Harry and Dillon at SensesWA Armadale.
When it comes to online gaming, there’s mixed opinions. Some believe it’s a great way to improve problem-solving skills, while others worry about the impact on wellbeing.
We asked experienced gamers Harry & Dillon for their insights on the benefits of gaming and how to stay healthy. Plus, Dillon adds insights from a Positive Behaviour Support perspective to help you stay calm, focused and grounded.
Make new friends and join a 24/7 online community
Gaming offers a unique opportunity to meet people who share similar interests. In multiplayer games, it’s possible to connect with others from all over the world, anytime, but just like in real life, online gaming has positive and negative experiences. Some players can be unfriendly or even aggressive, hiding behind a screen. It’s important to be aware of this and know how to deal with it.
Top tips for positive social experiences online
Gaming can be competitive, and competition can stir up strong emotions. Winning can feel great, but losing might bring frustration. Learning how to manage these feelings can help create a more enjoyable gaming experience.
Here are some ways to deal with emotions after a tough loss
- Complain: It’s okay to talk about the frustrating game you just had. Sometimes, venting helps you feel better.
- Coregulate: Talk to a family member or friend who knows the game about what happened. Explaining why it felt unfair can help you process the emotions.
- Acknowledge your feelings: Take a moment to recognise your feelings in the moment. Should I requeue right now? Am I tilted? Can I let this go, and will I be happy with how I’m performing?
- Reflect later: Was it really that bad? Maybe it wasn’t as big of a deal as you thought. Next time, you can mute toxic players, report them, or even leave the game and try again.
Stress relief and escapism
For many gamers, gaming is a way to relax and escape from daily stresses. Harrison points out that multiplayer games often allow you to role-play and try different things in a low-pressure environment. This can be especially comforting for those who feel embarrassed trying new things in real life. But gaming can sometimes become addictive, and overstimulation can happen. It’s important to stay aware of how much time you’re spending and how it affects your wellbeing.
Dillon’s top tips for avoiding overstimulation
When you’re deeply immersed in something you enjoy, like gaming, it’s easy to lose track of time. To keep your gaming experience healthy, here are a few simple tips to help manage your time and wellbeing:
- Use gaming as a reward: Try finishing important tasks, like homework, before you start gaming. Getting the “boring” stuff out of the way first helps ensure you stay on top of responsibilities.
- Choose games with built-in time limits: Play games that naturally end after a set amount of time, like games with rounds or levels that have clear endpoints. This helps avoid endless gaming sessions.
- Think before you game: Check in with yourself before you start. How does your body feel? Are your eyes tired? Is your head a little sore? It’s good to be aware of how you’re feeling before jumping into a game.
- Check in with family and friends: If you live with others, ask them to help keep track of your gaming time and remind you to take breaks when needed.
Dillon’s tips for family and friends
The support of family and friends plays a key role in maintaining wellbeing. Regular check-ins can make a big difference in helping gamers stay healthy while enjoying their favourite hobby.
Here are some ways families and friends can help
- Offer breaks without saying “take a break”: Sometimes, instead of directly telling someone to stop, offer reminders in a way that doesn’t feel like a command. For example, ask if they’re hungry or remind them that something else is coming up after the game ends, like dinner or a family activity.
- Learn about the game: Understanding how the game works, including its rules and any penalties for quitting, can help support a gamer in a positive way.
- Check in on their progress: Ask about their gaming experience – how many games they’ve played, how they’re feeling, and if they’re having fun. Relating time spent gaming to how much progress they’ve made can help them stay aware of time. Talk about the best moments they’ve had today!
- Adjust game settings: Some games can overstimulate by design. Try adjusting screen brightness or sound settings to create a more comfortable environment.
- Choose the right game for the day: After a busy or stressful day, fast-paced games might not be the best choice. Pick something more relaxed or with a slower pace to avoid overstimulation.
Final thoughts
Gaming is a great way to connect with others, relax, and develop new skills. However, for those with Autism or ADHD, it’s important to be mindful of how gaming can affect your emotions and wellbeing. By following the tips from Dillon and Harry, you can enjoy gaming in a way that supports your wellbeing, ensuring it stays a fun and rewarding.
Want to join an online gaming group or attend an information session? We’re taking Expressions of Interest for 2025.
How Positive Behaviour Support can help
At SensesWA, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an approach that helps people better understand and manage their behaviour. It focuses on improving quality of life and reducing challenging behaviour by identifying and addressing underlying needs. Dillon and his team support individuals in managing their emotions and behaviours, helping them enjoy activities like gaming in a healthier way. Learn more about Positive Behaviour Support or call us on 1300 111 881 to enquire.
