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Today marks the last day of Mental Health Awareness Week 2023, and the final day of our dedicated coverage around the event. Speaking about issues of mental health can be a complex and complicated thing, but having and encouraging continuous conversations, dialogues and positive discourse around sensitive subject matter can help us open our mouths, minds and hearts.
We hope you've enjoyed our spotlights and showcases on just some of the most interesting and important games that tackle mental health in a myriad of ways, and, if you can relate to any of our stories, we hope that you find yourself in a position to speak about how you're feeling, if you weren't already. Below is a recap of our coverage this week, followed by some helpful websites and phone numbers for relevant services, should you, or anyone else in your life, ever need them.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 recap
It's Mental Health Awareness Week – here's my video games and mental health story
Actual Sunlight, a game about an everyman struggling with depression, changed my life
Getting help is hard – these games helped me make first contact with mental health professionals
This terrifying horror game about OCD helped me understand conditions different to my own
Horror games can terrify without tropes, and this game about historical cruelty proves it
From grand retreats to Grand Theft Auto, walking (and talking) simulators can help offset anxiety
Useful numbers and website information
US
New 988 Mental Health Emergency Hotline
In July 2022, a universal mental health crisis line launched nationwide. Calling 988 will connect you to a crisis counselor regardless of where you are in the United States
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI; or text "HELPLINE" to 62640
(Both services available between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Phone: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Website: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Suicide Prevention, Awareness, and Support
www.suicide.org
UK
Samaritans
Phone: 116 123 (free from any phone)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
SANEline
0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day)
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK
Supportive listening service: 0800 689 5652 (6pm to midnight every day)
GLOBAL
Global list of hotlines for mental health help via psycom.net
Check out these 10 games to help kickstart conversations about mental health
