spend 10 to 30 minutes in every day.

My preferred way of coping with my issues(depression, anxiety, ADHD) involves writing. I love doing D&D stuff, roleplaying etc, because it helps take my mind off of things. And there's something cathartic about the randomness of the dice that also helps. Sometimes your character simply doesn't succeed, but that's okay. Failing at something happens to the best of us, and these failures turn into great stories if the DM knows what they are doing. Sorry for the rant, I simply adore RPGs of all forms to be a great way for myself to cope.

I totally get what you mean by not wanting to play a new game when depressed. The thought of going through a tutorial or learning new mechanics just exhausts me at times. I also agree that it depends on your mood which game you actually end up playing. Sometimes I just can't face the haul of a point and click no matter how much I usually love it, and I need Stardew or The Sims. Other times, I need the distraction or the laughs from revisiting those old Sierra and LucasArts games.

For me, it's been games that I can just focus on goals. Lego games are perfect for this, I remember one bad episode of depression led to me getting 100% in Lego Lord of the Rings, which is something I haven't done since I was a kid. But It did help me feel better as it was a bit of an accomplishment as silly as that sounds.

FF8 is my fav FF... for young introvert back then it was really important to have main character who also often responds with "..."

I’ve been binging your videos recently and I have severe depression and suicidal ideation and anxiety and I laughed out loud with glee at the mention of FF 8. It was my first ever introduction to Final Fantasy and I have a huge soft spot and love for it. Happy to find someone else that likes it :)

Hi, Danish psychologist here. You know, from the land of "hygge". I have been following your channel for almost as long as it has existed, and I like it all. This video are one of those that like as a psychologist, because it gives hope, it offers concrete solutions to people who have to live with mental problems. You don't sugarcoat, you maintain that medical treatment is useful and you have a wonderful practical way to share your experiencens and give advice. A video like this will help a lot of people. So thank you for that!

When Roses started saying she hoped that if we watched this video to help our depressions, that she hoped it helped, and how even small successes are successes... I teared up slightly. In a good way! Hearing someone I look up to, someone who's content I love, recognize why I watch their videos and give me encouragement touched me. I watch Roses, LGR, Brutal Moose, Channel Awesome, and many others to help cope with my brain constantly dragging me down. I'll flick on a video of 15 minutes or longer, turn on auto play and crochet to keep my hands busy from being destructive. My favorites are reviews and lets plays that are on the longer side. I tune in and my sensory overload just melts. I'll also pause between videos and use the time stamps to track how long each row or pattern takes me. So thank you, so much Roses. You've done a lot for me you didn't even know about. Hearing you say that probably made my weekend

My grandmother has been very sick recently, we just moved her from the hospital back to her house where she's comfortable. Seeing her in the hospital was tough. She's so tiny now, even the smallest oxygen mask they had wouldn't fit her. I'm glad she's home, but I know we're going to lose her soon. In a few days, it will be the 10 year anniversary of my grandfather (her husband)'s passing. A few months ago, I started playing RiME due to a free xbox game pass trial. I only played it for a bit, but something brought me back to it recently. I didn't realize until then that RiME is based on the five stages of grief. That fact has given the game so much more meaning to me and it's an incredibly bittersweet experience. It's sort of an adventure/puzzle/exploration game. That description doesn't do it justice. It's an amazing game. It's currently helping me. Check it out.

The way you put your videos together is so creative. I like the thought bubbles, and I like your humorous commentary to break up the otherwise serious subject of the video.

I love how open you are with your health issues and how you are working towards healing yourself. I really wish we had less of a stigma about mental health in this county. Thank you for creating and sharing this video,

I used to watch old cartoons when my depression really hit me. Now I kind of apply the "old" part to anything to make me feel better, video games, movies, RU-vid videos even.

Playing old video games always reminds me of the first time I played them. Often at my grandparent's farm. Later I would go outside, collect eggs or go to the forest. Then reality kicks in and I realize that those times will never come back because the farm is sold, the grandparents are dead and even a large part of the forest is chopped down. :(

"I had to know why there was a dead body in a sarcophagus." Isn't that the whole point of a sarcophagus though?

Do you know why I found your channel? Because you reviewed The Curse Of Monkey Island. Big part of my youth and now you mention it again on a subject that I understand. Thank you!

