Why people are playing Tetris to treat their trauma
Jul 27, 2024
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Discover how Tetris, the iconic puzzle game, is emerging as a unique tool for treating PTSD. The discussion dives into how gameplay can reshape cognitive processes and help mitigate distressing flashbacks. Listeners hear personal stories of coping with loss, revealing the game’s emotional significance. Insights on the psychological mechanics of trauma, anxiety management, and even dream patterns connect Tetris to mental healing. This intriguing exploration highlights the game’s unexpected role in recovery and emotional resilience.
Tetris can effectively reduce the vividness of PTSD flashbacks by engaging the visuospatial area of the brain during distressing experiences.
Personal narratives highlight Tetris as a valuable supplementary tool for trauma management, providing stress relief and distraction without replacing therapy.
Deep dives
The Connection Between Trauma and Tetris
Tetris has been found to play a surprising role in addressing trauma-related issues. The game engages the visuospatial area of the brain, which is also activated during traumatic flashbacks. This overlap allows Tetris to serve as a distraction during distressing experiences, thereby reducing the vividness of the traumatic memories. As individuals play, their focus on the game's colorful and strategic elements can help diminish the intensity of flashbacks they may experience from traumatic events.
Practical Applications for Trauma Recovery
Research indicates that Tetris can be an effective tool for managing intrusive memories after trauma. Participants who recalled distressing experiences before playing Tetris reported experiencing fewer flashbacks in the days following the intervention compared to those who did not play. This suggests that engaging in Tetris not only aids individuals immediately after a distressing experience but may also help in long-term recovery by assisting in the reconsolidation of memories. The ability to access Tetris on mobile devices makes it a practical option for individuals in various settings, including emergency departments.
Personal Accounts of Tetris in Mental Health
Personal narratives reveal how individuals have successfully utilized Tetris as a coping mechanism for dealing with trauma and stress. One participant, having experienced significant loss, found that returning to Tetris played a vital role in mitigating her intrusive flashbacks. Another individual described Tetris as both a form of stress relief and a healthy distraction from the psychological toll of his profession in criminal law. These accounts emphasize that while Tetris is not a substitute for therapy, it can be an effective supplementary tool for managing mental health challenges.