Playing the game is excellent to escape the real world. For a brief moment, you aren't worrying about school, or work, or bills, or anything like that. Just killing the boss on Final Fantasy.

Completely depends what game it is.

Games that need a lot of concentration...Not at all, just makes me more depressed.

Games that require little or no concentration (button mashers)...Yeah works like a charm. I find slaughtering an army in Dynasty Warriors helps.

Depression sometimes overlaps with anger for me. So going online and screaming abuse down the mic, and killing everyone sometimes helps.

I also have a punching bag which can be a good source to vent rage.

If however the depression is where I feel just sad and lonely, I usually like to visit a friend. Not a whole group of friends, usually just one. Then you can talk, have a good time and generally forget about any problems.

only jesus makes me happy

Games don't really make me happy, but they are good at taking my mind of things. I try not to run away from my problems, but it's useful for stuff like unrational jealousy, being mad at someone/thing for no reason etc.

well it does most of the time if im playing a really hard game its just makes me more angry

@Auron: No need to be an ass about it--lots of people find gaming comforting, just like lots find watching tv, reading, or having a bath comforting. That doesn't mean they don't also find joy in spending time with friends and family.


@topic: Recently, Endless Ocean has been absolutely astonishing for my stress/depression! So soothing, the slow, methodical breathing and movement of the diver helps get me to do the same, it's wonderful.

Also, Galaxy for when I'm not really stressed but need to take my mind off things. (Just got star 120 this morning btw )

I think games can be good for depression because when your depressed you may not be able to stop thinking about your troubles. It can become a endless loop in your head going around and around.
So you may have to force yourself to do something to distract your mind, games can be good for this, even if it gives your mind a distraction for a hour or so.

Endless ocean is a excellent game for this, chuck on some relaxing mp3's on your wii and enjoy the scenery.

I use gaming as a stress reliever. When down, depressed or pissed off there is nothing better then tearing someone a new a$$hole in a FPS.

Three shots of vodka usually cures me :P

but seriously The Sims makes me depressed whatever mood im in when i start playing it, the flies buzzing, the characters screaming at you co they need food, toilet etc but most of all the time flying past, reminds you that you cant really achieve anything playing this game and that you should go out and do something.