Wish I could click a heart button instead of liking with a thumb up.

Balamb Garden music right at the beginning. I can't like faster than this. And well... Final Fantasy VIII is the very first FF I picked up, so I can't resolve to dislike it. Never.

This was relaxing. I really appreciate you taking the time to post this. It takes a lot of courage to try and heal from your disorders. Even more courage to reach out and help others with it.

Seriously this is an amazing video. Everytime I'm in a moody slump I'm going to think about this video. Also, yes, I absolutely play Stardew Valley when I'm down. Well that or SQ6, but I love Stardew's music so damn much! Cannot wait for this to get to Switch so that I can have my stress relief on the go!

I’m happy this has a lot of views. Shows that no one is alone in their fight. Thanks for sharing.

*starts with Final Fantasy VIII music* YES! I think Final Fantasy VIII is such a great and calming game because Squall is an excellent protagonist to project yourself on to. He very clearly has mental health issues and is constantly thrust into these difficult situations, and you controlling him and the party and overcoming these conflicts just feels...very real. Like Squall solves all these problems and they just constantly keep coming, he questions himself and doesn't know what he wants or how to express himself...and its nice to play as him. That's me though. Also I love the little Roses pop ins. It reminds me of the classic music video channel on MTV where they had little info bits pop in. Brings me back! Great video!

Gaming definitely helps. Bloodborne specifically helped me get out of one hell of a funk. It might only be a virtual challenge but even a virtual challenge overcome is a good feeling.

I have Social Anxiety Disorder. I don’t like new social experiences, just talking to clerk at the BMV with other people around me, stresses me out. I will do everything I can to avoid calling tech support for my Directv, just because asking them to fix or change something “feels” like I’ve screwed up somehow and now they’re judging me. I have family, I have a small circle of friends, and I don’t seek out anything more than that. The Internet has been a godsend. That barrier allows me to be way more open than I am in person. Being able to compose my thoughts before posting relieves a lot of the pressure. And that extends to gaming, I mostly solo, but I get pretty engaged in co op games. I love Splatoon 2, for example. I do run into a hurdle with games heavily reliant on mic chat, I hate hearing other people’s voices and them hearing mine. I ran a successful WoW guild for a year just with text chat. I’m looking forward to Sea of Thieves, and I’m hoping emotes will be enough to coordinate with other pirates.

I liked this one a lot. Thanks for the shout out to the Danes. We do ‘hygge’ and it really helps if you’re down. There’s so much I’d like to tell you about games, Denmark, mental illness and so fourth, but you have ‘enough on your plate’ - so a very appreciated thank you for this one Games I play when I’m down: Full Throttle Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis The Curse of Monkey Island (Guybrush rules!) And Goblin Sword

Just so you know, yes your content does help me get through the day. If it's any consolation, you rock and your attention to your work and mentioning coping mechanisms does help me. You've saved at least one person and you should be proud of that.

There is one game for me that always helps when it comes to struggling with my ADHD, OCD and Aspergers and that is Euro Truck Simulator 2 with the zero traffic mod on. When it is just me and the open road,I have some video game podcasts on and I find that I get lost in the game and any worries simply fade away. An amazing video highlighting this PUR and I am super happy that you covered this because this is a topic that I feel should be talked before, especially in regards the whole "video game addiction" subject. Sometimes games are the only way for us to either feel better or just function sometimes and that is not an addiction.

Great video! :D Loved how it showed the many differing uses for different kinds of video games for helping promote our mental-healh. I never really considered most of this, thanks for broadening my mind on this topic. I usually watch things when I get depressed, but often find my mind still racing because I'm not fully engaged by just watching videos. Video games on the other hand fully engage you by involving all of you to play them, vs just your eyes.

I really do like videos like this. I have been lucky enough to never have had any of these issues, but understanding what other people go through really widens my perpective and makes me feel that more empathy towards others, who may be suffering from these illnesses. Thank you for this video.

instant nostalgia blast with FF8, fuck FF7 and FF8 have such a deep meaning for me they certainly help, also Grim Fandango of course; hell even just listening to the OST of these games are amazing

Another group of people who's sketch comedies I love is Loading Ready Run, who did it from 2003-2014. They do streaming now, and it's great too, but sometimes just going back to their sketches is just what I need. (Also a few people in their group deal with mental health issues of their own, and talking to them about it during their streams is incredibly helpful.)

