Video Games and the Misuse of Mental Health

For decades, video games have misused mental health conditions to create villains or enemies, often relying on harmful stereotypes to shape characters. Mental illness, particularly conditions like schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder, has been portrayed as synonymous with violence, unpredictability, and danger. These depictions have contributed to stigmatization, reinforcing fear and misunderstanding of mental health issues.

However, there has been some gradual improvement in how mental health is represented in video games. While some developers have started to move away from these negative tropes and offer more thoughtful portrayals, progress is still inconsistent across the industry. Many games continue to perpetuate outdated and damaging stereotypes, highlighting the need for more conscious, accurate representations in the future.

Negative Portrayals and Stereotypes

Mental illness, particularly schizophrenia, has frequently been misused in video games to create violent, unpredictable villains. This portrayal reinforces the harmful stereotype that individuals with mental health conditions are dangerous and uncontrollable. In many games, characters suffering from schizophrenia or dissociative identity disorder are depicted as antagonists, fueling fear-based narratives.

A prime example is the portrayal of schizophrenia in Outlast, where mental illness is depicted in extreme and violent ways, positioning characters with schizophrenia as deranged and homicidal. Similarly, in Manhunt, mental health is weaponized to create fear and chaos, with characters experiencing hallucinations and paranoia being central to the narrative’s violence. These portrayals are not only inaccurate but also damaging, as they contribute to the broader stigmatization of real-world mental health conditions.

By portraying mental illness as a threat, these games perpetuate fear and misunderstanding, making it harder for individuals with mental health issues to be understood and supported. This misuse of mental health as a storytelling device ultimately reinforces the stereotype that mental illness equates to danger, further deepening the stigma around seeking help or having open conversations about mental well-being.

Progress Towards Better Representation

In recent years, some modern games have taken steps to portray mental health in more neutral and balanced ways, moving away from harmful stereotypes. Titles like Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice offer a more thoughtful portrayal, focusing on Senua’s experience with psychosis. The developers worked closely with mental health professionals to ensure the representation was respectful and accurate, shedding light on the internal struggles faced by individuals with mental health conditions, rather than villainizing them.

Beyond narrative shifts, certain games are also recognized for their potential mental health benefits. For instance, Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Stardew Valley promote emotional regulation through their relaxing, low-pressure gameplay, allowing players to decompress. Games with social elements, like Among Us and Fortnite, have shown potential for fostering social connections, particularly during periods of isolation. Studies suggest that these types of games can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms by providing a sense of community and achievement.

As the industry continues to evolve, there's growing potential for video games to not only entertain but also contribute positively to players' mental well-being. These examples highlight how video games can promote emotional health, offering therapeutic benefits beyond traditional gaming experiences.

The Impact of These Portrayals on Players

Negative portrayals of mental health in video games can perpetuate harmful stigma and deepen misunderstandings among players. When mental illness is depicted as synonymous with violence or unpredictability, it reinforces the idea that those with mental health conditions are dangerous or unstable. This contributes to real-world stigma, making it harder for individuals to seek help or feel accepted. Research shows that media, including video games, plays a significant role in shaping societal attitudes, and these portrayals may lead players to adopt or reinforce misconceptions about mental health.

On the other hand, studies have shown that gaming can have potential positive effects on mental well-being. Games like Stardew Valley and Journey are known to reduce anxiety, help with emotional regulation, and provide a sense of relaxation and purpose. These positive gaming experiences highlight the complex relationship between game content and mental health. While negative portrayals can exacerbate stigma, games designed with care and sensitivity can actually improve mental well-being by offering players a form of escapism and emotional support.

More accurate and thoughtful representations of mental health in games could shift player perceptions, fostering greater understanding and empathy. When developers consult with mental health professionals and create nuanced characters, games have the potential to become powerful tools for destigmatization. This could not only lead to more inclusive storytelling but also promote more positive attitudes toward mental health in broader society.

Conclusion

Mental health representation in video games has seen some progress, with modern titles beginning to offer more nuanced and respectful portrayals. However, harmful stereotypes persist, particularly in games that continue to use mental illness as a basis for creating violent or unpredictable villains. These negative depictions contribute to ongoing stigma, reinforcing fear and misunderstanding of mental health conditions.

To create a healthier, more inclusive gaming landscape, developers must collaborate with mental health professionals to ensure accurate and sensitive portrayals in future games. By doing so, video games can evolve into platforms that not only entertain but also educate and destigmatize, fostering greater empathy and understanding toward mental health issues in society.

FAQ

1. Why is mental illness often portrayed negatively in video games?
Historically, mental illness has been misused as a trope to create fear-based narratives, with conditions like schizophrenia depicted as synonymous with violence and unpredictability. This has led to harmful stereotypes in many games.

2. Which mental health conditions are most commonly misrepresented in video games?
Schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder are among the most commonly misrepresented conditions, often portrayed as causing dangerous or violent behavior, which is a gross misrepresentation of these illnesses.

3. Are there any games that portray mental health conditions accurately?
Yes, some modern games, like Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, have worked with mental health professionals to portray conditions like psychosis in a more thoughtful and accurate way, focusing on the internal struggles rather than making the character a villain.

4. Can playing video games positively impact mental health?
Yes, certain games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley have been shown to reduce anxiety, promote emotional regulation, and provide stress relief, offering therapeutic benefits to players.

5. How can video games contribute to destigmatizing mental health?
By working with mental health professionals and creating nuanced characters and narratives, developers can create games that educate players and foster empathy, promoting a more accurate understanding of mental health issues.

This topic was suggested by Chris Ly from The Nerd Lys

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All sources can be found in the footnotes

1  Video Games, Mental Health, and Addiction: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

2  Video Games and Mental Health - Charlie Health

3  Research Article on Video Games and Mental Health

4  Frontiers in Psychiatry: Mental Health Representations in Video Games

5  Mental Illness in Video Games - TheGamer