topic Does Pokemon Go make us healthier? in Staying well

Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

Ben1 — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 12:06:37 GMT

Hey everyone!

Just read a really interesting article on Vice about how many people who are experiencing mental illnesses are really enjoying Pokemon Go. I'm wondering if anyone has any similar stories. Have you found you are outside more because of the game? and has it positively impacted your mental health?

Thanks so much guys!
-Ben

Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

blondguy — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 13:22:34 GMT

Hey Ben

I have been hearing a lot about Pokemon Go and how well its doing globally for Nintendo too.

I used to play for hours years ago on my PS2 with 'medal of honor' and did find it was a really good distraction from my depression years ago. If its a good 'distraction' or alternative way of processing 'bad thoughts' into a better mindset. I think you have a really good point here Ben:-)

I do know that when I used my PS2 I never had the 'urge' for a cigarette! The game actually did take my mind off my addiction (or negative thoughts) without a doubt.

Your thread is a really good one Ben. Even though I still had to see my doc frequently I do agree with you that it can be great value to a person with a 'tired' mind. I see that you are also a member of blue voices too...

Nice1 Ben

My kind thoughts

Paul

Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

Zeal — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 13:24:32 GMT

Hi Ben,

I haven't used Pokémon Go - in fact, I don't play video games or even own a smartphone! I have seen some people walking around my neighbourhood over the last few days while looking down at their phones intently, and I assumed they were playing that! To me, it sounds like a good way to combine gentle exercise with a tech game. It's popular with people my age (early twenties) who grew up watching Pokémon cartoons on TV. If playing Pokemon Go reminds you of good childhood memories, I imagine that could be quite uplifting. Also, being outside in the sunshine is always nice. Though if the game absorbs you so much that you're not looking at your natural surroundings, then I don't think it would be as beneficial to your mental health. As I haven't tried it, I can't really form a solid opinion. My boyfriend and friend tried it (they loved Pokémon as kids), and enjoyed it. They aren't hardcore into it, but just play it a little (rather than for multiple hours a day).

I found an article through the APS facebook site that might be of interest to you. The link is below 🙂

http://time.com/4402123/pokemon-go-nostalgia/

Best wishes,

Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

Ben1 — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 02:28:53 GMT

Hi Paul and SM!

I think you guys have some really interesting thoughts. Thanks for the kind words :). I'm not an avid gamer myself but I thought that this game must be such a great tool for people to get outside and interacting with each other. It has both a fitness and social components which were huge factors in making myself feel better when I used to feel down. I feel like if people are feeling a little isolated give the game a go! You might be surprised on its effects on your mood.

Like Paul touched upon, if you can distract yourself from other urges (smoking etc) that is helpful too. I'm trying to quit smoking at the moment and little things can help a great deal.

Thanks so much!

- Ben

Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

topsy_ — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 08:28:08 GMT

Hi Ben, Paul & SM,

Okay now, someone has to do this!

I will preface this by telling you I'm turning 60 later this year -

What is Pokemon Go?

Please answer in words of one syllable & imagine you are talking to someone who's been a hermit all her life!!

PS Is it expensive?

Cheers for now, Lyn.

Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

Ben1 — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 04:20:43 GMT

Hi Lyn!

From what I understand from playing this game only a little bit, the best way I can explain it is that Pokemon Go is an iphone app which only works if people socialize and walk around outside. My theory was that this could help people with mental illness get some exercise and create opportunities for making a few more friends.

The answer to your other question is that it's free!

Hope this helps,

Ben

Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

Carmela — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 04:40:57 GMT

Hi Ben, I would be wary of what gets publicised, as its all controlled by clever marketers. However, in say this, my husband who has depression loaded up the game two days ago and playing it with our son. It does get him outside and l can see some benefits but only time will tell. I am concerned of course about the addictive nature of online games, so l am carefully watching how it all goes.

I will keep you posted.

Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

topsy_ — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 09:27:17 GMT

Thank you Ben. I might have a look at the app. Everyone always says I should go outside & walk cause it's good for depression.

However, I regard "walk" as a 4 letter word! And I'm a person who really enjoys being inside. I just might be able to get out if I use the app because my focus will be different.

We'll see lol, Lyn.

Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

Ben1 — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 14:14:50 GMT

Hey Yellownanna!

I think you should give it a go! If the game isn't for you (it isn't really my thing either) it's always good to try and get some exercise into your routine. Even small walks or even sitting outside can help the smallest bit in helping you feel a little more focused and connected to the world around you 🙂

All the best,
Ben

Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

Ben1 — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 14:17:35 GMT

Hi Carmela!

I do definitely see your point about the addiction of gaming. Personally, I don't like gaming too much as I don't get much out of it. However, I can definitely see this game (in particular) having some positive impacts on how people interact and getting people out and about.

Maybe if anyone is reading this, they could let us all know how they like to motivate themselves to get outside or do a little bit of fitness to make themselves feel better 🙂

All the best,

Ben

Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

blondguy — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 14:49:46 GMT

Hey Ben, thanks for posting back, it means a lot.

As per addiction about gaming. I think it may happen as long as the parents allow it. Otherwise I think that if a child is having fun playing a PS2-3-4 or the latest XBox game it can benefit growth and fine tune their reflexes and brain to hand impulse control a great deal. (with a responsible parental time limit)

I think I understand where Carmela is coming from re 'online' games but I have only used PS2&3 gaming. I dont really see an issue with online gaming unless 'in app' purchases are an option. It goes back to parental supervision and realistic boundaries...

