Hi all. I have major anxiety and depression. I’ve already tried everything else, so this is a last ditch attempt at a solution. Are there any games out there that are good at slowing things down a little? Thanks in advance
Hi. If you're looking for something you don't have to pay attention to, just earning chips, I'd say try fruit pot. I play it when I can't sleep and I have no one to worry about talking to if I don't want. Other than this, I'm not sure what you'd like. sorry I'm not more help but let me know how I can help you better.
Have you tried putting on youtube, or an audiobook,/podcast or reading fan fiction? That helps me out a lot when I'm feeling an anxiety attack coming on.
What about family, can they help? I've found talking really does help me personally.
I’m very socially isolated, and I don’t really have family help. I’ve tried YouTube, audiobooks, and feeling different textures. That’s why I thought a game might be a different approach
I used to have issues like that, and panic attacks that came on if things broke or stopped working, like the computer. I would pace back and forth, sometimes for hours, and something about the repetitive motion helped. Then when I got my iPhone I started tracking the steps, and it became like a game, keeping track.
It turned out to be a health issue causing a lot of the problems and it was addressed, but I still find myself pacing when I'm thinking or worried about something. I got fed up with carrying my phone all the time, and don't track it anymore though.
Hey there. That’s a good point, however, what I’d really like is a game like crafting kingdoms, in the sense that you can use boosts to get more coins and craft things. Is there anything like that? I like the idea of coming back to the game and finding millions of coins. I’m playing it but getting bored of crafting the same things over again. Thanks everyone for your help, I really appreciate everyone’s help.
hey, i have had similar issues to you to the point that i was so stressed that i couldn’t walk, going from walking an easy 5 miles a day you can imagine that just added to the issues. The problem is we are in a broken world at the moment so we need ways to take our bodies out of fight flight freeze and into a more beneficial state. We have an entirely separate mode called para sympathetic or rest and digest, its when our bodies relax out of danger searching and problem solving into a more sedate state where things get fixed and repaired. For me yoga (Sue fuller yoga to hear on audible was how I started. First time I felt calm then second or third I just broke down and sobbed for the first time in over 10 years. Its incredibly powerful and as its on audible its expected that you can’t see so she’s much more descriptive. There are very gentle classes if you have fitness issues all the way up to intermediate. Bringing your attention down from your head, constantly thinking is just about the most valuable lesson I’ve ever learned. For meditation I’d recommend waking up, again its very powerful indeed. I needed to stop thinking but you can’t just do that, You need to learn how to direct your attention somewhere other than your internal monologue as it really isn’t on your side, especially in difficult times. If you would like any other suggestions or like the idea of trying this route I’m more than happy to help with anything I can. The problem with games is that they only work until you aren’t playing them any more, if they work at all. This route is learning skills to benefit your entire life. I hope you find some peace soon.
I’ve looked at Galactic colonies very briefly but never really took the time to study it. Is there a method? Because when the tutorial stops popping up, I don’t know what the heck I’m doing. However, so far it seems to work for my anxiety. So thank you so much for your help
I’ve always wanted to try Yoga, but in New Zealand the classes are at night. So would definitely neat to have it on my phone. Thank you so much for your help
Hey, I really can’t oversell how much of a difference it can make, its like a switch has been flicked that turns the anxiety off and I’m left wondering what all the fuss was about but when you’re in it I know how much it becomes all you are and all you can think about. To give you an idea of how far you can get without lessons, I’ve been doing yoga for about 6 years now but only took my first class about 3 months ago. Apparently Ive managed to get easily into advanced level without having taken a class so don’t worry about that at all. If you’ve always wondered if it would help you then I think you’re half way there. It took me quite a long time to go that route but honestly, Its like magic. I understand why people become annoying evangelists for it when they get into it. It can change your fundamental experience of life which is pretty powerful. Anyway, Good luck and if you need anything at all just e-mail on andylanesemail@gmail.com I’m not promising I can do anything but I’ll definitely try. I understand how impossible life can feel and don’t want anyone to go through that if it can be reduced. Good luck.
I play word games to relax, like Accessible Hangman and 7 Little Words, and sometimes Zany Touch. Game World is another really great app, and you won't have to worry about coins with that one. There are several games to choose from in that app.
Crocheting and knitting
I have been told that it was a perfect way to distract your mind from noise. I have highly considered taking up myself and I want to start with crocheting. YouTube has a lot of videos on this topic, if you are interested.
