My Sims Recovery

Written by: Grace Alice Evans

The feeling of being unable to cope with day-to-day activities, even the most basic ones, is a symptom which many of us experience when dealing with depression and anxiety. As someone who has lived with mental illness for a large portion of the past ten years of their life, I know exactly how that feels. Whilst I am actively recovering, some days still prove to be a struggle.

A lot of the things which should come naturally to most, remembering to eat, remembering to sleep, allowing rest, being able to silence that nagging voice that doubts us, pursuing new hobbies and interests, remembering to socialise…become almost impossible.

I was aware of The Sims franchise for years; however, I didn’t get a chance to play any of the titles until late autumn of 2013. I spent those days struggling to stay afloat, continuously feeling as if I was sinking deeper and deeper, my mind filled with nothing and everything all at once. My mother was the one who had to remind me to get out of bed, have something to eat, and get some fresh air. She was also the one who brought me a copy of The Sims 3 as an early Christmas present.

At first, the game provided me with a distraction for as long as I could concentrate on it, which ranged anywhere from fifteen minutes to a couple of hours. I created elaborate characters, some from the stories which I had been writing, and some solely for gameplay purposes. I watched their lives play out, providing input when needed. Their existence went from wild to completely mundane, becoming supernatural beings, setting themselves on fire, embarrassing themselves, failing miserably at things before mastering them, and singing badly in the shower.

Whilst living their day-to-day lives, they also had to ensure that all of their needs were met, whether that be hunger, hygiene, energy, fun, or socialising. All relatively simple tasks, but tasks you wouldn’t be able to function without. Their entire day could be very easily ruined if those needs were not fulfilled. Ensuring a healthy routine is maintained is vital if a Sim is to succeed at anything, whether that be pursuing hobbies, establishing relationships, or working.

A Sim will not be able to concentrate on anything for long when hungry. While eating quality meals will not just boost their stamina, it will also put them in a good mood. Ensuring that a Sim has a shower – or, better yet, a relaxing bath – will improve their longevity. Even simply washing their hands and brushing their teeth will help.

Neglecting fun activities, even small ones, will result in a Sim becoming increasingly stressed out, unable to focus on their job. It doesn’t take much. Just a couple of minutes in front of the TV is enough to help them unwind. Even Sims with loner characteristics must socialise occasionally, and it doesn’t have to be a full in-person conversation either. Chatting with a barista, speaking over the phone, or messaging will suffice.

It began to dawn on me that routine and ensuring all of my own needs were met were missing from my in-person life. As hopeless as I felt, my hopes of becoming a writer and artist were often the one thing which kept me going. No, it is not possible to write or draw (for a sustained and healthy period) if you are completely sleep-deprived and are living solely off coffee. I don't make the rules. It’s just biology.

Of course, it wasn’t all easy, and I had to take small steps at first (which is completely fine, especially when feeling overwhelmed). Staying in tune with yourself and your needs isn’t a simple task. Seeing the parallels between The Sims and real life has made me understand the importance of checking in and giving myself permission to eat, rest, and relax.

This series has been an integral part of my recovery process.

Grace is a poet, writer, and artist of mixed heritage. As a freelance writer and editor, she is discovering her voice as an advocate for mental health education.

*Originally published on playwatchrecord.com