Improving mental health: It's been less than a week since "Pokémon Go" was unceremoniously dropped into the hands of the smartphone-wielding masses, and players have already managed to troll Westboro Baptist Church, get robbed at gunpoint and even stumble across a dead body. The response to the augmented reality game has been explosive — not unlike the initial release of "Pokémon Red and Blue" in the late 1990s as reported yesterday by Catie Leary.
But perhaps the most groundbreaking part of this phenomenon is the staggering number of people venturing outdoors. Some self-proclaimed nerds are working muscles that haven't been worked in years. Gizmodo perfectly encapsulates this sentiment in the giggle-worthy story, Sore Legs Become Pandemic As Pokémon Go Players Accidentally Get Exercise.
And while the physical effects of putting one foot in front of the other for an hour or more are a no-brainer, there's also a whole new group of people discovering the mental and emotional comfort of spending time in nature.
Pokemon Go is literally making people with depression and anxiety and agoraphobia leave the house and explore the world and socialise.
The game's lauded mental health benefits are merely anecdotal, but statements like the one above should come as no surprise.
The act of experiencing nature is widely touted for its inherent healing properties. In fact, a leisurely stroll along a forested path can go a long way toward improving your outlook on life.
In addition to the physical and mental health benefits of being active in the great outdoors, "Pokémon Go" is also a great way for players to hang out with friends or meet new people. That's because the game isn't just about which gym you've conquered or what rare pokémon you've caught; it's also about the interpersonal connections you're making in the process. To read more click here.
The 17th International Mental Health Conference will be held at the brand new Sea World Resort Conference Centre on the Gold Coast, QLD from the 11 -12 August 2016.
You are invited to join us as we address the conference theme “Guiding the Change” across the broad spectrum of mental disorders. To register for the conference CLICK HERE.