Good luck
Hi. I think I understand what you're looking for. well, I'm not in your shoes, so that's unfair to say I understand. Anyway fruit pot after playing a bit, just go on and you'll get a hundred chips and say five nudges. It's no pun intended, but mindless. I'm sorry I said it that way. I just mean you can focus on the sounds of the chips, the mini games like spinning wheel, memory game, where you pick the card out of eight of them. I'm pretty sure it's free. I hope this helps.
I really enjoy things like pyramid 13 or Lost Cities, both card games. I also wonder if you've ever considered apps like NatureSpace, which has a wide collection of some of the best nature sounds I've ever seen. Its not free, but as someone who also suffers from anxiety, it can be nice to slip into another world for just a bit and imagine something better for myself until things stop spinning. Their used to be a really lovely app called Balls, of all things, that sort of created a chiming landscape thing, but I can't appear to find it as of the time of this writing.
I wholeheartedly recommend Nature Space. Being one who is very particular, when it comes to sound apps, I cannot recommend Nature Space enough. This isn't just sound loops but the tracks have been recorded in real time. They have used 3D style recording methods. When used with a nice headset, it's easy to get lost in the track of your choice.
You are able to organize your favorite tracks in an order that suits you, as well.
Here is how I use the app. I choose my favorite book from BARD or Audible, start it playing, then turn on one of my favorite Nature Space tracks. Inside the console controls of Nature Space, I set the system volume to 100%, and the Nature Space volume to 40%. When the book and NatureSpace blend together, it's truly an amazing experience. For me it's a fast way to hush an hyperactive mind that just won't be quiet.
When you download the app, you have five different tracks to choose from for free. Personally, I didn't like those tracks, but this gives you a chance to view the app and play around with it. The last I looked, even if you purchase the entire catalog, it's only $29.99 US. When I first found the app, I believe everything cost $150.00 US.
Rather using the Nature Space app by itself or with a book, I truly think this will help you greatly.
Note: Based on my personal choice, I don't recommend earbud optimization, as it really muddies the sound track you are using.
If you have any questions, regarding the app and navigation, or anything else, please feel free to reach out.
nature space is a fantastic app. it has a huge verity of sounds. when I purchased the complete collection, it was $14.99 US as it was on sail do to COVID. they 've released new sounds since the com[lete collection bundle however, they are inspired by Iceland. you can either buy the new sounds indaviduallhy to use with Naturespace, or by them all together, in a new app separate from Naturespace. good luck, and I hope you find a calming sound in Naturespace or the new app.
I like Rain Rain. Some sounds you need to purchase, but they promote a premium sound every day, so I see no reason to purchase any. The free selection is quite varied. My favourite is the washing machine.
I took a fresh look at Nature Space in the App Store. It appears that they have released a few of their favorite packages as separate apps. In my opinion, since all of that material is already present in the Nature Space App, then keep it simple, save some memory space, and just utilize the Nature Space app. I guess I see the value of these smaller apps, but if one really wants other pieces of Nature Space anyway, then just one app will bring all their wonderful recording to you in just one app, which is their first one, Nature Space. Thanks for mentioning that they have released others. I'm glad I at least llooked again.
Timecrest is an extremely well-made game! It has helped me through depression and anxiety episodes. The characters feel so real, and it is a real time-based story game. That means when Ash goes off to do something you have to wait for them to return back. I love how real they feel and that I give them My advice and save them from doom lol. What’s really good is that there are no time limit. Even in a battle you can take as much time as you need to read and think… And enjoy the awesome music :-) there are also secret intimate moments in which you just hang out with certain characters and get to know them a little bit more which is very calming and just nice to see in the game instead of always rushing and timing me on things.
Hello,
I don't feel that this topic's appropriate here as this forum is only used for games. However, I will tell you that Stardust Vibes has a Youtube thing going on right now that's live. It's some heavy thunder storm sounes and stuff, so check it out on Youtube. Also, have you tried praying. Asking God for help might be the best method or wathcing something from another time, like 1990s or something like that. Other than that, please remove your personal feelings and stuff foff this forum as no one wants to hear them. I've always been told to keep home stuff private and professional stuff that way, so ...
FYI, I created this forum for game recommendations so it is related to games that might help. If you have that much of a problem with it, remove it yourself. Also, you can’t pray away mental health conditions
Hi, I’d just like to offer a little support and express my shock at the lack of understanding from an I’m sure god-fearingchristian. If praying offers what you need then good for you but for those looking for something a little more reliable to base their beliefs around, I think asking for games to distract from intrusive thoughts is a perfectly valid use of this site. We wouldn’t judge if someone wanted a fun game or a challenging game, why would we judge someone wanting a distracting game. One might even venture that the lack of understanding displayed in those kind thoughts above could increasingly isolate someone looking for help. If god works for you then great but please don’t proselytize with people asking for tech tips to help in a delicate situation. Try to be kind and understanding.
