Veterans Turn to Video Games to Reduce Stress and Loneliness

Veterans turn to video games to reduce stress and loneliness while having fun.

Many active-duty service members and veterans play video games to decompress, connect with friends, and bring some additional enjoyment into their lives. 

Here are three community resources you can connect with to learn about electronic sports (esports) and gaming events for veterans.

(1) Warrior GMR Foundation is a non-profit founded by Josh Otero that connects veterans, active military and community members via competitive esports tournaments. Military teams, such as Air Force Gaming, compete at multiplayer video games like “Valorant,” “Rocket League” and “Super Smash Bros.”

(2) Regiment Gaming LLC is a military gaming community that focuses on uniting military service members and veterans through the power of gaming. REGIMENT Gaming’s chief executive officer is a Marine Corps veteran and former professional gamer who co-founded REGIMENT to build camaraderie and prevent veterans from dying by suicide.

(3) Brick by Brick Vets is a weekly Twitch community stream produced by Air Force Veteran Eric Gyamfi and Army Veteran Justin DiSantis

“We wanted to build a community to get Veterans the help they need from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and get them talking to one another so they don’t feel as isolated,” DiSantis said.

All three of these communities offer excellent opportunities to connect, play, and improve mental health. If you or someone you know is in need of help, there are many such groups forming all the time (for everyone not just veterans) that offer the types of peer support, engagement and companionship that can greatly improve your mood, outlook and ultimately state of being. 

Source

https://news.va.gov/116797/video-games-relieve-stress-foster-fun-veterans/