Chibi-Robo is great for this. You're a tiny robot running around a house, cleaning and making your family happy. It's so relaxing.

I work in residential rehab, mostly for adults with mental illness living in group homes. I have to say that you are not only super knowledgeable (and accurate) about mental illness, but also, whether you know it or not, your frankness and openness about your own experiences and ways of coping is an excellent way of de-stigmatizing mental illness. I'm really glad you talk about it on your channel, and thank you.

in my battle with depression and anxiety, one of the things that really help me is RU-vid, because it helps me realize that I was not alone, and watching your video, especially because, in a way I see myself in you and it give me a lot of hope and help me get trough the day. thank you for your amazing video i wish you all the hapiness that you deserve. sorry for my bad written english i'm french canadian

I’ve suffered from depression and anxiety my whole life. I watch you reviews when I feel down, you always make me smile.

Interestingly, on days when I am struggling with depression, my go-to game has actually been Kingdom Hearts 2. I think it's because 1) the combat is satisfying, but more importantly, 2) I feel like it's almost symbolic, like literally beating down the darkness.

When I'm feeling depressed or stressed, I frequently revisit your play throughs with LGR- especially Lara Bow, Drospy, and Last Half of Darkness series. Thanks for this video PUR! Keep up the great work!!

“The Longest Journey” was my Grim Fandango. Not for the comedy, though there are some funny bits. But it is one of my favorite games of all time, an adventure game that I replayed countless times for years, and each time I soaked up every possible line of dialogue.

As someone who suffers from OCD, Bipolar II and generalized anxiety I'm so grateful for this video. Watching RU-vid videos is part of my coping skills. It also made me feel a little less alone.

Thanks for another awesome video. Your videos always lift my spirits high. You should do a quest for glory retrospective on each entry in the series. And name the one for QFG5 what you said in the video, lol.

Nostalgia makes me have anxiety attacks over how much of my life is already gone lmfao

I love to play Morrowind. I sneak into somewhere special to me or just pretty and read books in-game. In small crevices or on top of buildings.

For me The Sims 2 and Dance Dance Revolution are great games that make me feel better when my depression takes control. I experienced the firsts symptoms of depression at 14 years old (I'm 35 now) and it really is a hard battle to fight. Really loved the video, thanks for sharing your experience.

I really appreciate how open you are with your mental illness- I've been struggling with mental illness my whole life and I'm trying really hard to make good choices to improve my mental state and such instead of just letting myself deteriorate... Hearing you talking about it and what helps you really lets me feel like it's possible to get to a better place...

I actually have a specific coping story. Quick backstory. People trigger my anxiety. The more the worse. I was in mid Christmas celebration surrounded by extended family and I was getting to the where I could no longer cope. Somebody got a large jigsaw puzlle out and my mom motioned me to sit by her on a piano bench to help out. Before I knew it I was so engrossed that I had forgot my fear. it took quite some time to finish so every time I started feeling stressed, I wondered over to the puzzle to clear my head. I am also fond of mysteries. Both Agatha Christie and Columbo are my jam. Sometimes the right music is all I need. It's been a while sice I have self harmed and I no longer refer to suicide as the "right thing to do". Often time the things my friends say are counter productive and unhelpful, but knowing they are there and car really helps. And ice cream. I loves me some Ben and Jery's ;)

Thanks Rose's this video really helped me. I usually find platformers and shooter games like Super Mario, Crash Bandicoot, Zelda, Doom, Undertale and Red Dead Redemption 2 a lot of my favourites as well as many others. Things that also help are meditation, smelly stuff, reading, drawing, writing and seeing my loved ones help me greatly. Mental health is a daily battle that's worth fighting so you can experience life and enjoy it how you wish. I hope you're well and especially during this awful pandemic. Your videos are inspiring x

Thank you for this video, it's nice to see that people are more willing to discuss mental health issues these days. I used to feel so alone dealing with my depression and anxiety, but people are starting to be so much more understanding and supportive of mental health issues.

