Does Pokemon Go Help People With Depression?

Pokémon Go has taken the world by storm. Ever since its release in July, people have been living out their childhood dream of becoming the best Pokémon master. Despite getting people active, the game poses as a threat to those who oppose it. While there is no denying that this game has put some people in danger, overall this game has effected people positively. Not only has this game helped in keeping people active, it has also helped people with depression. Pokémon Go helps people with depression by giving them opportunities to visit new places that they may have never had the chance to see before and this helps by giving them the chance to enjoy life.
One way that Pokémon Go has helped people with depression is by getting them out of the house. When people go out to catch Pokémon, they are able to appreciate the city around them in a new way by visiting historical places as well as other attractions in their city (Jeong). When people are able to experience the world around them in a new way, they are able to enjoy it more. Furthermore, people who have depression can benefit from this because it helps them get out and take a break from the world. …show more content…
Despite many people who have depression mentioning how this game has improved their mental health, overplaying can affect people who have serious illnesses in a negative way if they become too engrossed in the game by depriving them of sleep and hydration (“Let’s Be Careful Out There”). While it is important to stay healthy, it is also important to take a break from reality occasionally. The real world can drain people emotionally and physically, so it is important that they have something they are interested in that they can use as an escape. People, especially those who are depressed, are in need of a distraction and something to comfort them