Gaming is a big part of life for many people in Australia. It can be how we unwind after a long day, catch up with friends, explore new worlds, solve problems, compete, create and feel part of something.
For many people, gaming is fun, social and rewarding. But when it starts getting in the way of sleep, relationships, work, study or everyday responsibilities, it may be time to check in and reset the balance.
Gaming isn’t automatically helpful or harmful. What matters is how it fits with the rest of your life - your sleep, relationships, responsibilities, physical health and mental wellbeing.
This guide looks at the positives of gaming, the signs it may be affecting your wellbeing, simple ways to build healthier habits, and where to get support. It’s for gamers, parents, carers and anyone who wants to better understand gaming and mental health.
Gaming can be relaxing, provide connection, build skills and provide a sense of achievement.
Healthy gaming means keeping space for sleep, movement, study, work and relationships.
Gaming can become an issue when it starts getting in the way of everyday life.
Gaming Disorder is a recognised condition, but it is different from simply spending lots of time gaming.
If gaming is affecting your wellbeing, support is available.
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Gaming can support mental health and wellbeing in different ways. For some people, it offers a chance to switch off, connect with others, enjoy a challenge or take a break from everyday stress.
Games can also build skills. They can encourage problem solving, teamwork, communication, creativity and persistence. Some offer rich stories and calming worlds that can help you recharge.
Overwatch fan, Beyond Blue Forums member
They can also give you a sense of progress - a challenge completed, a new skill learned, a milestone reached.
Some potential benefits of gaming include:
Social connection and a sense of belonging.
Opportunities to develop problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Teamwork, communication and collaboration through multiplayer gaming.
Building persistence through challenges and setbacks.
Enjoyment, entertainment and stress relief.
Goal setting and a sense of achievement.
Growing confidence through learning and progression.
Gaming can be a powerful way to find people who share your interests.
Online games can help build friendships across Australia and around the world. For some, gaming communities offer a sense of belonging that can be hard to find elsewhere.
If face-to-face connection feels difficult, gaming can sometimes feel like a safer, easier place to start.
Legend of Zelda fan, Beyond Blue Forums member
Staying on top of your gaming habits doesn’t mean giving up something you enjoy. It means checking in from time to time, so gaming stays fun, manageable and part of a routine that supports your wellbeing.
Playing often, or for long sessions, does not automatically mean there is a problem.
What matters is whether you feel in control of your gaming, and whether it is starting to affect things like sleep, study, work, relationships or daily responsibilities.
Regularly checking in with yourself can help you maintain a healthy balance. It may be time to pause and check in when gaming is regularly affecting:
Looking after your wellbeing doesn't have to be complicated.
This self-care check can help you reflect on how you're feeling and identify small actions that support your mental health day to day.
A quick check-in can help you notice when gaming is no longer feeling balanced.
Signs to look out for include:
If you’re worried about your gaming and you’re not feeling yourself lately, it’s a good idea to talk with someone you trust or reach out to a mental health professional or Beyond Blue for support.
Gaming Disorder is recognised by the World Health Organization in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
According to the World Health Organization, Gaming Disorder is characterised by:
Impaired control over gaming.
These patterns need to be serious and ongoing, and cause significant problems at home, school, work or in relationships.
Gaming Disorder is not recognised by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) but it is noted as a condition requiring further research.
Gaming Disorder affects only a small proportion of gamers.
Gaming Disorder is not about enjoying games or spending a lot of time playing. The key question is: is gaming causing harm and making everyday life harder?
Excessive gaming can sometimes be a coping strategy for managing difficult life circumstances or an underlying mental health condition like depression or anxiety, rather than a Gaming Disorder.
Gaming can influence how you're feeling, and how you're feeling can also influence the way you game.
Some people game to relax, feel connected or get through stress, loneliness, anxiety or low mood. That can help in the short term, but it may not be enough if something deeper is going on.
There is also growing interest in the link between ADHD and gaming. Fast-paced, stimulating games can be especially engaging for some people with ADHD.
