Can Gaming Help Heal Emotional Trauma?

[Hazel]

Games like Journey or Spiritfarer explore grief and loss beautifully. Can narrative-driven or emotionally rich games genuinely help players process personal trauma?

 

[uptrendfinancialsignal]

To some extent, yeah. Gaming can distract your mind and help you unwind. Back when I lost someone close, I played FIFA almost every night just to escape my thoughts. It didn’t “heal” me, but it helped me cope a little But if the trauma is deep, therapy is still the best move.

 

[Master-one]

Gaming might help you distract your mind, but I do not think that it can help you overcome emotional trauma. If you want to heal emotional trauma, you need counselling and therapy. In many cases, you need medication as well.

 

[Shree]

Gaming can provide a safe space to process emotions, practice problem-solving, and experience achievement, which may support emotional healing. Cooperative or story-driven games can foster connection and empathy. While it’s not a replacement for therapy, gaming can be a helpful supplement for managing trauma.

 

[Nomad]

I play a couple of games, when I don't do it to heal emotional trauma (I have none), I play for mental health. It helps me relax and make me feel good. I think narrative driven games with rich story and strong character that can be easily identifiable with personal issues can help with your trauma.