Should I play if I struggle with mental health?

General Discussion
21

You’re all the same rank for a reason. Unless they are a smurf, they got placed in the same rank as you and you are just as skilled as them.

Imo, while chat can be a great way to meet people, when it comes to mental health it’s probably best to completely turn off chat and VC and just play the game how you want.

Everybody, no matter what they claim to say, gets down every now and then when they are on a losing streak or just had a bad game. If you feel this way it’s best not to queue for another game and take a break, put things into perspective and realise how unimportant an OW game is.

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22

Hi there, I also suffer from depression and am on the autism spectrum so I really feel for you on this. I swear reading this post feels like my clone wrote it or something haha. I feel like lots of people have already given you this advice, but I agree one of the best things you can do is disable all voice communication because 9/10 it’s not worth it to listen. Maybe as you climb into higher ranks it can be worth it but I wouldn’t know because I’ve never climbed past plat and there were still way too many toxic people to handle. People feel safe behind their computer screens so expect them to be as horrible as they wish could be in real life - to too many people their egos and this video game are tied and it brings out the worse in them. I personally had to uninstall this game, but that’s because I couldn’t handle it anymore. This game sent me into meltdowns and I realized it just wasn’t worth it for the tiny amounts of fun I did have. I hope you don’t have to get to that point but don’t feel ashamed if you do. Your mental health is infinitely more important than this game. Stay safe and take care of yourself ok?

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23

Just turn the chats off. There’s no reason you can’t enjoy whichever game you want, but online pvp communities are the worst and will actively try to make your condition worse; on purpose if they can. Stay away from comms and enjoy the game without the abuse, imo.

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24

First off, I agree with another reply that nobody here will be qualified enough to give you a good answer. But it seems you are aware this, and of the need to seek professional help, and that playing this game might make you feel even worse. So those acknowledgements are good starts to the road of feeling better!

That said, my personal take is that you should play this game less, any video game less, and instead turn to human-direct activities, even if they give you anxiety or performance stress. The path to confidence is failing in a growth-oriented environment, and video gaming is the exact opposite of that.

Imagine for example, if you were to take a public speaking class where you will look and sound ridiculous at first, but everyone is supportive and will help you find your voice and confidence. Or maybe a golf class, a swimming class (or some skill you know you suck at), but these places have group of humans there to support and grow that skill with you. Playing this game is the opposite where everyone talks nonstop !@*# at each other because they are talking to pixels, thereby dehumanizing each other. This is not the kind of place for you. That you acknowledged this and posted here shows this.

Establish confidence and aptitude in something that is not online-gaming-oriented and that foundation will help you. Overwatch is so toxic and I don’t think it’s a good place for anyone having a bad day. Especially those who feel they always have bad days. Get well soon!!!

EDIT: I don’t agree that turning off chats is the answer, unless you are able to not get into your own head wondering if you’re playing bad. The lack of confidence is not something that turning off external voices will fix. That comes from within.

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25

Unfortunately, turning off comms is the primary option. My gf is very sensitive, I did this for her and she loves OW.

Ideally, the other option is to make friends/form a group with likeminded people, to still be able to enjoy the social aspect.

26

Not what i’m saying. And no it’s not the nature of competitive games. It’s the nature of SOME competitive games and OW i’d say is at the top.
Cuz it’s one of the most toxic games i’ve ever played for decades.

It’s not even the players for me, it’s literally the core design of the game. It’s almost as if it’s made by Toxic people.

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27

I think it’s a mix of both, the horrible matchmaking that makes people mad and the competitive attitude which leads to being stressed as well.

28

Honestly, it just sounds like you need a team of peeps to play with.

Everyone is struggling to keep the rank they are at, because if they were not, they wouldn’t be at that rank right?

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29

no shot that ow is at the top

have you played League? lol its biggest streamer is literally the most toxic person on twitch. think about that

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30

Yes true, at the top next to LoL. Totally forgot about LoL for a sec.

31

Maybe try team noncompetitive games at first.
I used to hate competitive games. I don’t like random people and I’ve known for years random people I meet will also not like me for their own enjoyment.
Team games like wave shooters and all else though?
Fun. Super fun. and great for your confidence.

I might sound like an army recruiter but there is no other feeling than meeting a group of friends or people you are close with and learning to slowly adjust to each other playstyles and being supportive of one another to deal with the oncoming obstacles that come your way. Even if you fall, there is a comfort knowing they are there to pick you back up. That level of trust that makes the game not only fun but possible. L4D, Deeprock Galactic, Darktide, Remnant, so many titles.

