The idea that video games can help with depression and other forms of mental illness is not an uncommon one, and non-profit organisation CheckPoint hopes to explore the relationship between video games and mental health in greater detail.

CheckPoint currently devotes itself to providing mental health resources to the games industry, and improving the understanding of the interactions between video games and mental health.

The organisation now seeks to create a video series to improve awareness of different mental health issues, act as a tool of aid by featuring scientific advice from mental health professionals, and investigate how video games can be a powerful tool in promoting positive mental well-being.

CheckPoint also hopes to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the video game community by exploring the lived experiences of notable industry professionals.

These include Josh Scherr of Naughty Dog (writer on the Uncharted series), Teddy Diefenbach (developer on Hyper Light Drifter and now creative director at Square Enix Montreal), Rami Ismail of Vlambeer (Nuclear Throne), and former GameSpot, now Eurogamer video producer Johnny Chiodini.

CheckPoint hopes to raise $55,000 AUD to fund their series. For more information, visit their Kickstarter page.

For more GameSpot content on the relationship between mental health and video games, check out Video Games Vs. Depression and How Video Games Explore Mental Illness.

Globally, one in four people experience a mental illness, with two thirds of those affected never seeking help or treatment.

If you or someone you know is affected by mental health issues, don’t hesitate to contact one of the services listed on CheckPoint’s Global Mental Health Directory.

Source: GameSpot