In 2022, approximately 59.3 million adults in the U.S. (23.1%) experienced a mental illness. That’s a staggering number. Experts predict a global health pandemic in the upcoming years.
While mental health issues are a serious concern, recovering from them need not be a hefty task. Discussing mental health is still a taboo.
Playing games is a very beneficial step in that direction. Traditional physical games are compelling. But many curated games have come up to help with mental health and let you unwind especially.
There are physical games, video games, board games, and many varieties to explore. I have curated a list of the top 23 mental health games that you can play.
23 Best Mental Health Games and Activities
| S. No. | Game/Activity | Brief Description |
| 1 | Virtual Mental Health Check-Ins | Safe virtual space for sharing and connecting. |
| 2 | Virtual Game Night | Fun, stress-relieving games to bond and relax. |
| 3 | The Five Senses Exercise | Practice mindfulness using sight, sound, smell, taste, touch. |
| 4 | Layers of Fear | Horror game exploring trauma and mental illness. |
| 5 | Happy Habits | Positive actions to build gratitude and joy. |
| 6 | Mood Meter | Tool to identify and regulate emotions. |
| 7 | Mental Health Management Bingo | Bingo game teaching coping strategies. |
| 8 | Deep Breathing Exercises | Breathing techniques for calm and relaxation. |
| 9 | Gratitude Journaling | Daily notes of thankfulness for positivity. |
| 10 | CBT Games | Games to challenge negative thoughts and cope. |
| 11 | Two Truths and a Lie | Group game to build trust and curiosity. |
| 12 | Mindfulness Coloring | Relaxing coloring for focus and creativity. |
| 13 | Mental Health Board Games | Board games for empathy and understanding. |
| 14 | Art Therapy | Creative expression for emotional healing. |
| 15 | The Mindfulness Game | Card game for mindfulness and stress relief. |
| 16 | Coloring Books | Coloring to reduce stress and relax. |
| 17 | Go on a Vacation | Breaks to recharge and reduce stress. |
| 18 | Puzzle Day | Collaborative puzzles for fun and focus. |
| 19 | CogniFit | App-based cognitive skill improvement. |
| 20 | We Happy Few | A game exploring mental health in a dystopian world. |
| 21 | Actual Sunlight | Game depicting struggles with depression. |
| 22 | Silent Hill 2 | Horror game addressing trauma and grief. |
| 23 | Omori | RPG exploring grief, anxiety, and healing. |
Games for Workplace and Students
1. Virtual Mental Health Check-Ins
Virtual mental health check-ins support workplace well-being. These sessions provide employees a safe space to share challenges and connect with colleagues. Whether held one-on-one or in small groups, they encourage open conversations and foster a culture of empathy.
Employees feel more comfortable discussing struggles and seeking help. Regular check-ins also promote mental health awareness and show that support is available. They can build stronger and more resilient teams. The stigma around mental health issues in workplaces? They can help with that also. If you support mental health activities, check-ins are a good place where everyone feels heard and valued.
- Mental Health Benefits: Open communication, reduced stigma.
- Target Audience: Workplace teams and employees.
- Recommended Setting: Virtual one-on-one or small group sessions.
Read More: Best Games That Pay Instantly to Cash App
2. Virtual Game Night
A virtual game night is a break from work stress. It encourages bonding through shared activities. What games to pick? Simple. Pick games that boost mental wellness, like trivia or word games. You can invoke your cognitive skills in a light and enjoyable atmosphere.
Trivia games like Mental Health Awareness Month-themed quizzes add a meaningful touch. Virtual game nights also invite teamwork and collaboration. They create a positive and inclusive environment by combining fun and mental stimulation. The result is that your company culture becomes holistic.
- Mental Health Benefits: Reduces stress and improves teamwork.
- Target Audience: Employees or friends.
- Recommended Setting: Online platforms with casual games.
3. Puzzle Day
National Puzzle Day is a rare opportunity to boost mental health. Puzzles improve memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. They also reduce stress and promote relaxation. Set up a puzzle station in your office. Working on puzzles together strengthens team bonds and enhances social connections.