Maybe you don’t feel confidence about yourself now and I don’t know what it will take for you to see yourself as important and good. What I do know is if you are finding the game just feels like ten minute matches to test your obligation to do well for strangers and you bum yourself out for “sucking”, a different game is needed. Especially to get you comfortable for yourself and in the genre. There are people in the world who are there to be your support and give you confidence when you don’t have it. If this game isn’t doing that, you should try another and come back when you’re ready.

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32

Yes and here’s why:

I struggle very much with my mental health. Games help distract me from some of the stress of life and Overwatch helps me to focus on something so intrusive thoughts don’t win. The game is great for that.

That being said, it can take a toll on your mental health. People here are pretty abusive and, if you can handle being in voice chat and doing callouts, go for it. If not, don’t have chats on. I am one who talks often to make callouts but people still come after me - even if I am super nice and helpful.

Learn to recognize when you are triggered. Is your heart beating fast? Are you sure irritated? Are you being cranky with team mates? Have you eaten? These questions can help you be more mindful of your mental state. If you’re not doing so well, go play another game or do aim training or mess around in custom games. Custom games are a whole lot of fun. If you’re not in the right head space for this game tho, playing comp/qp/arcade/with other people can be difficult.

I had to learn the balance of this game and when I could play vs when I should not be around other people. If you ever want someone to play with, let me know! I am super chill and can help talk you down if you get too upset or give you a pep talk if you’re feeling sad. Or, if you just want someone to play with and be around w/o talking, I’m here. You got this!

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33

You know yourself best. If you think it’ll be trouble, then avoid it.

That said you do have the option to play the game and hide chat, as well as never use voice comms. I suggest that if you reeeeally want to keep playing. Just pretend you’re playing against AI, put on some music and do your thing.

You could also just play vs AI as well. Everyone there is pretty low-key, and you can pick the level of difficulty you feel up to.

Remember…it’s just a game, so have fun. When it starts not being fun, take a break. And just because a stranger offers you the gift of their insult or opinion, doesn’t mean you have to accept it. Be kind to yourself, you’re only human, no more or less perfect than anyone else.

Anyhoot, good luck out there mate.

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34

Not a professional, but not playing OW (or any game in general where you are open to criticism for that matter) probably isn’t going to help as you will most likely find other things to feel miserable about. If you stuggle with warped self image and give yourself unrealistic expectations, you should focus on that instead. For example cognitive therapy or solution-focused brief therapy might be helpful. Mental issues are a real thing you should take seriously, so please take care of yourself.

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35

Don’t play comp as its bad for anyone’s health.

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36

I understand your position Loki. I’ve been there. Well I truly think I’ll always be there to be honest.

Depression is a daily fight. You have acknowledged already that you have issues and need help. That is the first step. I encourage you to go to the doctor.

I had this low self esteem as well, and it make life quite harder than it is. It took me a big while to recognize it and get help. First, it felt like a liberation. Talk to someone without being judged felt really good. It didn’t solve all my problems but was the start of a new stage in my life.

Step by step I recovered old friendships, make new ones, lost others, but I’m still going.

Now I’m close to my 40s and I know myself way better to a point that I detect the bad thoughts on time, because they will not stop, and control them, make peace with myself, even have a laugh at me and keep going with my head up.

About the game, it was tough. I tended to blame myself for everything. Although the more I learnt about the game, about everyone 's role, this was disappearing as well. I can recognize when it’s my fault and when it wasn’t. I don’t need to point fingers at anyone either, because, what’s the point, next game I will probably play with different people so I’m not going to solve anything.

Only productive criticism for the team, like, we need to focus more on protecting our supports or cover the flanks, play more safe, not in the middle of the map, etc.

If you find people difficult, start by leaving voice chat and /hidechat. (Command for hiding chat). Don’t even check people’s names. For me there is only “ana”, “genji” etc. With time, you 'll find out that you can even be the person who makes the calls and carry your team to wining (although I only do this while playing tank)

Focus on your own performance, don’t bother If you lose or win, although is very nice to win of course. But not important. The most important thing for you right now is start believing in yourself.

There is an exit to this, there is light. I promise. If I did it, everyone can. I believe in you.

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37

Honestly sometimes you have better or bad days in a game. But you should never feel like a burden everyone has different skill ceeling either are top 500 either OWL either Bronze there is nothing wrong with that.

Just enjoy the game and keep in mind sometimes the people who trash talk are usually the people who have a bad day aswell.

And ofcourse we all get bad days with the game and get frustrated but does not mean we gonna stop playing. Keep up the grind and if you wanna play hit me up :slight_smile:

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38

Nope.

If players do something that makes you feel as if it’s a personal attack or triggers emotions, then you will always be at risk of being exposed to these negative things.

39

I’m not reading the whole thing. Going off the title, answer is no, don’t play games that can affect your mood if you have poor health.

40

I deal with anxiety and for me Overwatch helps, because it makes you think about other stuff