Video Games That Deal With Mental Health

Video games have tackled many topics over the years, and one of those topics is mental health. It’s a topic that can offer the player a chance for empathy and understanding when it comes to mental illness when handled the correct way. Not all video games that deal with mental illness are an accurate, empathic, description of mental illness. Especially in the horror genre, in older games characters with mental illness were depicted as the creepy straight jacket characters you’d want to avoid. But, we’ve come a long way since then.

Today there are lots of video games that explore mental health and give a starting point for learning more about the causes and impact of mental health. When you play a video game, you become immersed in the character as you play. And, if the character has a mental illness, you may wonder how realistic the character’s mental health issues are and if the portrayals are good or bad? So it’s crucial for video games that deal with mental health and represent it correctly. Because they have the power to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage people to seek help. So here are some games that have stood out over the last few years for taking on the topic of mental health.

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GRIS

In GRIS, you play as Gris a hopeful young girl lost in her world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. As the story unfolds, Gris will grow emotionally and see her world differently, revealing new paths to explore using her new abilities. This game is a serene, and moving experience, free of danger, frustration or death. Players will explore a beautifully designed world brought to life with delicate art, detailed animation, and an elegant original score.

Platforms: PC(Microsoft Windows) / Mac / Nintendo Switch

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

In Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, you play as Senua a Pict warrior who embarks on a journey into  Helheim to retrieve the soul of her dead lover Dilion from the Goddess Hela. Senua also suffers from psychosis. Ninja Theory worked with neuroscientists, mental health specialists, and people with psychosis to portray this appropriately. Throughout the game, you’ll see Senua’s psychosis manifest as visuals, sensory hallucinations, and everlasting voices in her head. You’ll learn the story of her past and empathize with Senua and her struggles. 

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows) / PlayStation 4 / Xbox One / Nintendo Switch

Celeste

Celeste is about a girl named Madeline, who’s trying to climb the Celeste Mountain. As she climbs the mountain, her mental illness manifests into a physical form. All of Madeline’s anxiety and depression will appear as a dark shadow of herself and serves as the main enemy of the game. Shadow Madeline will taunt you as you climb the different levels of the mountain. The gameplay isn’t as calming as it’s predecessor Super Meat Boy. But, the story gives the player an incentive for winning each level. Madeline will learn new coping techniques for her mental illnesses. For example, there’s a mini-game that involves breathing techniques.

Platforms: Linux / PC (Microsoft Windows) / Mac / PlayStation Network / PlayStation 4 / Xbox One / SteamOS / Nintendo Switch

Sea of Solitude

In Sea of Solitude, you play as Kay and explore an abandoned, submerged city, and encounter scally red-eyed creatures. As you explore, you’ll discover why Kay turned into a monster. It takes a metaphorical approach in the way it depicts the traumas Kay has experienced in her life. With these experiences hunting her as enormous monsters that represent her different feelings. Like loneliness, depression, as well as fear and loss of attachment.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows) / PlayStation 4 / Xbox One

The Town of Light

The Town of Light takes place in a hospital in Tuscany, Italy called Ospedale Psichiatrico di Volterra. You’ll play as a woman named Renée, who was a patient at the hospital in the 1940s. As you play, you’ll discover what lead to Renée’s admittance, and the suffering she endured as a patient at the hospital. Throughout this game, you’ll also explore the broken medical system of the time, and discover the tragic, and inhumane ways mental illness was perceived and treated in the early 1900s.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows) / PlayStation Network / PlayStation 4 / Xbox One

If you are currently having suicidal thoughts or are considering hurting yourself or others, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. This hotline is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The representatives can help you understand and overcome suicidal thoughts and tendencies.

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