Anxiety and video games - Anxiety Message Board

flyer99 · 01-18-2009, 09:16 AM

I don't know if this has been discussed before but I would like to know if anyone's anxiety level gets higher while playing a video game. I find that if I play a nice relaxing game on my computer like solitaire, or some of the board games, I am fine. I feel relaxed. As soon as I play against or with someone on a tense video game (action ones), my anxiety level goes up and I sometimes even have the symptoms of extreme anxiety like before a panic attack.

I know the cause is probably the adrenalin rush due to the excitement of the game, but I'm wondering why it affects me so much. After all, it is only a game.

Lourage · 01-18-2009, 04:26 PM

LOL this has actually happened to me a few times. especially when playing racing games for some reason with friends. I actually have had a panic attack while playing, and it's like the faster the car goes the more i would start getting anxious, then i would crash. I felt like such an idiot. I'd put down the controller and it would be soaked with sweat.

soupermom · 01-19-2009, 01:14 PM

I find it depends on what I am playing. If I am playing on the PS3 it will often cause muscle tension which can trigger anxiety. However, I also have a Wii and find that playing the games that require concentration and full body movement really good. When I am feeling anxious, it is distracting and the movement relaxes my muscles. If I am having a bad night a game of Wii bowling goes a long way in relaxing me.