Trophies for Mental Health (Event)

[Beyondthegrave07]

8 hours ago, Anxiety said:

I’m in. 

As someone that suffers from major anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, major hypervisualance, PTSD, mild OCD, and insomnia. I’m in love with this idea, thanks @Beyondthegrave07. I’m going to pick Senua’s Sacrifice and Until Dawn. 

No, thank you or joining and thank you for sharing your story with us. So far, I've been really amazed with the feedback on this event with participation levels and the comments I've been receiving and I've been thrilled. This is exactly what I was hoping for. It's tough to share your personal lives with strangers on the internet, but its events like these that I love to host that brings us together as a community so that we feel all comfortable with one another to be able to share stories like yours and @Kristen Danielle's. 

 

OP should be updated up to this point with recommendations and participants (unless I've been ninja'd). Thanks again to everyone so far. I wasn't sure if I would get 20 participants because the event is not very flashy and 12 hours in and you've already crushed it. Lol.

[DoctorDisinfect]

Unfortunately, due to my school schedule I won't be able to join in the event. (Studying to be a Psychiatrist, so I hope to help in the future.)

 

I would still like to support the event by donating $1 for every badge earned this event. I'll donate to the Canadian Mental Health Association. It's a Canadian charity that has done great work in the past and I have friends who have personally used their resources. https://cmha.ca/

 

I would also like give thanks to Grave for organizing this event, and for everyone else participating and contributing to the cause. Metal Health has been stigmatized for too long, and no one deserves to live like this. Spreading awareness and making it the norm to seek help will go a long way in ensuring that everyone who needs help can get  it.

 

 

Edited April 24, 2021 by Stand_User3

[Zanreo]

Great idea for an event, I'm in!

 

It's now been almost 2 years since I got diagnosed with depression, something I had been suspecting for a while before that. Alongside some mild anxiety, it can be pretty tough at times, and I have days where I barely have the energy or motivation to do anything, even things I usually enjoy.

 

Anyway, for my game, I'll probably either do Gris (which I got recently and was planning to play soonish anyway) or Night in the Woods (one of many games I need to get back to and finish)

Edited April 24, 2021 by Zanreo

[eigen-space]

I'd like to join.

Three recommendations for games: NERO, Figment, and Among the Sleep. Haven't played the latter, but the game devs are insistent that it's about mental health. And NERO is definitely commentary on mental health. Among the Sleep deals with coping mechanisms and the non-playable characters are the ones with mental disorders.

 

As for a personal aside, I have an anxiety disorder and bipolar tendencies. Also had postpartum depression after my baby was born. I've been medicated for years to alleviate the symptoms of these conditions, and fortunately for me the medications work.

Great to have a nonjudgmental community raising awareness for things like this.

Edited April 26, 2021 by eigen-space

[DeadlyPerfume]

I'll join, Firewatch and Neverending Nightmares have been on my to-do list forever. 

[Beyondthegrave07]

52 minutes ago, eigen-space said:

I'd like to join.

Two recommendations for games: NERO, Figment, and Among the Sleep. Haven't played the latter, but the game devs are insistent that it's about mental health. And NERO is definitely commentary on mental health. Among the Sleep deals with coping mechanisms and the non-playable characters are the ones with mental disorders.

 

As for a personal aside, I have an anxiety disorder and bipolar tendencies. Also had postpartum depression after my baby was born. I've been medicated for years to alleviate the symptoms of these conditions, and fortunately for me the medications work.

Great to have a nonjudgmental community raising awareness for things like this.

I remember you sharing this with me before. Happy to have you on board! I 100% agree too. It's great to have a community like this that can be nonjudgmental and join in on the fun too while raising awareness. That sounds like a triple win to me. 

 

 

 

For those who are curious, the reason why I decided to host event goes back 7-8 years ago when I was in college. My childhood friend/neighbor lost his brother (who was in the 8th grade) to suicide during that time. He left a note talking about hearing voices in his head telling him to do terrible things and was afraid he'd eventually succumb to the voices and harm someone. It was a tragic event that may have been prevented if he was able to talk about it or knew of the resources available to him.

