Are Video Games Useful for Veterans?

No one can deny the bravery that those who join the army show. Putting one’s life on the line to protect a person’s country and help save innocent lives is perhaps one of the most courageous and selfless things a person can do, which is why people adore soldiers so much. They are the ones that actually went out and did something, which is more than can be said for most people. If only some of the horrors seen in war were worth the experience, then the world would not be faced with the problem it finds itself in currently.

Many people will be aware that a good percentage of soldiers who fly out on active service may not come back as the same person. While this is expected and even common of most soldiers who take up the task, some are affected more deeply. A good example of this is the shell-shocked survivors of WWI, who came home from that war out of their minds due to the constant barrage of mortar that characterised that particular war. Many Americans will also be aware of the Vietnam War, where many soldiers came home from Asia with equal horrors to recount.

It is clear that war can certainly have adverse effects on the human brain. It can simply change who people are, and families may not recognise the person that has come home. Someone who enjoyed the odd trip to the casino may no longer enjoy the same activity, though the legality of the activity is dependent on the region. Those who want to play are advised to access information on laws if they want to try and win money.

Fortunately, not all soldiers undergo this kind of suffering and many can lead normal lives when they come home. But many will likely be affected in one way or another, and many mental health issues can develop because of active service. This is not to mention the physical injuries that one might sustain from being a soldier too. The mental issues can be a range of things, including depression, anxiety, and most commonly, PTSD.

Given this context, there will no doubt be people hoping for a way that this problem can be solved. However, much like mental health issues themselves, it is difficult to say that there is a cure for veterans who have returned home with a bad mental state. It also may be silly to say that video games can be a big help to these people, considering some of the material presented within some extreme examples. However, the research does show that video games can help veterans.

Some veterans have used video games to distract them from thoughts that might overwhelm them such as suicidal thoughts and drug and alcohol use. Others used video games as a means of communication in the sense that it was easier to talk about the video game with someone who was playing it with them compared to speaking unprompted in spontaneous conversation.

Given this, it is clear that video games can be a great tool for veterans who are struggling to return to normal life.