How D&D Can Help Keep With Mental Health
When the world leaves you feeling out of control, games like D&D can be much-needed self-care, relieving stress and improving your mental health.
Hoo boy it sure is a tough one out there, between quarantine and protests and whatever today’s headlines will bring, we’re in the middle of some of the most extraordinary times we’re going to live through. And in the midst of crises unfolding around the globe, a team of mental health professionals came together with D&D Beyond to talk about how roleplaying games like D&D can help us all in the midst of times that are becoming ever more unprecedented by the moment. Games can do a lot of good in the world–we’ve talked before about how RPGs like D&D can help treat depression and anxiety or how they can empower neurodiverse players to develop socially, here’s how they might help you.
If you could use a break from, well, everything right now, we’ve linked their big hour long discussion below, or keep scrolling for shorter clips with some important messages for folks that need to hear them. Now, if you’re wondering why a bunch of mental health experts would get together with D&D Beyond: this group is known for using RPGs in their research, as well as being active in the D&D community. Meet the docs:
- Dr. Megan Connell is a clinical psychologist, the DM for Clinical Roll, and the co-founder of G33ks Like Us. Follow her on Twitter ( twitter.com/MeganPsyD )
- Dr. B (Raffael Boccamazzo, PsyD) is the Clinical Director for Take This, and Immeral on Clinical Roll. Follow him on Twitter ( twitter.com/TheeDoctorB )
- Dr. Rachel Kowert is a research psychologist, the Research Director of @TakeThisOrg, the creator of Pragmatic Princess ( twitter.com/YourOwnCastle ) and Enkai on Clinical Role. Follow her on Twitter ( twitter.com/DrKowert )
Let’s take a look. First up, the big one: how D&D can help with mental health.
D&D gives you so much–a chance to effect real change, to feel accomplished, even empowered in the midst of so many things that you can’t change. It can give you space to process the fact that things are not okay. Which brings us to the next clip:
But things like artistic expression and creative challenge can help change the way you’re feeling. Check out a few ways you can use art and creativity to cope.
But don’t feel pressured to get everything done. It’s easy to look around and feel like you’re not getting enough done out there. Especially since we’re living in weeks where decades pass. Try and remember that, on top of everything else, you’re not just working from home, you’re working from crisis.
These are just short snippets of advice from the pros, but if you’re interested in more, you really ought to check out the full stream. It’s incredibly helpful.
Todd Kenreck talks with Dr. B, Dr. Megan Connell & Dr. Rachel Kowert about Dungeons and Dragons and Mental Health. Todd Kenreck is a host and Creative Manager for D&D Beyond, as well as the DM of Beyond Heroes. Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ToddKenreck
Take This is a mental health organization providing comprehensive resources, support, and consultation tailored for the unique needs of the game development community that embraces the diverse cultures and issues of the game community. They have served 8,000 individuals since 2016 in need of a quiet, supportive space at conventions in AFK Rooms. Find them on the web ( www.takethis.org ) and follow them on Twitter ( twitter.com/TakeThisOrg )
Of course, no adventure is a substitute for professional help, but as we’ve seen, a little bit of adventure can go a long way.
Happy Adventuring!