 

Before then, I never really thought about mental health. Not my own or others. I always just thought suicide was for cowards who didn't want to face the harsh realities of life and that mental illnesses were people who were "weak" that needed help from society. When in all honesty, people who live with these every day are strong. A strength I can't fathom. And suicide isn't for cowards. It's for people who feel like they have no other options and that's why it's important for them to know they do have options and should never have to feel like they need to resort to suicide.

 

Anyways, I read a statistic that more people were dealing with mental health issues during the past year which brought up the memory of this tragic story. During college, I was never in a financial position to do anything to help, but I feel like now is the best time to do it. In a time of uncertainty and where donations are harder to come by, I'm in a position where I can make a difference, and in the end, I guess I created this event to share their own stories, talk about mental health in a safe environment, and feel like others could contribute in their own way... and what does PSNP do best? Trophy hunt!

[FoxyKatt_]

I would love to join❤️

[Briste]

Thank you for sponsoring this event. This is something that has or will impact everyone of us at one time or another and this is a very good way to spread awareness and create dialogue. I would also like to contribute $1 to the AFSP for each badge. I am already one trophy away from popping Detroit: Become Human (very good game for this btw) and am saving it for a personal platinum rain for my 40th birthday in May. i will be choosing another game specifically for this event, which I will start from scratch to also pop as a part of my rain day. My birthday is May 31st so it'll be the last day of the month.

 

I also wanted to share my story and some perspective I have learned over the years that may be beneficial for someone else to hear.

 

My family has a history of mental illness and addiction. It was something that families used to keep a secret (and a lot probably still do). My parents divorced when i was five and I didn't have much of a relationship with my father. Not that he was a bad person or anything, he just didn't take much of an interest in what I was doing. My mother became a terrible alcoholic when I was in 7th grade (the fallout from a different broken relationship). Partly due to her alcoholism and partly due to my own bodily chemistry, when I was in middle school and high school, I was very depressed and often had suicidal thoughts. Despite how I felt, I thought it was very important to not show that I was struggling. I was quiet and used to be extra friendly to other people, even those that would bully me, to try and further mask the suffering I was going through at the time. I wanted everyone to think I was fine. I lied at home, I lied at school and just masked how sad and lonely I was. I never turned to drugs or alcohol because I saw what it was doing to my mother and I didn't want to do to others what she was doing to my brother and I. My outlet was video games and baseball. At the end of the day, I believe the only reason I didn't succumb to suicide, was my fear of leaving my brother in a home with an alcoholic alone and the fear that my death would push my mother to the breaking point. Even though I was suffering, I didn't want to be the cause of anyone else's pain or suffering.

 

Flash forward to when I was 20...my father committed suicide two days after 9/11 (unrelated). Through his suicide manifesto that he left, I learned that he was manic depressive and suffered from Bi-Polar disorder. I also learned that his sister had committed suicide when he was in high school and that he had been the one to find her. My father was one of five siblings and three have died. Two from suicide and one from addiction and all I know is I wish someone had let me know this when I was younger. I think with the knowledge that I may be predisposed to having these thoughts and feelings would have made it more likely that I did not try and do it alone. That I would have been aware that maybe what I was feeling was treatable and that I truly wasn't alone. But, I didn't find any of this out until I was 20. What makes me the most sad, is the knowledge that my father probably faced these issues alone and that if he had simply shared his struggle, perhaps I could have shared mine with him too and we could have tried together. Maybe sharing our struggle could have prevented what happened.

 

He was 47 when he died...and I am turning 40 next month. It is wild to me that I'm fast approaching the age my father was when that fateful day arrived. It'll be twenty years in September since it happened and I find myself thinking about him and his decision more and more. I met my wife in 2003 and had my first child in 2014 and second in 2017. None of them got to meet my father and he never got to meet them. I think he would have really enjoyed his grandchildren. It was a very permanent solution to what could have been a fixable problem and unfortunately, he felt he had to fight his battles alone...

