Animal Crossing + Mental Illness

[NursePhantump]

I was just wondering if anyone else with mental or developmental disorders uses Animal Crossing as a way to cope. I personally do, normally when it comes to anxiety and even depression. Obviously it's not a cure all solution but it's a good way to cope for me since it's such a calming and happy game!

 

[Aali]

Well this isn't a mental illness, I don't have any friends, so I get my daily interaction from acnl as sad and pathetic as that sounds.

 

[NursePhantump]

Well this isn't a mental illness, I don't have any friends, so I get my daily interaction from acnl as sad and pathetic as that sounds.

No I understand friend, I honestly don't have many friends so most of my social interaction comes from this game ;v;

 

[treetops]

[removed]

 

[HungryForCereal]

i dont have any mental illness but when i need an escape, id always play AC.

 

[xWENDYx]

i dont have any mental illness but when i need an escape, id always play AC.

Some would say that ACNL is a mental disorder.
To me its just a game to be enjoyed at my pleasure.

 

[Detrimentalist]

Long term depression and anxiety here. I use video games in general to help me cope, the more addictive the video game the better.

 

[behonourable]

Depression and anxiety disorder holler!

Animal Crossing is definitely an escape for me. I think the danger is that it becomes too much of an escape. I see some people taking their villagers so seriously, because they have nothing else going on in their lives. It's important not to sacrifice real life to a game. Yes, it's much easier to socialise with your in game villagers - but real, human interaction is more important, and shouldn't fall by the wayside.

 

[Rainbowkisses33]

I have ocd, depression and memory issues. I love animal crossing but I had it since oct and still can't stick to a town.

 

[Vanilla Cosmos]

I have social anxiety and often have periods of feeling down. Animal Crossing is a great escapism for me.

 

[kirakinn]

I have depression, ADHD, and dissociative issues, and Animal crossing is a great way for me to escape and have some time away from real world issues at times when I just can't deal with them

 

[marierock13]

Anxiety and Bipolar Disorder over here.

At least for my anxiety, I find this game extremely helpful. It has a pleasant, non-confrontational, friendly atmosphere that helps me relax when I'm very stressed or upset. It's a really calming game. Animal Crossing has been a safe place for me to relax ever since Wild World, back when I didn't even know I was ill.

Doesn't exactly help with bipolar, though - still need to use medication for that. XD

 

[Miii]

No mental illness here, but playing new leaf when I'm in a bad mood helps c: nothing like talking to cute little animals and decorating stuff to cheer you up.

 

[Annika.]

I do. AC is a nice way to have control over something in life knowing that nothing bad's gonna happen, you know what to expect from the villagers and the interactions aren't drowning.

 

[unluckiestclover]

Well this isn't a mental illness, I don't have any friends, so I get my daily interaction from acnl as sad and pathetic as that sounds.

I was homeschooled for most of my childhood, and I didn't have any friends, either, only the little animals in wild world. c,:

I have bipolar II and bad anxiety, and when I can get away from school and work, Animal Crossing was a nice relief. ❤

 

[NursePhantump]

Aaaaa idk why but it honestly makes me kind of happy I'm not alone in my experiences with this. I do hope you all can overcome your mental illnesses eventually, you all seem like great people. I might be opening up a small thread in Brewster's cafe to help people with mental illnesses as kind of a support group. So yay for that but I do wish you all the best!!

 

[Hulaette]

I suffer from social anxiety and MPD. Occasionally when I get upset I get into a small depressed funk for a day or two. Playing Animal Crossing helps me relax and chill out. I like to be left alone, I don't do well in social activities.

 

[Barbara]

Why are there so many people who are depressed and/or have a mental illness on here? Not that you're not welcome here, it's great that Animal Crossing makes you feel better but it just saddens me there are so many of you struggling.

 

[cheadle]

It's a nice escape and a good way to calm down when I need it. I need to be careful though because if i get too caught up in it it's easy to forget I have other responsibilities. I guess I should mention I have panic disorder and ADHD.

As for why there are so many of us here, Unfortunately mental illness is pretty common among young people it seems I think people are becoming more open about it though and not feeling as much of a need to hide it or downplay its effect. Personally I think it's really comforting to know that there are people with similar problems out there. I spent high school hiding everything from my friends because I was afraid they would think I'm needy or crazy.

 

[X2k5a7y]

Depression/ADHD/Social Anxiety/annnddd Paranoia. I'm not crazy, I swear.
Plus, I only have two friends, that I haven't gotten to see in about two months. So, I've been pretty isolated.

But sometimes I find my depression really getting me down for whatever ****ing reason. So, I'll pick up the game and start playing, next thing I know, I'm fine and more worried about getting Hamlet something nice for his house or trying to remember that Vic wanted to come over, than my depression. It calms me down.