As someone who has suffered severe anxiety and depression for well over a decade, and also diagnosed with "assorted cluster c traits", I'm always impressed when someone who suffers any of these conditions is still able to soldier on, double so when they have the courage talk about it. A video like this definitely falls into that category. In fact I'd go so far as to say videos like this are some of my preferred methods of catharsis when I need it. They're inspiring, but although I'd rather people not have to deal with these things it's also nice to know that Im not alone and that others get it. Thank you very much for this video. I suspect I'll utilize it in the future when my brain is being weird on me. Always enjoyed your colabs wth LGR, even if the Hearts Of Darkness playthrough videos game me insanely weird dreams when I fell asleep with it playing in the background, but this video made me have to subscribe. I got a little teary via a weird sense of validation and relief, but it picked me up on a day when I was at risk of falling. Thank-you again :-)

I remember when I was REALLY down for several weeks and FF X kinda got me through it. It was that sensation you described for FF VIII, feeling comforted and welcome everywhere you go.

On my end I play all the Quest for Glory games from 1-5, maxing stats in each. It's tedious as heck, but the notion that you're growing in raw strength across 5 whole settings in order to save the world gives me the hope that all the ennui in my real life is for something.

I suppose your videos started popping up because I began replaying Phantasmagoria 2 and watch a couple vids on how to get around bad puzzle design. Your attention to playing old PC adventures games struck a cord with me. This was the third one RU-vid recommended from you, and it was great. I am sharing it with others because I found it very helpful. Thanks. You've earned my subscription!

Roses, I truly love your channel. Every one of your videos is so thought provoking, comforting and helpful to watch. I just can imagine what type of beautiful heart it takes to put your energy in this type of content.

I'm currently working on getting help for what I assume is depression and anxiety. Yesterday wasn't good . . . I just hurt all over for no real reason. Today is a bit better and videos like these are helpful reminders that there are healthy ways I can cope with my problems while I'm waiting to see a doctor. It also reminds me that I'm not alone and that there is hope. Thanks Roses!

I play alot of story games and adventure games to help deal with my mental issues. Mass Effect was a big help for me. It is nice to just have a game world you can escape into. I have autism so I've been dealing with issues all my life and video games have saved what sanity I have and helped me keep it together in many ways! The world shunned me and turned me away but video games were always there for me!

I've always been big on music, so playing Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is a daily routine. When I'm feeling aggravated, I play Hyrule Warriors (or any Warriors game, really). Nothing helps burn off stress than killing a thousand virtual somethings. For those times when I'm feeling less than human, I play one of the Persona games or a visual novel. Something that's going to make me feel feelings. Writing is my way of feeling successful. I don't do it as often as I should, but when I do, and I can get a few pages down, that feeling of accomplishment gives me a high that marijuana will never be able to replicate. For years I've struggled with crippling shyness. Talking to people, especially strangers, is enough to send me near catatonic just think about. Even simply posting youtube comments like this one. But I'm barreling through anyway. You won't overcome anything by following the same old routine.

One of the games i play for Depression is actually the first Fable. Sure, it hasn't aged well in some areas, but its humor, its charm, the art style, the soundtrack, and the fact i grew up playing it on the Original Xbox, it brings out great memories, and I'll play it any day.

Games that help me feel better? Without a shadow of a doubt - that’s 3D Sonic games. Especially Sonic 06. I know a lot of people tend to think it’s an awful game - but I genuinely think it’s a fun, entertaining, and interesting piece of Sonic’s history. The game helped me to always see the positives in almost any piece of media, and thus I’ve actually never played a Sonic game I didn’t like in some way! Which is good for me, because I need all the positivity I can get lol Sonic has always just been a comfort character for me, and I find myself time and time again going back, starting up one of my 3D Sonic games, and just letting my mind focus on the gameplay instead of wandering into dangerous territory. Also - pairing playing a Sonic game with having a podcast from the McElroy brothers in the background? While it may not cure whatever ails me, it sure does help me feel a lot better most of the time! Thank you for this video, Roses - it honestly made me feel a lot better about having something deemed as “childish” by a lot of people as a coping mechanism. I still am self conscious about it from time to time - but this genuinely is a huge help! Keep on doing what you do!

You’re an incredible girl! Your videos helped me 6 years agos when I was depressed after a separation. I love every single of your videos!