It also builds teamwork and communication skills. Puzzle Day combines fun and mental exercise, creating a positive environment. Make it a part of your wellness activities to support cognitive health.
- Mental Health Benefits: Cognitive skills and teamwork.
- Target Audience: Office teams or families.
- Recommended Setting: Workplaces or group gatherings.
4. The Five Senses Exercise
The Five Senses Exercise is a simple mindfulness activity. You must focus on the present moment using sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
Start by observing what you see around you.
Then, notice the sounds you hear.
Pay attention to any scents in the air.
Focus on the taste in your mouth or something you eat. Lastly, feel textures or sensations on your skin.
This practice grounds you in the here and now. You can reduce stress and drive away negative thoughts. You can make it a solo regular practice to build emotional regulation.
- Mental Health Benefits: Reduces stress and improves mindfulness.
- Target Audience: Individuals seeking grounding techniques.
- Recommended Setting: Solo practice in a quiet environment.
5. Two Truths and a Lie
“Two Truths and a Lie” sparks creativity and connection in a fun and interactive way. Players reveal two truths and one lie about themselves, leaving others to guess the falsehood. Why is it great for mental health? It encourages self-expression and cultivates curiosity about others. Ofc, it builds trust and strengthens relationships. Plus, it challenges cognitive skills like observation and deduction. You must wonder how a game can be this fun and therapeutic.
- Mental Health Benefits: Builds trust and strengthens relationships.
- Target Audience: Teams, friends, or families.
- Recommended Setting: Group activity in person or virtual.
Games for Adults
6. Happy Habits
Happy Habits is worth exploring among mental health games. It essentially builds a positive mindset. The gist is to focus on gratitude and uplifting actions. Each day, pick a habit from a list to practice. Write down three things you’re grateful for or give a genuine compliment to someone. These small, intentional acts inspire joy and connection. Over time, they cultivate a habit of seeing the good in everyday life. You’re practicing consistent positivity.
PS: I started using Happy Habits during a phase when I struggled with negativity. Writing always helps. That experts say. Writing three things I was grateful for daily shifted my perspective significantly. One day, I even complimented a stranger at a coffee shop, and their smile made my day. It looks deceptively simple. But impactful.
- Mental Health Benefits: Promotes gratitude and positivity.
- Target Audience: Individuals focused on improving their mindset.
- Recommended Setting: Daily self-guided activities.
7. Gratitude Journaling
Gratitude journaling is one of the well-known mental health activities. It is about noting things you are thankful for daily. You need to get a special journal or a simple notebook. Regular practice can transform your mindset. It boosts positive emotions and reduces stress.
Focusing on the good in life instills empathy and nurtures optimism. Over time, you can build a habit of seeing the brighter side, leading to life satisfaction. Gratitude journaling is simple yet powerful if you can do it consistently.
PS: You know, I started this 2 years ago, at my friend’s suggestion. I continue it to this day, thanks to its positive impact on me. While journaling also helps me look back, I have strengthened my positive thinking about life, rather than playing the blame game. I strongly suggest you practice Gratitude Journaling if you want to change your mindset.
- Mental Health Benefits: Boosts positivity and reduces stress.
- Target Audience: Individuals seeking a daily mindfulness habit.
- Recommended Setting: Solo journaling practice.
8. Mindfulness Coloring
Feeling stressed? Imagine coloring your worries away! Mindfulness coloring is like a mini-vacation for your mind. It shifts your focus from negative thoughts to beautiful patterns. What’s better than relaxing and being creative at the same time? This simple activity brings peace, improves focus, and sparks your imagination. Plus, it’s fun to practice self-care and feel good about yourself.
- Mental Health Benefits: Reduces stress and improves creativity.
- Target Audience: Individuals of all ages.
- Recommended Setting: Solo or group coloring sessions.
9. The Feelings Wheel
The Feelings Wheel is one of the best visual activities to improve mental health. With the help of the wheel, you can exactly find specific emotions and study your own emotional state more deeply. When your explore your emotional states, it increases your awareness, which is crucial to your brain health.
The feelings wheel is also designed to impart emotional intelligence. You can also gain communication skills and an ability to deal with stress and difficult situations.
