Video Games and Mental Health: A New Approach

Many adults struggle with mental health challenges, but a new YouTube series explores these issues with humor. Created by Ashly Burch, the show uses comedic elements to tackle topics like anxiety and addiction, offering support and starting conversations about complex issues.

Exploring Mental Health Through Entertainment

Ashly Burch, celebrated for her roles in video games such as “Horizon” and “Life is Strange,” has launched “I’m Happy You’re Here.” This YouTube series aims to provide guidance to those navigating life’s hurdles, including mental health struggles. The show, featuring puppets, tackles tough subjects with comedic flare.

Burch acknowledges the ongoing need for resources, noting that many adults are only now being diagnosed with conditions like ADHD. She hopes her show will educate loved ones and help start important conversations about mental health.

“I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and I had pretty bad OCD [Obsessive Compulsive Disorder] when I was young, and I feel like our ability to talk to kids about mental health has gotten better, but also think that adults still need a lot of help.”

—Ashly Burch

Burch‘s experiences with video games have significantly influenced her show’s approach. She used games to manage her anxiety as a child, finding the repetitive gameplay of “Harvest Moon 64” soothing.

Video Games and Identity

Video games also played a key part in shaping Burch‘s career. At 12, she realized she wanted to be a games actor, inspired by “Metal Gear Solid.” She hopes games will continue to surprise and offer unique experiences, just as they have throughout her life.

She recalls an old home video of her walking around with an unplugged NES controller in her hands, joking with me that she looked like the security blanket toting Linus from the Peanuts comic strips. Yes, this deep affection for video games really has been there since she “popped out,” Burch laughs.

Representation and Mental Wellbeing

Burch has played a number of queer roles and identifies as queer herself. She emphasizes the importance of representation, sharing how some discovered their gender identity through games. Games can offer a safe space for exploration and affirmation.

Burch believes games have the power to reflect and impact those who play. She adds that such representation gives the player the ability to explore the complexities of identity.

According to a 2023 study, 60% of video game players report that gaming has improved their mental wellbeing (Statista).

Looking Ahead

Burch encourages those struggling with mental health to recognize they are not alone. She recalls a time when she believed she was “insane” due to the symptoms of OCD. She emphasizes the importance of finding community and seeking professional help, sharing that there is a pathway to recovery.

“It is about finding the people who have walked it, and getting that help, be that finding a therapist or joining a group or even just watching videos and TikToks online of people talking about their experiences. It is really important to teach our nervous systems that we are not alone with the feeling we are having,” Burch closes.

She emphasizes the show’s goal: to reflect experiences and offer a sense of community.