More and more studies are showing the benefits of gaming. From Flow state to escapism and healthy coping, gaming is growing as a source of positive coping. Today's update comes from Brian, who has been learning about those benefits:
My name is Brian and i was honorable discharged from the Marine Corps in 2003 after serving 9 years as an Avionics Technician. I served in HMLA-169 with several deployments overseas and multiple operations, such as Operation Southern Watch (x2), Operation Interfet as well as others. 2 years after i left the military, me and my wife lost everything we owned in Hurricane Katrina, and we relocated to Montana where I became a very successful Critical Care Paramedic that co-authored several internationally published textbooks, won a national award for pediatrics, but all of that came to a screeching halt due to my mental status. Since leaving the military I have started to become more and more withdrawn to the point of losing a majority of my friends. I have had to switch jobs so i am able to work by myself and at the end of the day I come home and basically seclude myself into my house with my wife and daughter. Sometimes they understand what I am going through and sometimes they are not as understanding and I end up secluding myself from them. In the recent years I have sought treatment through the VA for my anxiety and depression, which has helped a little bit, but it is still a rough process day to day. Recently my therapist mentioned that video games would possibly help with my mood, anxiety and my depression. She also showed me several studies that were done, that show that gaming really does make a difference in mental health. The one article i thought was the most interesting was this study done by the VA: --- https://www.research.va.gov/currents/0519-Video-games-can-help-Veterans-recover-from-mental-health-challenges.cfm (I'm sure you have already read it). --- In closing, I would like to try video game therapy and see how it does for me, however, due to my mental health issues leading to a decreased financial income, I am unable to include a gaming console into our budget. I know Stack Up receives probably thousands of stories such as mine, but i would be honored to be considered for a Supply Crate.
We're actually referenced at the bottom of the above-cited page for our efforts in using gaming to support mental health. As usual, we're eager to help our fellow Veterans connect with other Veterans, so of course, we packed up a console and games to send out to Brian.
Ian,
Just wanted to let you know that I received my supply crate today and couldn’t be more excited. First of all a big thank you to your organization and to MissStaraholic for making things like this possible. After getting out of the Marine Corps in 2003 after serving 9 years, I have found myself battling depression and low self-worth. I am hoping that through on-line gaming I am able to reconnect with my family and friends, also, gaming will allow me to pass the long winter months that we have up here in North Dakota.
Thank you again for all that you do for veterans!
Brian Williams
We sincerely hope it helps! If anyone is looking for a gaming community, we have a Stack Up Discord, and we also recommend our pals over at Regiment.
Stack Up Stream Team member Misstaraholic sponsored Brian's crate. We cannot say enough about how much she has contributed to our mission.
Want to contribute yourself? Sign up to fundraise! We need every dollar to keep our mission and our programs fueled and ready to help Veterans and Active Duty service members with mental health disorders such as PTSD and more.
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