Exploring the Intersection of Gaming and Mental Health: Hero Journey Club’s Innovative Approach

The digital age has brought about a significant shift in the way people connect and engage with one another. With the rise of social media and online gaming communities, individuals who struggle with mental health issues have found solace in these virtual spaces. One such platform that has gained considerable attention in recent months is Hero Journey Club, a gaming-focused mental health support group. In this article, we delve into the world of Hero Journey Club, exploring its unique approach to mental health support and the potential benefits it offers to those in need.

The Advertisements and the Promise of Community

If you’ve spent any time on social media, you’ve likely come across ads for Hero Journey Club. These ads promise a community for those dealing with loneliness, depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health issues. They invite users to join a safe space where they can do inner work and connect with others through the shared experience of gaming.

The Journey Guides: Qualified Mental Health Professionals

While Hero Journey Club may resemble therapy, it is not licensed healthcare. However, the service it provides is not without its merits. The Journey Guides, who lead the group discussions, are qualified mental health professionals. To be hired, one must hold at least a master’s degree from an accredited graduate program in clinical psychology, mental health counseling, marriage/family therapy, or licensed social work. They must also be either licensed or in the license-eligible phase of obtaining their credentials. And, of course, they should be passionate about gaming.

The Support Groups and the Power of Anonymity

A subscription to Hero Journey Club costs $30 per week, granting participants access to weekly sessions held over Discord voice chats. These sessions last approximately 80 minutes and are attended by up to five individuals, each with a completely anonymous identity beyond their Discord handles and chosen names. Each group has its private server, where users can stream gameplay.

The Role of Gaming in Building Connections and Coping with Stress

The gaming element in Hero Journey Club serves as both a means to help people relate to one another and to provide them with something to do with their hands. Some groups play cozycore games like Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing: New Horizons, while others may opt for Valheim, Red Dead Redemption 2, or other titles. The game doesn’t have to be multiplayer; in some groups, everyone might be playing different games. Journey Guides sometimes plan in-game activities for their groups to work on or simply let everyone play their own way.

The Personal Connection and the Mission Behind Hero Journey Club

Brian Chhor, Hero Journey Club’s CEO and co-founder, shares a personal connection to the mission behind the platform. He grew up in a family that used video games as a way to cope with stress and to escape. During the pandemic, gaming over Discord was how his family came together to support a cousin who was struggling with loneliness and suicidal ideation but didn’t have immediate access to therapy.

The Affordability and Accessibility of Mental Health Support

Mental illness primarily affects those who are the most vulnerable in our society. The cost of one-on-one therapy can be a significant barrier for those seeking help, with an average cost of $100-200 per session in the US without insurance. Hero Journey Club aims to provide mental health support to a wider audience by offering a community-first model that can take therapy out of the clinic and into the spaces where people already spend time and feel connected.

The Benefits of Hero Journey Club: Building Interpersonal Skills, Emotional Regulation, and a Sense of Belonging

Hero Journey Club offers a place for users to work on interpersonal skills and learn how to structure healthy relationships and set boundaries that serve their needs. The sessions help users develop greater psychological flexibility, or their ability to adapt and cope with stressors, instead of being consumed by them. For those who are afraid to feel their feelings or struggle to do so in a social setting, Hero Journey Club provides a community where they can develop emotional regulation and feel seen and supported.

The Research and the Therapeutic Potential of Gaming

Recent research has shown that gaming, especially with others, can have positive therapeutic effects. A 2021 systematic review of over two dozen studies concluded that playing commercial video games can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. The potential benefits are not limited to one genre or format, as improvements have been observed in players of various game types. Commercial games are also widely known and readily available, making them an accessible intervention for those in need.

The Critics and the Need for Safety and Privacy

Some critics argue that anyone can create a Discord server to bring fans of a particular game together for free. However, this argument overlooks the fact that not everyone is able to make friends on their own or navigate online spaces made up of large groups of strangers. Hero Journey Club strives to offer a gaming community where toxicity is absent and safety is prioritized.

The Challenges and the Future of Hero Journey Club

As Hero Journey Club continues to grow, it faces challenges such as tightening up its privacy policy to address concerns about how user information might be used and ensuring that its Journey Guides are adequately prepared to address the needs of a diverse userbase. With its innovative approach to mental health support and the potential benefits it offers to those in need, Hero Journey Club is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of many.

In conclusion, Hero Journey Club represents an innovative and accessible approach to mental health support, leveraging the power of gaming and community to help individuals build connections, develop emotional regulation, and work on interpersonal skills. As mental health issues continue to be a pressing concern in our society, platforms like Hero Journey Club offer a promising solution for those who may not have had access to traditional mental health services.