 

I was very bitter at him for a long time...however as I have gotten older, I have come to forgive his decision. I don't think he came to that decision lightly and whatever led up to that moment....he must've felt very alone and it makes me sad to think of him in that state. I wish that he had come to me for not only my own mental health, but for his. I guarantee you when my children are old enough, I'm going to share with them his story and our family history with the hopes that it will make them more self aware. That if they start to feel a certain way, they are not afraid to come to me and ask for help. I want them to know that I've been there too. I understand how it is to feel worthless and alone. It is incredibly hard to admit to yourself that you may not be entirely in control of your own thoughts or feelings. If you don't know it's possible, then you don't know the warning signs and how to ask for help.

 

The point of this long story is simple. Do not feel like you are alone. Even if you feel like you are, there is someone who cares for you and will help you. It may not even be someone you have met yet...and that is the most important thing! Suicide cannot be undone and has lasting consequences for everyone involved. Right now is only temporary and your best friend, soul mate, whoever is still out there for you. Just get the help you need....find someone to talk to....persevere and you can find happiness. When I was a teenager, I never thought a family and happiness was something I could find. Due to my father's actions, I saw what the fallout is and got scared. I got help, talked to people....didn't hide who I was and I was finally able to find some value in me as a person. I was finally able to look at who I was, what I had been through and realize I was good for someone out there. Once I attached some value to myself, I was able to find and have the things I never thought I could. That's not to say it's all sunshine and rainbows....some days are still really hard....but because I educated myself on what I was feeling and became self-aware of how my body and mind could be working against me...I am in a better position to work through those times. While what worked for me may not work or be possible for everyone...I feel strongly that educating yourself on family history and being open and honest (respectfully) with how you feel....puts the odds more in your favor.

 

At this point I'm rambling so will stop, but just thank you again @Beyondthegrave07

[Beyondthegrave07]

@Briste, I don't think you're rambling at all! I hope others take the time to read your own personal struggles and about your father too.

 

I thought you brought up a really good point though. People who commit suicide never see the impact it has on others. I've seen it completely ruin families before, and it's nothing the person could ever forsee.

[FoxyKatt_]

Maybe Sayonara Wild Hearts will qualify for this event?

[Inuty]

i like to join to Support at least with my Participation. Not wurde what to Play but maybe i am Looking with a different perspective on a Game i will Play next month and be able to give some thoughts on it. 

 

i think Little nightmare 1 and 2 would also be a candidate for the Games. At least i interprete them like some way to get through some traumatic Events of a child. In addition fractured minds are one Game which will try to explain mental illness. I didnt played it yet, but it is only 2 Euro so maybe worth a look for some people here in the event

[kingofbattle8174]

Interesting fact that I found out in a news article. For the United States you will have to put in all ten digits including the area code, even if it is your own area number. this is because they are establishing a national Suicide Hotline, 988. Dialing these three digits will connect you with a qualified professional wherever you are in the Country. Very easy to remember as well since it is so similar to the emergency number. 

[DaivRules]

45 minutes ago, kingofbattle8174 said:

Interesting fact that I found out in a news article. For the United States you will have to put in all ten digits including the area code, even if it is your own area number. this is because they are establishing a national Suicide Hotline, 988. Dialing these three digits will connect you with a qualified professional wherever you are in the Country. Very easy to remember as well since it is so similar to the emergency number. 

We’ve been dialing ten digits (or at least clicking since smart phones came around) since local toll faded out and cell providers ignored local/local toll/long distance in favor of minutes (in the mid 2000s) in the United States. 
 

I’m glad to see the 800 number reduced to a three digit number and I hope we start teaching it along side 911 in our schools at an early age.

 

 

[Jeanolt]

Hii, I just made this account to say that I’m in! I struggle with my mental health as many of you in this post, so i wish you all a good month!!

[Animator22]

This is certainly interesting to attend and I would like to suggest a game if it hasn't been mentioned yet. (Sorry didn't look at every response to this point to see if they were mentioned)

 

Haven would be my choice since it involves 2 characters who escape and try to stay under the radar of being re-captured. Its the stress the two take on basically living day to day always looking behind their shoulder but also doing the same things everyday that can easily mess with your mental health. I only played an hour of if at this point when it released but would like to finish it and this would be a good motive to do just that. 

