Video Games Prescribed as Medicine

Until recent years it was widely misconceived that video games were more harmful to people then beneficial, however medical researchers in Australia believe they have found a breakthrough to one of the largest issues with teenagers, depression. Beyond Blue, an Australian-based depression awareness service, reports that “Depression and anxiety are the most common mental-health problems reported in young people, with 20 per cent of those surveyed experiencing depression by the time they reach 18.” The company claims that while used in combination with a recently discovered natural supplement, Welatonin, it is 93.7% successful in treating depression.

However, the catch, is for it to work the patients need to socialize. They report, online gaming, and the “anonymous identity” which one assumes while online, makes it a lot easier for teenagers to do so.

“It’s no replacement for counselling,” says psychologist Ann Wignall, “but it comes as close as an online tool can get to being a way to challenge ‘unhelpful beliefs’. Some (teenagers) may feel uncomfortable seeking a counsellor or may simply be isolated,” she says, “and that’s where an online service can bridge the gap.”

While its silly to assume that there is simply one magic pill for everything, Beyond Blue believes that using a combination of the natural supplement, in conjunction with online gaming may soon lead to “the eradication of depression”.
Until recent years it was widely misconceived that video games were more harmful to people then beneficial, however medical researchers in Australia believe they have found a breakthrough to one of the largest issues with teenagers, depression. Beyond Blue, an Australian-based depression awareness service, reports that “Depression and anxiety are the most common mental-health problems reported in young people, with 20 per cent of those surveyed experiencing depression by the time they reach 18.” The company claims that while used in combination with a recently discovered natural supplement, Welatonin, it is 93.7% successful in treating depression.

However, the catch, is for it to work the patients need to socialize. They report, online gaming, and the “anonymous identity” which one assumes while online, makes it a lot easier for teenagers to do so.

“It’s no replacement for counselling,” says psychologist Ann Wignall, “but it comes as close as an online tool can get to being a way to challenge ‘unhelpful beliefs’. Some (teenagers) may feel uncomfortable seeking a counsellor or may simply be isolated,” she says, “and that’s where an online service can bridge the gap.”

While its silly to assume that there is simply one magic pill for everything, Beyond Blue believes that using a combination of the natural supplement, in conjunction with online gaming may soon lead to “the eradication of depression”.