- Mental Health Benefits: Explore your emotional awareness
- Target Audience: Adults
- Recommended Setting: Solo activity or communal spaces.
10. Deep Breathing Exercises
Deep breathing exercises focus on slow, intentional breaths to calm the mind and body. Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing or 4-7-8 breathing are simple to practice. These exercises activate the relaxation response, reducing stress and tension. Regular practice helps manage anxiety and promotes a sense of calm. It improves emotional control and boosts self-awareness. Deep breathing is a powerful way to enhance mental well-being.
Deep breathing exercises can also include Yoga and Pranayama practices. I have moved to Pranayama practices from the simple breathing technique mentioned above. Now, they have become an integral part of my daily routine. Always consult a certified Yoga teacher to learn appropriate breathing techniques.
- Mental Health Benefits: Reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation.
- Target Audience: Individuals managing stress or anxiety.
- Recommended Setting: Solo or guided sessions in a quiet space.
11. Go on a Vacation
Vacations are a refreshing escape from daily life. No one disagrees! They provide a much-needed change of routine. Even a short weekend trip or a nature walk can work wonders for your mental health. Planning a vacation builds excitement and gives you something to look forward to.
A change of scenery helps clear your mind and recharge your energy. New experiences and a relaxed pace reduce stress and boost your mood. Make time for a getaway and recharge! Don’t let any delay.
- Mental Health Benefits: Reduces stress and improves mood.
- Target Audience: Anyone seeking a break.
- Recommended Setting: Any travel destination.
Games for Mental Illness
12. Layers Of Fear
Layers of Fear explores the depths of mental illness through a gripping horror experience. You play as a tormented artist unraveling his traumas and dark past. The game weaves his story of addiction and violent outbursts into a haunting narrative. Your choices shape your experience, especially how you respond to the ghostly presence in the artist’s abandoned mansion.
Unlike most horror games, it uses amnesia as a lens for mental health. The game was released in 2016 by Bloober Team. Now, it is available on Switch, PlayStation, Xbox One, and PC systems.
- Mental Health Benefits: Explores trauma and mental health conditions creatively.
- Target Audience: Gamers interested in psychological themes.
- Recommended Setting: Single-player gaming on PC or consoles.
13. We Happy Few
We Happy Few is your mental health expert. It’s a chilling descent into a world gone mad. Imagine a place where happiness isn’t a choice. This survival horror adventure drops you into dystopian England, a society held together by government-mandated drugs called “Joy.” But what happens when the illusion shatters? What’s left when the mask of happiness slips?
It explores the fragile line between sanity and delusion. The world feels alive yet broken, shaped by themes of war, control, and substance abuse. You’ll witness the cost of forced happiness in ways that hit uncomfortably close to home.
The game’s mature themes include violence, strong language, and substance use. No wonder it earned an ESRB rating of M! Developed by Compulsion Games, this gripping tale was launched on August 10, 2018. It is available for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
- Mental Health Benefits: Mental health themes through storytelling.
- Target Audience: Gamers interested in psychological narratives.
- Recommended Setting: Single-player gaming on consoles or PC.
14. Actual Sunlight
Actual Sunlight is a profoundly emotional game about mental health struggles. It tells the story of Evan Winters, a Canadian man battling anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. The game explores his dull corporate job, social anxiety, and fading joy in life. 2D illustrations and text-based storytelling offer a raw look at Evan’s troubled past. It’s a poignant journey of self-reflection that should be in the list of best games that are good for mental health.
- Mental Health Benefits: Raises awareness of depression and mental struggles.
- Target Audience: Adults seeking emotional narratives.
- Recommended Setting: Single-player gaming.
15. Silent Hill 2
Silent Hill 2 isn’t just a horror game. The monsters? They’re James’ inner demons come to life. His wife’s illness? The catalyst for his guilt and grief. This isn’t about jump scares; it’s about facing the darkness within. Trauma lurks around every corner. The eerie town of Silent Hill mirrors James’ fractured psyche.