 

Edited April 24, 2021 by Animator22

[Beyondthegrave07]

1 hour ago, Animator22 said:

This is certainly interesting to attend and I would like to suggest a game if it hasn't been mentioned yet. (Sorry didn't look at every response to this point to see if they were mentioned)

 

Haven would be my choice since it involves 2 characters who escape and try to stay under the radar of being re-captured. Its the stress the two take on basically living day to day always looking behind their shoulder but also doing the same things everyday that can easily mess with your mental health. I only played an hour of if at this point when it released but would like to finish it and this would be a good motive to do just that. 

 

Haven would probably work. As a general rule of thumb, if part 2 is difficult to do, then you should probably pick a different game. If it's easy to reflect on the mental health aspects of it, then it's a great choice. You may not know exactly if it fits until you finish though.

 

For example, I'm playing through Concrete Genie right now, and it seems to be a good fit (maybe even great fit after thinking about it), but I'll make that call at the end of the game. The more prominent the mental health aspects, the easier it'll be to write about imo so just keep that in mind.

 

Once the event gets a little closer, I'll write an example of what I'm expecting for part 2 for the first badge and add it to the OP. It won't be much as I know not all members here are native English speakers, and I'm no english teacher either. People will be able to make it a couple of sentences or an essay. It'll still count. I'll also help any non-english speakers who need it to convey what you're wanting to say about a game too, just PM me.

Edited April 25, 2021 by Beyondthegrave07

[Kristen Danielle]

17 hours ago, Anxiety said:

If it’s okay with people I would like to share my story...

 

I’ve had depression since I was 7 or 8 years old. It’s been a living hell for a long time but I fight everyday to get up and try and do things to better myself through stuff. I’ve been put on anti-depressants and other medications for a long time now and I’ve only just now got ones that have started working.

Have you tried Ketamine infusion treatments?

Edited April 25, 2021 by Kristen Danielle

[BlackCatBurrito]

I'd like to join, thank you. 

 

It's just nice to see people getting around each other in a positive way on here. 

 

I have chronic mental illness & use games as my escape to stay away from everything else (drugs, alcohol, gambling & so on) If they're what you need to get by there's no judgment from me but I'm grateful games keep me grounded. 

 

I won't commit to any dollar amount & don't need a s/o but if I complete the challenge, I'll donate to several health organizations in my local area & I hope others do the same. They do amazing work, having worked in a small capacity with some of my local mental health care groups they are all heart & need every cent. 

 

[Animator22]

6 hours ago, Beyondthegrave07 said:

Haven would probably work. As a general rule of thumb, if part 2 is difficult to do, then you should probably pick a different game. If it's easy to reflect on the mental health aspects of it, then it's a great choice. You may not know exactly if it fits until you finish though.

 

For example, I'm playing through Concrete Genie right now, and it seems to be a good fit (maybe even great fit after thinking about it), but I'll make that call at the end of the game. The more prominent the mental health aspects, the easier it'll be to write about imo so just keep that in mind.

 

Once the event gets a little closer, I'll write an example of what I'm expecting for part 2 for the first badge and add it to the OP. It won't be much as I know not all members here are native English speakers, and I'm no english teacher either. People will be able to make it a couple of sentences or an essay. It'll still count. I'll also help any non-english speakers who need it to convey what you're wanting to say about a game too, just PM me.

I feel my disability might hinderance my review of it and what I say may not fully commit to the topic of Mental Health to a T. What I feel I write might be on topic in my mind but may be totally wrong. Example, Rime was mentioned. I've played at least half the game but I can't connect the mental status to reflect the topic from what I've already played. Just seemed like a boy, on an adventure and completes puzzles. I know there's mysteries that can go more in depth and maybe haven't reached it in my play through. So just my issue is just explaining the events of the game relating to the topic of Mental Illness if it even meets the overall criteria. 

