Bipolar and Me

Written By: Matt Jarvis

After years of misdiagnosed depression, I finally got a correct diagnosis in 2014. Bipolar disorder. Basically, I have severe mood swings. From deep depressions, where just getting out of bed is impossible, to extreme highs, where I think I can take on the world.   

One hobby, above all, that makes a positive impact on my life is video games, and in particular, the lovely work of Nintendo. I am approaching 42 years of age, and Bipolar can be horrible to live with. I manage it in several different ways, and gaming is only one of them...but it’s a huge one. 

Mental health and video games have drawn some pretty harsh criticism in recent years. Yet, there is much more positivity to be found if you take the time to just consider it. My love of Nintendo is one that has really helped me to remain stable. Just by booting up my Nintendo Switch, I get a feeling of happiness and contentment as I see that nostalgic logo once more. Familiarity is important to human beings. It’s all about connection. It helps us to feel safe when we recognise something that we have grown to trust.  

Keeping my mind active is important to my well-being. Games such as Brain Training keep me focused. Memory games are good for keeping cognitive skills strong. Bipolar medication can impact that side of me, so this is important. Super Mario Odyssey delights and excites, allowing my brain to release serotonin, a vital part of everyone’s mental health. The colours, the music, and the ease of play are all conducive to positive mental health.

Then there are fitness games such as Wii Fit, and more recently Ring Fit Adventure, where interactive exercise is the name of the game! Fitness is vital for physical and mental well-being, and I've found that extra layer of gameification makes physical activity more engaging and accessible for me.  

Entering a world of non-reality is about escapism. Yoshi and his woolly worlds are enough to make the deepest depressions lift. The bright colours, the world, and the gameplay are simply glorious. There is a beauty in the many outings of the Mushroom Kingdom that just refreshes the mind like almost nothing else. 

From the moment I picked up a Gameboy, to playing tennis on the Wii, Nintendo have been so good for my mental health over the years. I remain grateful for that, and I always will. Gaming can be such an important tool for wellbeing and recovery. It can have a truly positive impact on our lives. I look forward to a day when this belief is widely embraced by all (looking at you, mainstream press).

A Yorkshire writer, living in the Amber Valley, with previous bylines at the likes of Switch Player Mag and Last Word on Football. Matt is a mental health advocate working to end the stigma.

*Originally published on playwatchrecord.com