My ways to deal with depression , anxiety , autism and PTSD are kinda similar. Games for sure work great and I couldn’t agree more about FF8! It’s just super comforting like a quilt your grandma made. Music and even dancing helps me. Watching RU-vid endlessly as well. Learning new things tends to help anxiety and get my mind off stuff. Every day is a struggle for me but with coping mechanisms combined with the right medication I can pull through day by day. Thank you for being so honest and brave about your own struggles it’s inspired me!

I love this. It's so hard some days, I deal with similar mental health issues and self-love doesn't come easy. Sometimes it's just really nice to realize you're not alone. It's even harder when you have a child that depends on you to be strong and there are a lot of times I have to fake being okay so she doesn't have to wonder what's wrong with mommy. So thank you for sharing pieces of your struggle and helping build awareness for mental health. You're awesome and I love you for it.

Great video; a friend of mine turned me onto your content last year and I've been a big fan since... just bad at commenting! Admittedly the only game here that I've played was Stardew Valley, but it is definitely a go-to when I'm feeling particularly melancholy and need a quick dose of satisfaction. A lot of my comfort games have the same nostalgic value for me that yours have for you; for me, this means a lot of Zelda and occasionally old Pokemon games. More unusually, Silent Hill 2 also fills this role for me; it's a game about depression in many ways, and it feels weird to call it comforting, but... in many ways, it is. Perhaps in a more cathartic sense. Anyway, great video, please keep it up. Your insight and experience is valuable here and I always look forward to your videos.

you're not going to believe me but grand theft auto 5 not for the violence but when it turns night there are a ton of places in that game that are so calming up in the hills looking down at the cities and there is a church north on the map just sit there and watch a car drive by every one in a while and listen to the animals, even better when it rains

I'm still trying to figure out the things that help me. I get stuck in these ruts where I just feel like I can't do anything. RU-vid is a huge comfort to me in these times, especially these PushingUpRoses videos. Thank you Roses!

Roses, I'm having a bad "flare-up" of my depression and anxiety, and one thing that helps with my feelings of loneliness is your Let's Plays. I don't enjoy PLAYING a lot of games because they trigger my anxiety (especially when there is a threat of "death" or other harm to the character) but I like to watch others play them. I really enjoy your LPs, especially the ones with LGR, and last night I watched the House one you guys did together. It helped so much.

Videos like this are why I sub to this channel, taking on issues most channels don't want to talk about or simply don't understand.

This was great! I don't even have anything officially diagnosed, but I still find most of the things you touched on here to be relatable. I hope this video helps lots of people, and I'm really glad you decided to make this one. Thank you for this, Roses.

I like to thank you for your videos that I've come to enjoy. I have suffered from depression for a long time. Now that I've been diagnosed with parkinsons disease that hit me two years ago, it hasn't made things any easier. I have always loved games, and gaming with friends. It's one of the few things that always brings me enjoyment and reminds me of my childhood. Game on...

Playing Final Fantasy games always put me in a comfort zone.

Hi Roses! So I have Narcolepsy/Cataplexy. (Imagine a human feinting goat) Listening to someone (like you) on utube is a big help. I game alot, but my motor skills dip in and out, so listening to you is like having company. Keeps me awake and not getting injured. So thank you!

Supergiant Games always do it for me. Something about the writing, the characters, the voice acting, the art style; I feel like I'm among friends when I play Pyre and Bastion. I find myself tearing up when I play, but it's always a good sort of crying. Cathartic. Hell, if I can't play, then the music usually does it. Thank you for this video, you always address topics that are so important, and come at them with an earnestness that is always appreciated. Keep it up.

I have anxiety issues and one of my favourite way of coping is watching PushingUpRoses. Not just saying that to be funny... Something about seeing others' nostalgia about old PC games calms me.

Something I've always used to ease my anxiety and depression isn't a particular game, but a kind of activity in games. I love it when there's these little, 'normal' things to do in games. In A Link Between Worlds I would just walk around Kakariko. Not really doing anything, just being in this little village. I really liked to make up my own little side stories in games, really immerse myself in the world. Doing that really helps me. And watching youtube videos does too. Just hearing someone talk. Feeling like I'm in a safe, cozy enviornment. Let's plays or just videos like this in particular. Moose's Shenmue streams have been great for that, and your videos have as well! The only problem is that my biggest issue is social anxiety. In the past, I've abused these activities. Instead of using them to cool down or calm racing thoughts, I've holed myself up in these little worlds and blocked out everything else, completely avoiding the problem instead of heathly coping. I've been trying to be a lot more careful now. Anyway, thank you for this wonderful video!

