Ever since I was a kid, I've always loved gaming and the culture that surrounds it. I was a SEGA kid - Sonic, Ristar, Earthworm Jim, Boogerman, Toejam and Earl - I grew up on these games and I still remember them vividly (and occasionally boot 'em up) to this day.
In my more recent years, I struggled with anxiety and depression coming out of an alcohol addiction. As much as I am very grateful for friends and family who offered continuous support, it's unrealistic for anyone to think that they can do so every minute of every day. As I was reluctant to medicate (as suggested by doctors), I was constantly looking for ways to mitigate the symptoms. Gaming has always been my release and savior.
As I grew more comfortable with my symptoms and triggers, I've always been able to use gaming as a hard reset - a way to break out of the spiral that anxiety takes. Especially in the winter time, I notice these symptoms more prominently, and I've always had a good game to catch the fall.
The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim was a big one a few years back. I remember so clearly how a couple hours of gameplay would completely take the edge off. The stories, the conflicts, the ways to build out your character into magic, stealth, brawn, or a combination of whatever you could think up; it was so therapeutic. Fantasy has a very healing characteristic to it - the ability to leave this world if just for a little while, immerse yourself in another one, and come back refreshed.
This year it was Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Holy hell, what a game. Zelda never fails to deliver on the ultimate adventure/puzzle experience - the scenery is breathtaking and the scale of the in-game world leaves you constantly curious and exploring.
I run into a lot of nay say'ers who will still claim the negative stereotypes - that gaming is a waste of time, breeds violence, etc., but I can't help but state how uninformed these people are. Like any recreational activity, moderation is key, and especially in [literally] darker times, these activities can help to ease the ache.
Gaming has a culture of it's own, and in the dreary months there's no better medicine for my mental health. I'm thankful for that outlet as it really filled some gaps that I would've had trouble filling. Music is another one, but sometimes when creativity is a bit tapped out, you need something less mentally demanding.
Every year during the winter season, as it's seemingly grey and dark forever, I always have these windows of gratitude for the VG culture we have access to, their developers, and the communities that surround them.
With that said, I'm off to slay some draugr.
You can join the 'Steemit Local Music Society' here:
https://discord.gg/zku8RFM
