In today's society, the general public has taken a liking to using videogames as our nation’s (and possibly world's) scapegoat. Whether it be declining test scores, obesity, violence, or simply wasting time, video games are a convenient hobby to place blame on. I'm sure you, the detructoid readers, are sick of recent attacks on the industry that are clogging up blogs like this. Not a week goes by where at least one ignorant public figure uses misguided "facts" on how videogames are corrupting the public. Look at all of the reports on GTA, Mass effect, and Manhunt (remember this game?).



The biggest error that is being made is not that these attacks are being made: On the contrary, they are completely oblivious to the positive effects that videogames have. Prior to my life-threatening illness (more on that in a second), this would have sounded like complete folly, and an overall weak argument to make. What benefit could playing videogames possibly have?

Well, let me get this out of the way right now. Back in 2006, I was diagnosed with an Eating Disorder. In the span of 1 year, I had lost over 50 pounds, and was in the mere 6% for my weight (Out of all Americans that were my age at the same height). To put it simply, I was not a pretty sight. And no, I'm not a girl, if this was on your mind. My condition deteriorated so much that I was basically "sent away" to a hospital for 5 months, isolated from my family and friends. All this, to essentially learn how to eat. Weird, huh?

(If you want to know more about this devastating illness, or are simply curious, I recommend googling it. It can really open one's eyes)

Don't worry, I'll relate this to videogames. Before I left for the hospital, I figured "You know, I'm probably not going to have much to do. I might as well bring my DS and PSP." At that point, I didn't have any desire to play them, but I didn't know what I was getting into, so I assumed that it wouldn't hurt bringing them.

I won't get into details about it, but I will reveal that it was a very emotional and stressful time for me. At many points during my stay, I felt like completely shutting down, not following what I was supposed to do. The problem was that the staff could strongly persuade me to comply, but they could not force me to.

The main obstacle for me was that after every meal, I had about 2 hours of "downtime" in my room. Normally, I would lie in my room and brood over how ugly, fat, and incompetent I was. Naturally, this would perpetuate itself, and I would sometimes think about how it would be if I weren't living. Thankfully, on a particularly depressing evening, one of the other patients came in and saw my PSP and DS collecting dust in the corner, and delightfully asked if I wanted to play with her. Begrudgingly, I accepted, and proceeded to play some Mario Kart DS. Amazingly, I found myself gradually becoming less focused on my supposed inadequacies, and more focused on the enjoyment I was having. I thought to myself, "Maybe life isn't so bad".

This became a ritual for both of us. After every meal, we would meet and either play games together, play games separately (she loved my hacked psp!) or talk about games. To put it simply, I became less focused on my eating disorder, and more focused on things that I enjoy. Even when she couldn't come for some reason (therapist session, tests, etc.) I could use videogames as a way to relax and decompress. I worried less about food, and I eventually became more motivated to recover.

To this day, I firmly believe that if I hadn't brought my handhelds with me, I don't think I would have succeeded. A disease such as this will not heal if the mental aspect of it is not healed as well. I had successfully gained 40 pounds, and while I am still on the thinner side, my weight is no longer classified as critical. I sometimes have ups and downs, but with each passing day, I appreciate life a little more.

I know this story is very dramatic and "girly", but I felt like with all of the negative press over the videogame industry, I could do my part in defending it. I hope that some people will take the time to read this mushy article, and if not, that's okay too.