I'd go with Animal Crossing. Especially with a 3DS version now, it's easy for me to pop it in and wander about for a little bit. I'm sure Stardew will hook its claws into me when I finally play it. I don't play enough anymore to use any others as a coping mechanism... I would like to try some of the older games that used to make me happy, but it's impossible to even start.

Your coverage of these games, particularly the older and more obscure titles, provides a vicarious and deep satisfaction. I feel like a kid again, finally able to explore the worlds that I could previously only imagine from box art. This is definitely therapeutic for me. Thank you!

This is an exceptional commentary on the value of video games beyond simple recreation. I find it so validating that I'm not the only one seeking the endorphins provided by these kinds of games in order to make it through the far less rewarding elements of real life. It has also given me something to think about when I can't seem to bring myself to try a new game, and instead continually replay old favorites. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

This was a really cool idea for a video and really relatable. I have OCD and dealing with the constant mindset it puts me into can really mess with me and make me fear everything, even if it makes no sense. A recent game I finally played about a year ago that has become really comforting to me is Persona 4 Golden. It's basically a murder mystery/life simulator/RPG and all the characters and the overall story brings me a lot of comfort. The characters are very relatable and have a lot of depth, dealing with a lot of personal issues they have to overcome. And just the casualness of exploring the town and going through each character's personal stories is very relaxing and enjoyable to me. The other games in the series are also really amazing in regards to characters and story. Persona 3 FES/Portable may be my favorite for having such an amazing and heartfelt story as well as a character I really relate to on a personal level with Shinjiro. But Persona 4 Golden is my go to for some comfort when my thoughts get hectic. I think I've played through the main story at least 4 times not counting the times I just go back to certain saves to replay certain events in the story. Super Mario 64 is also a game I'll always go to to put me in a happier mindset. It's my favorite game of all time and my first game I have memories of playing. It holds a ton of nostalgia and I never get tired revisiting it. It always reminds me of my childhood and better memories.

The Persona series has always been a big one for me, especially the newer games, and they always manage to come out when I need them the most. Persona 3 came out right after I graduated from high school, so I was feeling alone, directionless, and afraid of the future. Playing Persona 3 and being in this world of having friends and accomplishing something big like scaling Tartarus helped calm me. Even when I felt alone, I could load up the game and hang out with my Social Link friends (I was also living in Japan at this time, so the atmosphere felt especially familiar for me) Persona 4 came out right after I'd been out of my parent's house for nearly a year but had to move back in with them because nothing was working out for me. I had no job, no license, no real home (I was living in my friend's mom's basement...yeesh) and moving down to my parents new home in Georgia felt humiliating. But again, Persona let me feel better about this transition. Yu Narukami moved to a new area and made friends, made something of himself, so the game made me feel like I could too. Even Persona 5, which just came out last year after I'd graduated college and was living on my very own for the first time gave me a sense of comfort in how people can take control of their lives. For the first time in a long time I'd felt like everything was going to be okay.

This was exactly the kind of video I needed to see today. Sometimes I too manage myself with games as a way to calm my nerves and brain, to give me something productive and enjoyable to do that isn't just overthinking and stewing in a bad mood or feeling that I'm having. I'm particularly fond of RPG's and certain platformers to help what ails me. I am especially really into the Pokemon series, because each game is different enough to be interesting but familiar and same-y enough to be relaxing and easy to play over and over. There's also a lot of custom Pokemon games made by fans which I play when I need fresh new stories that I've never quite played before to engage my brain. When video games don't do it for me, I enjoy reading, watching old movies, listening to music or online podcasts, and little build-it-yourself type activities like Lego projects. Oh, and of course I also love online videos like yours to help me take my mind someplace else and stay engaged and mentally stimulated. : )

My coping game is definitely Skyrim. It's something I've played so many times I don't need to focus on it (when I'm frustrated and anxious over not being able to focus) and it's something I can still easily immerse myself into when I need to get out of my depressed states of mind or calm down from anxiety. It has become a really versatile game for me, and it also gives me the option of repetition when I need it. Another good one for me is Minecraft, but I usually do that with my close friends talking over discord. We all have our own issues and playing together when one of us is feeling terrible is a really nice way to help, especially since we live pretty far apart. Thanks for making this video. It was super interesting, and people talking about these things is really comforting. It means I'm not alone and that I might get better with all these issues weighing me down. This was really good, thank you.