[SpaceCoresDad]

This is a fantastic idea for an event, well done. Considering I've studied Psychology for the past four years (and am still trying to get into grad school for it), I would love to take part in this. I don't think I can match donations, but I will at least make one when I post for this. Good luck everyone, and stay healthy!

[MickeyMixLipa]

I'm in. Currently undecided on what I'm going to play though! 

 

The event is a great idea to raise a bit of attention to mental health whilst also having fun & donating money to charity. My personal story is - 

 

I was diagnosed with OCD at an extremely young age, progressing on through school this got worse & uncontrolled. Throw back to 16 & it also become coupled with GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia & ADHD. This has lead to my own struggles with addiction, after finding medication doesn't really help. Still going along the path so hopefully soon will find a remedy! Looking forward to this. 

[Neocarleen]

55 minutes ago, Animator22 said:

I feel my disability might hinderance my review of it and what I say may not fully commit to the topic of Mental Health to a T. What I feel I write might be on topic in my mind but may be totally wrong. Example, Rime was mentioned. I've played at least half the game but I can't connect the mental status to reflect the topic from what I've already played. Just seemed like a boy, on an adventure and completes puzzles. I know there's mysteries that can go more in depth and maybe haven't reached it in my play through. So just my issue is just explaining the events of the game relating to the topic of Mental Illness if it even meets the overall criteria. 

Each stage represents the five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance). I remember the depression stage hit me the hardest. You should play to the end, the finale really ties it all together.

[rangers_lead5278]

Thanks for arranging this event! I suck at meeting targets to my commitments, but could I be added to the participant list please?

 

I’ve had depression and anxiety as long as I can remember. This time last year I was on the brink of suicide because of some kind of panic event that lasted weeks. Every second of everyday was pulse racing terror for no reason that I could understand. Everyone except my incredible girlfriend assumed I was anxious about the pandemic, but I was so consumed by terror that I hadn’t yet realised there was a pandemic (that was a shock when I came to my senses!!). I lost a large percentage of my body weight at that time. Literally the only thing that stopped my death was the understanding and care from my girlfriend. As a lame milestone, months later I continued playing Tales of Xillia (a game I was terrified of as it was the last thing I did before the panic hit me like a truck) and made it my 150th plat.

 

Not everyone affected has such a port in the storm like mine, so raising awareness and money for this cause is crucial.

Edited April 25, 2021 by rangers_lead5278

[Beyondthegrave07]

7 hours ago, Animator22 said:

I feel my disability might hinderance my review of it and what I say may not fully commit to the topic of Mental Health to a T. What I feel I write might be on topic in my mind but may be totally wrong. Example, Rime was mentioned. I've played at least half the game but I can't connect the mental status to reflect the topic from what I've already played. Just seemed like a boy, on an adventure and completes puzzles. I know there's mysteries that can go more in depth and maybe haven't reached it in my play through. So just my issue is just explaining the events of the game relating to the topic of Mental Illness if it even meets the overall criteria. 

Just do your best! I'm not going to be very picky. I'm just looking for a little effort. The point of part 2 is more of a reflection and to add to the discussion to the topic and to make yourself more aware of it. I don't want people stress out about it.

 

I'll give you an example of how simple it can be:

 

When I played Nier Automata, I learned about depression. There's a really sad side mission where you hack a robot and you are taken through his thought processes before he ultimately commits suicide.

 

Notice that I could have talked about much more than that, but like I said, I know there are people who struggle with writing so I'm honestly trying to make this as easy as possible.

[Quixotesque]

Count me in! I am a little bit busy ( my official examinations / opposition exams ("exámenes de oposiciones" here in Spain) + working and life in general) my few gaming time  is spent on platting Skyrim. However, once I finish it, I will go for the event. I am thinking of 2 games for it:

• Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a perfect game to deal with mental disorders.
• Undertale: the first time I played it on Steam, I saw a huge connection with depression and its stages.

As my personal story, well, I have been suffering from night anxiety ever since I started studying for these official examinations (2 years already...) and night time is a hell ever since.

 

I hope that everyone going through a mental disease can get better/find support and get better. Good luck to all and wonderful idea with this event! @Beyondthegrave07