My name is Graham Walker. I am a professional psychotherapist and lover of all things video game. GameFeel is the podcast that explores what gaming and therapy can teach us about playing better and living better.

In this third episode of series one of Game Feel, we ask can video games trigger PTSD?

The seemingly obvious answer you might give is “they’re not real”; they are just games. This makes logical sense, but the truth of the matter is far more complicated. If I tell you a person can develop PTSD fromthe dreams or hallucinations that can happen when they are in a coma or under the influence of a drug, then this argument of “video games aren’t real” suddenly becomes a lot less solid.

We explore what PTSD truly is and what can trigger this. By exploring this and whether video games can trigger the condition we learn about how the brain forms memories and how this differs for trauma memories. We also gain insights into why certain thoughts cause more distress for us and what we can do with these to help looking after our mental health.  

Video Games discussed:

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus (2017, Developed by MachineGames)

Spec Ops: The Line (2012, Developed by Yager)

Music Credits:

‘Pneumatic’, ‘Incinerator’ and ‘Train Ride’ by Cicada Sirens(from ‘Signalis’, Developed by ‘rose-engine’)

Available at: SIGNALIS (ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK) | Cicada Sirens & 1000 Eyes | SIGNALIS

‘Detective Arriving on the Scene’ by Sea Power (from ‘Disco Elysium’, Developed by ZAUM)

Available at: Spotify

‘Hex’ by Amos Roddy (from ‘Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector’, Developed by Jump Over the Age)

Available at: Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector (Original Soundtrack) | Amos Roddy

‘Checking In’ by Lena Raine (from ‘Celeste’, Developed by Maddy Makes Games and Extremely OK Games, Ltd.)

Available at: Celeste Original Soundtrack | Lena Raine

‘Redwood Colonnade’ and ‘The Weight of Rain’ by Lifeformed x Janice Kwan (from ‘Tunic’ by Isometricorp Games)

Available at: TUNIC (Original Game Soundtrack) | Lifeformed × Janice Kwan | Lifeformed

‘River’s End’ by Andrew Prahlow (from ‘Outer Wilds’,Developed by Mobius Games)

Available at: Spotify

‘Queen’s Gardens’ by Christopher Larkin (from ‘HollowKnight’, Developed by Team Cherry)

Available at: Hollow Knight (Original Soundtrack) | Christopher Larkin