I love this video. If nothing else, hearing someone else give insight to some of the games they go to when they're having depressive episodes helps me kind of think through my own episodes as well. Thank you so much for this.

I think it's awesome that you speak with relative openness about mental illness. I kept it to myself as much as I could for most of my life and only recently have spoken more openly about it. I'm sure it came out in other ways, and I know I can't say things I feel without sounding sarcastic or being overly intellectual. Still, everyone comes with some form of baggage with no exception, and I think it's better to just accept than to feel a permanent shame about it. Anhedonia can be especially strong some days. My list would include basically anything from the Tales of series and Suikoden series. The first Suikoden was like a forgiveness means success game before Undertale. With one exception. If you don't want to bother playing it, I would recommend Lucahjins let's play she's doing currently. She also did the 2nd one which is considered the series best. These games are nostalgia heavy for me too. In fact, I have a few games like that, nostalgia heavy that bring a lot of character improvement. I especially like leveling characters that start of weak. Developing them into powerhouses before your eyes can be addictive because it gives the dopamine we often lack. Comedy and simple social interaction can be huge to get out of a funk too. Personally, I always enjoyed talking about other people's problems. Most of the time they just want someone to listen. I have a similar view on Stardew Valley, but I've put so many hours in at this point, I can use it to help me fall asleep now. I need to mention Doki Doki Literature Club too. I realize it's a horror game, but when a certain character talked about her depression I cried. The writer of this game has at least some understanding of mental illness. I didn't get mad at the way the main character was written either, as he was kind of a jackass. But to normal people, they often think all this is controllable. So it's natural for them to attribute blame. It's near or entirely impossible to get up some days. Or go outside. Or deal with anything.

Thank you so much for another amazing video! As someone who struggles with chronic depression an OCD, it really helps to hear other people talk openly about their experiences. You are super brave! Also, I agree that the humor in Monkey Island is tops.

Hey thanks for this video. And thank you for being open about what you have had to go through. Right now during the Covid and the anxiety I have because of it, it was good to hear that it's okay to use games to help with it.

This video speaks to me on so many levels, I suffer from a slew of things including depression and anxiety and it's really shitty when you're in a funk and just can't handle new things. Comady is a big thing that helps me and I often rewatch videos a lot because I know they'll make me laugh, and sometimes I pick up a game because I know I love it :)

Thank you for making this video! I found it while trying to distract myself from chronic pain; I have MS, and developed its evil sidekick: MS-related trigeminal neuralgia. It’s so relentlessly painful, doctors call it “The Suicide Disease.” I tend to keep lists of the movies, music, games and Internet weirdness to use when I need to distract myself, have a pity party, or need comfort viewing with my comfort foods. It was nice to see a video made by someone who does likewise. Keep up the good work!

Hey Roses! Wanted to thank you for the video. Both as a psychologist and psychotherapist and as a human being I struggle with anxiety and depression on a daily basis (yeah, it’s easier for me to deal with it as I help others cope with it). It was nice to see just what games help you with that. Also, important disclaimers you put up as well, thanks for that! We’ll all go through this together. Have a nice day!

Thank you so much for this video! I work at a crisis and suicide prevention hotline and describe self - care so often I feel like I'm not even making sense any more. I love the way you describe the necessity of self - care (I had never even heard the term 'short term management' before) and speak so candidly about your mental health which must have been quite a struggle to get to the healthier place you're at today. I plan to tell my video gaming callers about this video to give them a starting point of ideas for self - care, but I also think it will give them some validation that someone else has suffered similar problems and even had the courage to speak publicly about it. This video really validated ME in that I've been telling many callers about these self - care tactics for years! Thanks again for your contribution to educating a lot more people at once than I could, and I hope that if you ever find your usual coping skills aren't working for you, that you would be comfortable with adding calling a crisis line to your repertoire. Loves!

Thanks for this video. I'm going through some really tough times and, although, games don't help me, I totally understand how they would help a lot of people.

Murray and Guybrush always make me smile! Perfectly voiced as well!

