This was too interesting not to pass along 🙂
I just attended the second annual Entertainment Software and Cognitive Neurotherapeutics Society (ESCoNS) conference. Say that five times fast. This conference brought together people in the gaming world with cognitive neuroscientists. I went because I’m developing (and testing) an app that I believe can help people reduce stress, worry, and anxiety in their lives. In addition to more deeply exploring how to make mental health truly fun, I felt that I was seeing the future of mental health unfolding before my eyes.
Here are four ideas I think will change how the field of mental health will look in a decade (or less):
1. Mental health care WILL BE gamified. The mobile revolution and app zeitgeist have changed how we get things done. We want an app for everything because we want our life mobile and streamlined, and the minute we think we want to do something, we want…
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Lucky Wreck 
Very cool! Totally agree that more people would seek mental health treatment if they could do so completely or seemingly anonymously via electronic device. It might not be ideal, but if a person tries this as opposed to nothing, then it can only help.
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I agree! There is so often a stigma against people seeking treatment for mental health… I wonder if “gamifying” the practice of mental health would help reduce the stigma that goes along with that as well?
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What an interesting idea! While I think that face to face interaction is good when in therapy the internet and electronic devices are wonderful tools to add to the foundation. Plus, it might be the only way some people are comfortable getting much needed help! Thanks for posting this article…it’s great!
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I thought this was a great article, too! I used to work with kids who were diagnosed with ADHD and language disorders…a LOT of the treatment involved electronic “games”, but they produced some great results. I always wondered if this could be applied to other issues of mental health as well! “Gamifying” almost seems like a sneaky (but effective) way to train the brain 😀
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Cool share!
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Very interesting article, and thanks for sharing it. :0) (I’m an avid gamer, myself. Adventure games/CGI, etc.) I grew up with ADHD, OCD, and a myriad of other “disorders”, but that was back in the 70’s before there were any labels. I was just “different”. I think I worked out of bunch of that crap with alcohol over the years though..ha. (Now I rarely drink, but I’m still “weird”. They call it “art” now!) I think it’s a great idea though to reach afflicted children through games and fun-based programs- I support that! I do use the word “afflicted” lightly though, because one person’s affliction will be another’s strength. (So again, I use those words inter-changeably, really.)
I need some fresh material! I came to get my Amy-fix. (No pressure. heheh…)
Hope you’re well. 😉
xo
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I’m always so happy to get your comments, Birgitta! They really make my day. I can relate…I have a diagnosis of ADD (now, but not when I was little)..and I was always told I learned differently, or marched to the beat of a different drum…and was called weird or an air-head 😛 I love how you say they call things like that that “art” now! 😀 Makes me feel more like embracing it from that perspective 🙂
I’ve been having a rough week, but hopefully will feel back on track by the beginning of next week. I’ve been missing coming here!
Hope you are well, too 🙂
xo
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I have literally felt your struggles from over here. I’ve very sensitive to my friends- I mean, on a scary level- I have no idea why it’s that way, but I’ve felt your heart breaking a little. I want you to know I’m here for you. I have been through the RINGER this past month- I mean, crying like a baby on the bathroom floor in a fetal position, several times in fact- just swallowed by “the abyss”- you know what I mean- sometimes the black skies just threaten to consume us! I know that you’re so much stronger than you realize. Whatever you’re going through, I promise- it’ll end up being like stripes on your uniform. 😉 Wait and see. Hang in there! Those dark clouds are hiding blue skies. (I’m making myself gag now, so I’m going to go away…heheh…) I do mean what I say though. Love you. xo
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