Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

[Ben1]

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

[blondguy]

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

[Lost_Girl]

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

[Ben1]

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

[Lost_Girl]

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.

[Ben1]

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

[Chris_B]

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!

[blondguy]

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 🙂

[Lost_Girl]

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.

[Guest_5218]

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

[james1]

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.