I might as well call you out, Ashley. not everyone is religious. I surtainly am not. preaching and asking them to pray is not appropret. yeah, not really preaching, but often times for people who don't believe in God, like me for one, feel that suggestion prayer without knowing the original posters believes is wrong. God, works for some, but not all.
@Country music fan
I commend you for reaching out. As someone who also suffers with both depression and anxiety, I know how hard that can be because one thing those do is makes it hard to reach out if you don't know what will work. They're both awful when you're in the throws of them.
There are a lot of coping strategies for dealing with them, but not all of them work for everyone. Games don't really work for me as much anymore, but here are a couple that might fit what you're looking for.
I second Fruit Pot since it's just kind of a mindless slot machine game with some mini games you can play to get extra chips.
If word games are more your thing, maybe something like Letter Rooms. I haven't played it myself, though. Sub Words, their other game, is cool but I don't think it's one that would make your mind slow down since it times you.
The first game I thought of was blindfold color crush. One of the modes on it is specifically intended to be relaxing, so just see how many match 3 combos you can get without being timed. It's been a while since I've played it though.
When the pandemic first started I used a YouTube tutorial series to learn how to play Texas Hold'em just so I could play Apple's version (the first game ever released on the app store). That was all I wanted; I don't ever intend to play for real money, but it gave me something to focus on for a while. I've still only made it to about the sixth level tournament.
The thing that helps me the most is talking to a supportive person, but that gets kind of tricky since most of my go tos for that are hard to get a hold of. I hope you find something that helps you.
Hi,
As someone who suffers from severe anxiety over the tiniest minutia, for example, just the prospect of having to quarantine for 10 days is just stomach churning to me. No, I don't have coronavirus, and I'm vaccinated, but just the idea of having to stay in one place for ten days makes me really anxious. Anyway, I play bitlife to help cope with anxiety. Bitlife is especially funny when you add the names of people you know, or famous people into the game settings under custom people. Then these names could pop up at any point throughout your bitlife, it's really funny, and has provided me with plenty of laughs throughout this whole pandemic mess.
For Ashley, I'm not religious, and asking someone to pray or asking god is absolutely redicculous. Why? because you are assuming something. Well You remember the old saying? Guess who's the ass? To anyone that is anxious, depressed or anything, I'd be happy to just be there for you. No, this would not go on some public forum such as this, but I'd be glad to offer whatever support I can. I may not understand all the issues you, in general might have, I do understand empathy.
Thank you! Thank you thank you thank you! You said exactly what I was thinking, but in a much nicer fashion. You can reach out to me as well if you need anything.
@Ashley, I understand that praying might work for you and that's great! It truly is!
But there are those out there who don't believe in a creator due to them not seeing any evidence for one, I personally do believe in a creator/afterlife but understand why others may not.
As for the forum, the rules aren't being broken as the person is asking for help and using games as their outlet.
Comments
What do you mean by "slowing things down a little?"
Hi. If you're looking for something you don't have to pay attention to, just earning chips, I'd say try fruit pot. I play it when I can't sleep and I have no one to worry about talking to if I don't want. Other than this, I'm not sure what you'd like. sorry I'm not more help but let me know how I can help you better.
By slowing thing things down
Hi there, thank you very much for your help. By slowing things down I mean just slowing down the mind and helping it relax
This isn't a game but...
Have you tried putting on youtube, or an audiobook,/podcast or reading fan fiction? That helps me out a lot when I'm feeling an anxiety attack coming on.
What about family, can they help? I've found talking really does help me personally.
No family help
I’m very socially isolated, and I don’t really have family help. I’ve tried YouTube, audiobooks, and feeling different textures. That’s why I thought a game might be a different approach
An odd suggestion...
I used to have issues like that, and panic attacks that came on if things broke or stopped working, like the computer. I would pace back and forth, sometimes for hours, and something about the repetitive motion helped. Then when I got my iPhone I started tracking the steps, and it became like a game, keeping track.
It turned out to be a health issue causing a lot of the problems and it was addressed, but I still find myself pacing when I'm thinking or worried about something. I got fed up with carrying my phone all the time, and don't track it anymore though.
Blindfold Games
Have you tried any of the Blindfold Games? Many of them are quite slow-paced.
Thanks
Hey there. That’s a good point, however, what I’d really like is a game like crafting kingdoms, in the sense that you can use boosts to get more coins and craft things. Is there anything like that? I like the idea of coming back to the game and finding millions of coins. I’m playing it but getting bored of crafting the same things over again. Thanks everyone for your help, I really appreciate everyone’s help.
