Welcome to Struggle Care, where we talk about all things individual and systemic that affect your life, wellness, and mental health. Joining me is Derrick Hoard, a licensed marriage and family therapist, TikTokker, and video game aficionado. I’ve followed him since 2020, and I love his thoughts and perspectives. Today’s topic, video games and relationships, stirs up some strong reactions and opinions, but you will walk away from this episode with a fresh and thoughtful view of the hobbies we all enjoy in our lives. Let’s get into it!

Show Highlights:

• Video games are misunderstood and not recognized for what they are—the most beautiful, immersive forms of storytelling that exist.
• Men can get in touch with emotions through playing video games.
• Video games get unjustly blamed for communication problems in relationships.
• Video games comprise a safe space of non-judgment where one can feel confident and competent. 
• Thoughts about men in therapy, gender dynamics, and emotional labor
• Consideration and honesty in relationships about our hobbies
• Society’s expectation of productivity leads us to feel shame and guilt about our hobbies. This is so wrong!
• Understanding how to have honest and authenticity in our relationships—from the start
• Red flags to look for when video games (or other obsessive hobbies) become our ONLY coping skills in life3

Resources and Links:

Connect with Derrick Hoard: Website, TikTok, and the Mindful Gaming Podcast

Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook

Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning

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