Healing feels distant. Fear takes over. Each step unravels a story of loss, guilt, and the struggle to move forward. It’s a good start for people with post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Mental Health Benefits: Addresses trauma and grief through gameplay.
- Target Audience: Fans of psychological horror.
- Recommended Setting: Solo gaming experience.
16. Omori
Omori is a poignant RPG that explores anxiety, depression, and trauma. The story revolves around Sunny, a boy coping with losing his sister, Mari. Sunny escapes reality by creating an alternate identity, Omori, and a surreal world called White Space. Players journey through whimsical and eerie landscapes that symbolize his mind. Each figure represents repressed memories and inner demons.
The game’s haunting imagery and deep narrative explore grief, guilt, and self-acceptance. Sunny’s struggle to face reality makes Omori a profoundly emotional experience. It’s a powerful tale of loss, healing, and the complexities of mental health.
- Mental Health Benefits: Explores themes of grief and self-acceptance.
- Target Audience: Gamers interested in deep emotional stories.
- Recommended Setting: Solo play on PC or consoles.
17. Mood Meter
The Mood Meter is designed to bring out emotional awareness. It uses a color-coded chart to help players identify their feelings. Each color represents a different emotional state. Players reflect on their current mood and pinpoint where they fall on the chart. Once identified, they choose from a list of strategies to regulate their emotions. Self-reflection and emotional intelligence are intertwined in the game.
- Mental Health Benefits: Emotional awareness and regulation.
- Target Audience: All age groups, especially those developing emotional intelligence.
- Recommended Setting: Individual or group settings, guided or self-directed.
18. CogniFit
CogniFit is a brain-training game app that aims to improve essential cognitive functions. The platform offers a wide range of exercises to sharpen your mind. Each activity targets specific skills like memory and attention. The games are scientifically designed to support brain health.
CogniFit adapts to your progress, releasing personalized challenges. It’s a fit for anyone looking to stay mentally sharp, including students.
PS: I used the CogniFit app sometime back to compete with myself. The memory games did give fun challenges. I even roped in my family to compete. Now, the app has come with many improvements. I’m sure it won’t disappoint.
- Mental Health Benefits: Memory, Cognitive skills.
- Target Audience: Students and individuals seeking mental sharpness.
- Recommended Setting: App-based, self-paced activities.
19. Mental Health Board Games
Mental health board games are among the best games that are good for mental health. They can turn well-being into an exciting adventure! Imagine a game where you master empathy, communication skills, and self-care—skills as essential as tools in a survival kit.
These games are more than entertainment; they spark meaningful conversations. Why stop at reducing stigma when you can promote understanding and connection? Through play, you explore mental health.
Curious about where to start? Try The Monkey Mind Meditation Deck for mindfulness or the RETHiNK Card Deck for self-discovery.
- Mental Health Benefits: Empathy and understanding.
- Target Audience: Families, friends, or therapy groups.
- Recommended Setting: Group sessions in person.
Best Board Games that Are Good for Mental Health
- Ludo
- Snakes & Ladders
- Chess
- Scrabble
- Qwirkle
- Codenames
- Ticket to Ride
Now, you can play the best of Ludo and Snakes & Ladders on the MPL app online. But it’s not just play. You can even earn money, up to $150,000/day. Unlike its counterparts, the MPL app comes with Fairplay protection and an RNG license. The goal is to let you play skill-based games and benefit both ways in your free time.
20. The Mindfulness Game
The Mindfulness Game is a simple yet powerful card game. It helps players develop mindfulness and self-awareness. Each card provides a specific prompt or activity to practice. Examples include “take a mindful walk” or “focus on your breath for two minutes.”
Players follow the instructions on the card and engage fully in the moment. The game encourages relaxation and mental clarity. It’s perfect for individuals or groups seeking a calming activity. By playing, participants learn to manage stress and enhance focus. The Mindfulness Game transforms small actions into meaningful mindfulness exercises, making it a valuable tool for mental well-being.
- Mental Health Benefits: Improves mindfulness and relaxation.
- Target Audience: Individuals or groups seeking stress relief.
- Recommended Setting: Solo or group gameplay.
21. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Games
CBT games are tools built for improving mental health. They help individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts. They can be played alone or in groups. A mental health professional may guide the process, or they can be part of self-directed activities. These games also teach problem-solving and coping skills along.
CBT games try to inculcate mental health skills in a gaming mode. They help individuals illuminate their thought patterns better. While giving practical ways to manage mental health challenges, CBT games are for overall well-being.
- Mental Health Benefits: Challenges negative thoughts and improves coping skills.
- Target Audience: Individuals in therapy or self-help settings.
- Recommended Setting: Solo or therapist-guided sessions.
22. Mental Health Management Bingo
Bingo is ubiquitous among the best games that are good for mental health. The Mental Health Management Bingo we’re discussing is a classroom activity designed for older students. It promotes positive coping strategies and helps students learn about mental health while building connections with peers.
Each player gets a sheet featuring 22 healthy coping mechanisms and a pencil to mark them. Just like other Bingo games, this is also simple to set up and play. Teachers and parents can join in, too. They can guide students to explore ways to care for their mental well-being through the game.
We often play Bingo games in my office, whether on or off occasion. One day, I introduced this variant to break the ice with my colleagues and newcomers. I liked the theme of the game and its potential to bring in fresh air. I got printable cards from the internet. Guess what? That was an instant hit. Since then, we have called upon the game whenever we need to break in some energy in the room.
- Mental Health Benefits: Teaches coping strategies through play.
- Target Audience: Older students and educators.
- Recommended Setting: Classroom or group activities.
23. Art Therapy
Art therapy is like opening a secret door to your emotions through creativity! Pick drawing, painting, or sculpting. It lets you express what words sometimes can’t. Imagine holding a paintbrush—what would your stress look like on a canvas? Or shaping clay—could it capture the weight of your worries?
Art therapy isn’t just about making something pretty; it’s about creating something meaningful. You can do it alone or join a group and share the journey. With guidance from a trained art therapist or tools like the Guided Art Therapy Card Deck, you can uncover more structured activities to unearth your feelings and manage emotions.
Think of it as giving your mind a spa day. Who knew splashing some colors could be so empowering?
PS: Art Therapy, it works! I tried it during a tough time in my life. I remember painting a landscape to express my emotions; by the end, I felt lighter. Sharing the experience in a group session was even more powerful – one participant painted a stormy sea and shared how it mirrored their inner turmoil. It was therapeutic for all of us.
- Mental Health Benefits: Self-expression, emotional healing.
- Target Audience: Individuals exploring creative outlets.
- Recommended Setting: Solo or group sessions, with or without a therapist.
Conclusion
Remember the power of meaningful human connections when you are looking for mental health activities. I suggest a heartfelt conversation with your loved ones. Volunteering or spending time in nature can also be a great support.
Build a supportive community and prioritize self-care rituals. When you’re on the mental health journey, don’t be hard on yourself for the past. Self-compassion is the first step towards acceptance of mental health disorders.
FAQs
Are there Facebook groups to help cope with mental health challenges?
Yes, there are many Facebook groups specially created to support mentally ill people. For example, Reach2Change is a group that supports people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Similarly, you can find many groups serving specific groups.
Is video gaming good for depression and mental health issues?
Video gaming can help with mental health symptoms, including depression. It may also help restore feelings of joy and pleasure. Multiplayer games offer social interaction, reducing isolation and building connection.
What are some video games that improve mental health?
Some video games can positively impact mental health. Silent Hill 2, Darkest Dungeon, and Spec Ops: The Line address trauma and mental illness. Titles like Disco Elysium, Omori, and Martha Is Dead offer rich narratives exploring complex mental health themes. They can improve awareness and empathy through immersive storytelling.
What is the best game for a depressed person?
The best game for a depressed person depends on their preferences. Stardew Valley offers soothing farm life, and the journey provides peaceful exploration. A game like Animal Crossing increases joy through simple tasks and friendly interactions. So, choose one based on what a game offers and what you need at any point in time.
How much gaming is too much?
According to an Oxford study, gaming more than 21 hours a week may negatively impact well-being. However, it is not necessarily indicative of a gaming disorder.