Galactic Colonies
What about their newest game, Galactic Colonies?
Have you thought about yoga and meditation?
hey, i have had similar issues to you to the point that i was so stressed that i couldn’t walk, going from walking an easy 5 miles a day you can imagine that just added to the issues. The problem is we are in a broken world at the moment so we need ways to take our bodies out of fight flight freeze and into a more beneficial state. We have an entirely separate mode called para sympathetic or rest and digest, its when our bodies relax out of danger searching and problem solving into a more sedate state where things get fixed and repaired. For me yoga (Sue fuller yoga to hear on audible was how I started. First time I felt calm then second or third I just broke down and sobbed for the first time in over 10 years. Its incredibly powerful and as its on audible its expected that you can’t see so she’s much more descriptive. There are very gentle classes if you have fitness issues all the way up to intermediate. Bringing your attention down from your head, constantly thinking is just about the most valuable lesson I’ve ever learned. For meditation I’d recommend waking up, again its very powerful indeed. I needed to stop thinking but you can’t just do that, You need to learn how to direct your attention somewhere other than your internal monologue as it really isn’t on your side, especially in difficult times. If you would like any other suggestions or like the idea of trying this route I’m more than happy to help with anything I can. The problem with games is that they only work until you aren’t playing them any more, if they work at all. This route is learning skills to benefit your entire life. I hope you find some peace soon.
I have yet to learn
I’ve looked at Galactic colonies very briefly but never really took the time to study it. Is there a method? Because when the tutorial stops popping up, I don’t know what the heck I’m doing. However, so far it seems to work for my anxiety. So thank you so much for your help
Yoga
I’ve always wanted to try Yoga, but in New Zealand the classes are at night. So would definitely neat to have it on my phone. Thank you so much for your help
A good place to start.
Hey, I really can’t oversell how much of a difference it can make, its like a switch has been flicked that turns the anxiety off and I’m left wondering what all the fuss was about but when you’re in it I know how much it becomes all you are and all you can think about. To give you an idea of how far you can get without lessons, I’ve been doing yoga for about 6 years now but only took my first class about 3 months ago. Apparently Ive managed to get easily into advanced level without having taken a class so don’t worry about that at all. If you’ve always wondered if it would help you then I think you’re half way there. It took me quite a long time to go that route but honestly, Its like magic. I understand why people become annoying evangelists for it when they get into it. It can change your fundamental experience of life which is pretty powerful. Anyway, Good luck and if you need anything at all just e-mail on andylanesemail@gmail.com I’m not promising I can do anything but I’ll definitely try. I understand how impossible life can feel and don’t want anyone to go through that if it can be reduced. Good luck.
I play word games to relax,…
I play word games to relax, like Accessible Hangman and 7 Little Words, and sometimes Zany Touch. Game World is another really great app, and you won't have to worry about coins with that one. There are several games to choose from in that app.
Have you also considered
Crocheting and knitting
I have been told that it was a perfect way to distract your mind from noise. I have highly considered taking up myself and I want to start with crocheting. YouTube has a lot of videos on this topic, if you are interested.
Good luck
ah ok.
I hope you find what you need to help you calm down.
fruit pot
Hi. I think I understand what you're looking for. well, I'm not in your shoes, so that's unfair to say I understand. Anyway fruit pot after playing a bit, just go on and you'll get a hundred chips and say five nudges. It's no pun intended, but mindless. I'm sorry I said it that way. I just mean you can focus on the sounds of the chips, the mini games like spinning wheel, memory game, where you pick the card out of eight of them. I'm pretty sure it's free. I hope this helps.
I can't find Fruit Pot on…
I can't find Fruit Pot on the app store. Is it still available?
Here’s the link
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fruitpot/id1035363960
Card games
I really enjoy things like pyramid 13 or Lost Cities, both card games. I also wonder if you've ever considered apps like NatureSpace, which has a wide collection of some of the best nature sounds I've ever seen. Its not free, but as someone who also suffers from anxiety, it can be nice to slip into another world for just a bit and imagine something better for myself until things stop spinning. Their used to be a really lovely app called Balls, of all things, that sort of created a chiming landscape thing, but I can't appear to find it as of the time of this writing.
Thank you. I downloaded it…
Thank you. I downloaded it and have yet to figure it out, but the accessibility is great.
Nature Space
I wholeheartedly recommend Nature Space. Being one who is very particular, when it comes to sound apps, I cannot recommend Nature Space enough. This isn't just sound loops but the tracks have been recorded in real time. They have used 3D style recording methods. When used with a nice headset, it's easy to get lost in the track of your choice.
