Video games a cure for depression?
 

http://www.news0r.com/index.php?p=3113

Video games are often seen as more harmful to people than they are beneficial, but medical researchers in Australia believe they have made a breakthrough in treating one of the largest problem in their country's teenagers: depression.

Australian-based depression awareness service, beyondblue, reports "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." They claim that when used in combination with a recently discovered natural supplement, Welatonin, it is 93.7% successful in treating depression.

However, in order for it to work, patients need to socialise. Online gaming, with its anonymous identity makes it easier for some 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."

They believe that using a combination of the natural supplement with the cyber element of online gaming may ensure that depression in teenagers may soon be eradicated.

Works for me. I get a little pissed at the world, just pop in some San Andreas and kill kill kill my blues away.

Haha I have a friend who said something the other day like "If I didn't have GTA it would be a shame, because I really would kill people." Of course he was joking but he meant he can vent to video games, great stress relief IMO.

LOL, bullshit.

If anything, online gaming makes me more depressed, because it makes me realize how many stupid douchebag trash-talkers there are in the world.

IE: Xbox Live.

I agree with gaming being a treatment for depression (possibly, at least), but only if with friends.

I find only one thing cures my depression: Sex.

I think it's why so many emo fans are such losers.

When I feel depressed, I normally go out and meet friends or watch a soccer match. This really cheers me up and the feeling of depression diminishes gradually. Though people who have this feeling quite frequently should take some professional help and needs to supported be family and friends.

lol nice bump

I was depressed when I got laid off, but sitting at home doing nothing but playing video games and watching porn cured that.