But ADHD does not mean someone will have problems with gaming, and gaming heavily does not mean someone has ADHD.
Emily
Checking in with your habits can help keep gaming in the helpful zone, rather than letting it crowd out the things that support your wellbeing.
Gaming should add something positive to your life, like fun, connection, creativity, challenge or downtime. It should still leave room for the people, routines and activities that help you feel well and fulfilled.
Pamela, Beyond Blue Forums member
Finish important tasks such as study, work, exercise and errands before gaming to keep it as a rewarding activity, rather than a distraction from commitments.
Set simple boundaries, such as keeping bedrooms screen-free, deciding when you’ll stop playing, or using device settings to help manage your time.
Build in a wind-down buffer before sleep. Try switching off games at least 30 minutes before bed and doing something calming, such as stretching, reading or listening to music.
Stand up, stretch and move your body regularly. Creating an ergonomic gaming set-up can help support posture and reduce strain on your eyes and body.
Keep water nearby and take breaks for meals and snacks.
Maintain hobbies and interests outside gaming, and make time to stay connected with friends and family in real life too.
Notice how gaming makes you feel. If you are using gaming to avoid stress, sadness, anxiety or conflict, it may help to pause and try another coping strategy or speak with someone you trust.
Dan, Beyond Blue Forums member
If you feel tense, overwhelmed or stuck in “just one more game” mode, pause for a minute and try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique:
Place both feet on the floor.
Take a slow breath in and a slow breath out.
Notice:
Then ask yourself: "What do I need right now?"
Breathing and meditation techniques can help to relax the mind and body. They can also manage some symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Use this checklist as a quick way to check in with how gaming is fitting into your life right now.
You don’t need to tick every box every day, it’s about noticing patterns and seeing where one small change could support your wellbeing.
I take regular breaks.
I get enough sleep each night.
I stay active throughout the week.
I make time for family and friends.
I keep up with my study, work and responsibilities.
Gaming adds to my life rather than taking away from it.
If a few of these don’t feel true right now, that doesn’t mean you need to stop gaming.
Ask yourself:
What is one small change I could try this week?
What might make that change easier?
Who could I talk to if I need support?
If you'd like to make a change to your mental wellbeing, it helps to start small.
It might feel like a big task to make a plan to improve your mental wellbeing. But it's actually as easy as finding out what works for you.
We've created tools to help make it easier for you to support your mental health day to day.
If gaming is affecting your wellbeing, relationships, study, work or daily responsibilities, you don’t have to manage it on your own.
Support is available, whether you're looking for help for yourself, someone in your life, or guidance as a parent or carer.
There are many ways to get support:
Talk to someone you trust about what you're experiencing.
Make an appointment with your GP to discuss how gaming and your mental health may be affecting each other.
Reach out to a mental health professional or support service for advice and support.
No matter what's going on, support is available. Reaching out early can help you find strategies that work for you and prevent problems from becoming harder to manage.
Headspace provides early intervention mental health support for young people aged 12 to 25. It offers information, services and practical tools to help young people navigate challenges and support their wellbeing.
Kids Helpline offers free, confidential counselling and information for children and young people. It includes advice and support for issues related to gaming, online activities and wellbeing.
The eSafety Commissioner provides practical advice for parents and carers on gaming, online safety, screen time, privacy and helping young people have positive digital experiences.
Get free, confidential phone counselling any time of the day or night.
Experienced counsellors are available online 24/7 at our free Webchat Support Service.
Explore practical ways to build simple routines that support your wellbeing and make healthy habits easier to maintain.
PACE can help you set a simple wellbeing goal and take small, manageable steps towards it.
You could use it to plan a gaming break, build a wind-down routine, move more often or make time for something outside gaming.
The Wellbeing Action Tool can help you create a personalised plan for looking after your mental health day to day.
Use it to notice what helps you feel well, what gets in the way, and what support you can turn to when you need it.
ReachOut Parents offers information and practical tips to help parents understand gaming, support healthy habits and have constructive conversations with young people about online activities.
