Mental Health News: How 'Pokemon GO' AR Game Is Boosting Players Suffering From Depression; But Is It Really Helpful?

The augmented reality (AR) game "Pokemon GO," which was released for free last July 6 for Android and iOS users, has become a massive hit. Not nearly a week of its availability in the United States, the game has already brought a profound effect in business and productivity, law & order and relationships.

But the most unexpected effect from playing "Pokemon GO" is in the improvement of a players' mental health. How can a video game app achieve such a thing and is it really helpful?

Managing Mental Health Issues Better With 'Pokemon GO'

Because of the way "Pokemon GO" is set up to be played, it is forcing people to come out of the house and explore their neighborhood. People suffering from depression, for instance, are no longer sulking inside their homes. Instead, they are encouraged to step out of their house and venture outside in the hopes of catching a Pokemon on their devices.

Unknowingly, doing so has made them manage their mental issues better. Several people on social media have attested that "Pokemon GO" is doing wonders for their mental state. Not only is it helpful to depressed people, even those with anxiety or agoraphobia are motivated to get out, seek companions who also want to catch game monsters and socialize, albeit with the help of an app.

Dear pharma companies #PokemonGO is making your depression meds obsolete.

— Bread Foster (@BreadFoster) July 11, 2016

#PokemonGO has honestly helped so much with my depression and anxiety I'm actually talking to people and being active I love this so much — JENNY DEATH (@cybergoth1997) July 11, 2016

I don't care how ridiculous that sounds to anyone. This is helping people with anxiety, depression, social problems ect. Good job PokemonGO.

— Ashlee Belzo (@ashleebelzo) July 11, 2016

The Unintend Effect Of 'Pokemon GO" To Mental Health

A study done in 2014 stated stress and mental health can be improved with outdoor exercises like nature walks, even for just a short while, per EurekAlert. Walking and outdoor exploration are very much needed to progress in "Pokemon GO."

The Mary Sue notes that these testimonies about mental health and "Pokemon GO" are mostly anecdotal and not scientific. Still, the unexpected effect of the gaming app is a positive one, especially when screen time exposures are often regarded as harmful to health and perhaps, an actual research will be facilitated about mental health and "Pokemon GO" soon enough.

Scientifically curious about the numbers of peeps experiencing their depression, social anxiety &/or hopelessness lifting due to #PokemonGO — Dr. Andrea Letamendi (@ArkhamAsylumDoc) July 11, 2016

Psych Central reports that there have been gaming apps already produced with the idea for mood alteration to ease depression and improve mental illness. However, these apps hardly become useful after a few weeks. On the other hand, "Pokemon GO" was never intended to be an app to help manage depression. Yet, with its "unintended consequences" it's proving to be a good tool for people suffering from mental issues.