When you brought up Monkey Island my mind instantly jumped to blood island! Just the way everything looks during night and the lights and decor of the hotel is so cozy. The backgrounds and music in Machinarium help me relax. The game reminds me of cartoons from my childhood for some reason, and there's something comforting about the decaying industrial environment. Ultimately nothing beats the atmosphere of Resident Evil 2 for me. The trashed police station, the music, the camera angles, the way your footsteps echo in those lonely corridors and rooms. The game helps me slow down my thoughts. Love that you discuss these topics in your videos! Helps me learn a bit more about mental health problems, and deal with my own!

I do have a few things I always go back to when I'm in a Mood™. Some of them may seem a little odd. The main games I like to go back to are Dark Souls 3, Dragon's Dogma, and Monster Hunter, all of which aren't the most relaxing games in theory. But with the amount that I have played through DS3, it has become just a cycle. I know the enemies, I know what to expect, and it stays that way. It is the repetition, going about issues that a know the solution to in new ways and seeing how that works, just slowly pushing to an end goal that is clearly defined. It is the certainty that I feel is relaxing for me. Dragon's Dogma, however, is one of my favorite RPGs of all time. It's presentation hasn't aged the best, but I can not recommend picking it up on PC or PS4 more. It's environments, while limited, are gorgeous. Rolling landscapes, never knowing what will be around the corner (but knowing the spawn points of all the little goblins), and a soundtrack that both relaxes you and conveys an immense feeling of adventure. It is definitely one of Capcom's best works. Monster Hunter is also one of those games for me. I know what I am going against, but it's not easy. It's still a challenge but will never frustrate me because there isn't bullshit (except for Plesioth). When you know what is coming but still have to focus on it, it really helps drag my mind away from anything troubling me, anything new or changing in my life. Sometimes I'll put on a podcast or one of my favorite albums while I play the games. Other times I'll just put all my attention into the game and close out the world. It just helps, ya know?

I have issues with anxiety. Nothing diagnosed but sometimes life gets really overwhelming. I'll hop into Fallout: New Vegas or The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, just to forget the world around me for a while. Oblivion is especially good because the game is a bit goofy sometimes, as well as very colorful and deep. I can immerse myself in another world where my problems don't exist, where the fate of the Mojave or Cyrodiil is in my hands, not thinking about the various pressures of life. Of course, sometimes I'm not in the mood to run around shooting or getting shot at- that's when something like Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, or very recently Super Mario Odyssey. Most of the games I take comfort in, always have something to do, which helps distract me and cheer me up when I feel accomplished. I also just love these games and I'll play them even when I'm in a great mood. Though, sometimes even the games don't help, my mind riddled with worries and concerns... Only thing left for it is a nap, and usually that fixes me right up.

Hey Sarah, thx very much for this video, it’s both helpful & heartfelt 😙 I have MDD, GAD, ADD, OCD (i also liked ELO, REM and NWA back in the day, but thats totally unrelated, lulz), and have been going thru a hekka lotta crap the last few years. Typical avenues of dealing are helpful (therapy, life skills, meds, meds, meds) but it’s refreshing and reassuring to find suggestions that are more relatable in a quirky, non-cookie-cutter, “this is relevant to my interests” way. im not a hardcore gamer by any means, and my go-to activities tend to cycle a lot, but finding more... i dunno, *nerdy* ways of dealing is appreciated 😄 even just watching ur vids (and LGR too of course 😉) is therapeutic in its own way, so thx again. You rock 😎

Stardew Valley is a great anxiety manager for my wife as well! I usually turn to Theatrhythm Final Fantasy on the DS when I'm having anxiety problems. FF music always calms me down, and the motions to go along with it make it even better.

Watching videos on your channel and other channels part of the whole retrogaming and/or nostalgia niche help me out a lot. I have a lot of depression and anxiety mostly related to being an adult with undiagnosed autism. As far as games that make me feel better, I grew up on the NES so that's what I go to more often than not. You know, member berries and such. I have nothing else profound or clever to say other than thanks for being real and brave enough to talk about this stuff...and of course for the high quality content.

I'm going to add this video to my depression management bookmark folder. This video had so many tips and words of wisdom. Also, it'll be good to know I'm not alone the next time I'm feeling really low. Thanks for this, Roses. 💜