Just a compliment Ben if I may......great work on the other thread you helped with....I have been looking after my folks whose health is sliding into dementia. I didnt have the strength to answer the post let alone as well as you did. Nice1

Paul

Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

Lost_Girl — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 15:29:16 GMT

Hi Ben,

I have it with the intent of using it for motivation. I don't get out much due to chronic pain but think it will be a fun thing to do while walking on my own. I am 41 but still enjoy gaming of many types.

However, a friend took me along to a local tavern for trivia and during the break between rounds everyone on my table, and I'd say 80% of the people there, had their phones out pokemonning. I try to not use my phone when I am in social situations. I looked around the room and noone was talking. I was shocked to be honest. I felt really sad to see that happen in a place where you expect people to be chatting, especially with the access to social lubricant. There was a lot of non-verbal cues with people around the room acknowledging that everyone was trying to catch pokemon.

The only saving grace was that in light of everyone's preoccupation I didn't need to talk. I have been and still am suffering anxiety of talking to people in person.

I have friends who are walking more because of this, especially those with kids.

Great thread,

Carol

Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

Ben1 — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 06:40:50 GMT

Hi Paul,

Thanks again for all the kind words, it means a lot to me new to a space like this but have a positive impact! I agree with your point where these things can be beneficial as long as there is some restraint. Lost Girl's example with everyone on their phones at the tavern is probably a good example of a lack of restraint.

In regard to your anxiety Lost Girl, from my experience one of the only ways to overcome social anxiety is through talking to others, as difficult as it may be. I'm not sure how severe your symptoms are, but for me, it helped to talk to people I was very familiar with first. After that I started engaging with people I was less familiar with and it worked for me. Would love to hear some of your experiences with managing your anxiety.

All the best,
Ben

Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

Lost_Girl — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 08:04:52 GMT

Hi Ben,

I have only had this anxiety since I was meant to return to work in Feb but was unable to do it. The thought of talking to people at work makes me seize up inside and cry. It's all related to my chronic pain and inability to think, concentrate and work. I am a perfectionist and my pain is affecting my ability to function how I want. Initially I just avoided everyone. My hubby has been talking with my Manager and HR for me. I had my first conversation with HR myself a few weeks ago and still ended up crying during the conversation and I was soaked with sweat and shaking. Hey but I did it.

I have avoided all my friends except the ones I went to trivia with. They know all about how I feel so there's no pressure there. I try and revert conversations by getting others to talk by asking questions. In terms of managing the anxiety, other than avoidance, I have a safe place built in my mind that I can think of when I feel overwhelmed but mostly it is to help cope with the pain. When the pain is really bad I struggle to be able to concentrate in a conversation and without distractions like tv or colouring in or craft, I notice the pain more and that causes the anxiety to get worse.

Writing all of this has made me realise that I am just avoiding the issue. My anxiety is managed because I hide away from having to talk to people. It is something I am slowly getting to as I start trying to do more.

Without pain I find it easy to talk to anyone. I am sure once the pain is managed the anxiety will disappear.

Thanks for asking Ben.

Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

Ben1 — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 08:22:36 GMT

Hi Lost Girl,

I think you touched on the important point for you. As difficult it is to manage pain and anxiety it is important that you keep persevering because I have full confidence that you will be able to better manage both in the future. I have no experience with severe or chronic pain, but I can pretend to imagine how disabling it can be, and I know how powerful some pain medications are. If I may ask, do you think there are any more steps that you can take in managing your pain in the future?

All the best,
Ben

Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

Chris_B — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 22:54:27 GMT

Great topic here. Just so we keep on the subject, for people who want to be discussing Pokemon Go and its positive mental health impacts, Lost Girl has a long-running thread about managing pain below where you can continue this part of your discussion:

Chronic pain treated with antidepressants

Thanks!

Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

blondguy — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 01:17:00 GMT

Hey Ben, I have seen Pokemon Go on google apps....how much are the in app purchases? Also is it available on any other platform so I dont have to use my xperia to play it?

Great thread Ben. Paul 🙂

Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

Lost_Girl — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 01:59:59 GMT

I took my kids out and we played Pokemon Go together. They hadca great time playing and it made me walk further than I would have otherwise as they were having so much fun.

Paul, the in app purchases are optional. You can play without purchasing anything.

Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

Guest_5218 — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 06:19:13 GMT

Well, I guess I'm still living in the 20th Century. I've never played any of these sorts of games. And as I dont have a smart phone or iphone. All I have is a very basic mobile phone which you can call or text from/to. Other than that I have a phone on the wall. I guess that means this Pokomon Go craze is out of my range. I suppose it sort of defeats the purpose to load it onto my PC? (-:

I still dont get how this game works though. Lyn I understand your confusion. I am only a couple of years younger than you. But at least it sounds as though you have a smart phone. So how does something on your phone make you go outside and interact with others?

From a confused and technically challenged

Sherie xx

Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

james1 — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 06:55:09 GMT

I've downloaded it and probably use it once every couple of days. My thoughts are mixed:

On the one hand, it feels like a good way to get people out and certainly there have been times when I've just felt like there was nothing to do at home and I'd just be stuck in my own head. So having a reason - to catch em all! - to go outside was nice.

Other times, I've just wanted to go for a walk and I tried playing pokemon go, but just found it too distracting. I wasn't walking anymore for the sake of walking, so I stopped playing and just walked.

So I think it's nice to have, but like anything, as long as you know when to play and when not to play.

In terms of how it helps people go outside and interact - I don't really think it does. It's given me an -excuse- to meet up with friends, but it is a little bit sad when you meet with them and half the time you or they are distracted by a pokemon. So I don't really like it for that. And maybe you're meant to talk to others to ask them where the pokemon are, but I haven't seen that happen. Most people go out in groups and just stare at their phones the entire time.