You are able to organize your favorite tracks in an order that suits you, as well.
Here is how I use the app. I choose my favorite book from BARD or Audible, start it playing, then turn on one of my favorite Nature Space tracks. Inside the console controls of Nature Space, I set the system volume to 100%, and the Nature Space volume to 40%. When the book and NatureSpace blend together, it's truly an amazing experience. For me it's a fast way to hush an hyperactive mind that just won't be quiet.
When you download the app, you have five different tracks to choose from for free. Personally, I didn't like those tracks, but this gives you a chance to view the app and play around with it. The last I looked, even if you purchase the entire catalog, it's only $29.99 US. When I first found the app, I believe everything cost $150.00 US.
Rather using the Nature Space app by itself or with a book, I truly think this will help you greatly.
Note: Based on my personal choice, I don't recommend earbud optimization, as it really muddies the sound track you are using.
If you have any questions, regarding the app and navigation, or anything else, please feel free to reach out.
Happy listening.
I second Naturespace
nature space is a fantastic app. it has a huge verity of sounds. when I purchased the complete collection, it was $14.99 US as it was on sail do to COVID. they 've released new sounds since the com[lete collection bundle however, they are inspired by Iceland. you can either buy the new sounds indaviduallhy to use with Naturespace, or by them all together, in a new app separate from Naturespace. good luck, and I hope you find a calming sound in Naturespace or the new app.
I like Rain Rain. Some…
I like Rain Rain. Some sounds you need to purchase, but they promote a premium sound every day, so I see no reason to purchase any. The free selection is quite varied. My favourite is the washing machine.
Metronomes
Have you tried metronomes? I've heard that if you have a metronome at a very slow pace it really helps calm your mind.
RE: I second Naturespace
I took a fresh look at Nature Space in the App Store. It appears that they have released a few of their favorite packages as separate apps. In my opinion, since all of that material is already present in the Nature Space App, then keep it simple, save some memory space, and just utilize the Nature Space app. I guess I see the value of these smaller apps, but if one really wants other pieces of Nature Space anyway, then just one app will bring all their wonderful recording to you in just one app, which is their first one, Nature Space. Thanks for mentioning that they have released others. I'm glad I at least llooked again.
no problem
no problem. their sounds are deffenatly y worth the price
Timecrest is my favourite game
Timecrest is an extremely well-made game! It has helped me through depression and anxiety episodes. The characters feel so real, and it is a real time-based story game. That means when Ash goes off to do something you have to wait for them to return back. I love how real they feel and that I give them My advice and save them from doom lol. What’s really good is that there are no time limit. Even in a battle you can take as much time as you need to read and think… And enjoy the awesome music :-) there are also secret intimate moments in which you just hang out with certain characters and get to know them a little bit more which is very calming and just nice to see in the game instead of always rushing and timing me on things.
Please Remove this topic, except forthe games stuff
Hello,
I don't feel that this topic's appropriate here as this forum is only used for games. However, I will tell you that Stardust Vibes has a Youtube thing going on right now that's live. It's some heavy thunder storm sounes and stuff, so check it out on Youtube. Also, have you tried praying. Asking God for help might be the best method or wathcing something from another time, like 1990s or something like that. Other than that, please remove your personal feelings and stuff foff this forum as no one wants to hear them. I've always been told to keep home stuff private and professional stuff that way, so ...
Did not create this forum for personal feelings
FYI, I created this forum for game recommendations so it is related to games that might help. If you have that much of a problem with it, remove it yourself. Also, you can’t pray away mental health conditions
Second this!
Hi, I’d just like to offer a little support and express my shock at the lack of understanding from an I’m sure god-fearingchristian. If praying offers what you need then good for you but for those looking for something a little more reliable to base their beliefs around, I think asking for games to distract from intrusive thoughts is a perfectly valid use of this site. We wouldn’t judge if someone wanted a fun game or a challenging game, why would we judge someone wanting a distracting game. One might even venture that the lack of understanding displayed in those kind thoughts above could increasingly isolate someone looking for help. If god works for you then great but please don’t proselytize with people asking for tech tips to help in a delicate situation. Try to be kind and understanding.
agreed
I might as well call you out, Ashley. not everyone is religious. I surtainly am not. preaching and asking them to pray is not appropret. yeah, not really preaching, but often times for people who don't believe in God, like me for one, feel that suggestion prayer without knowing the original posters believes is wrong. God, works for some, but not all.
Here here
@Country music fan
I commend you for reaching out. As someone who also suffers with both depression and anxiety, I know how hard that can be because one thing those do is makes it hard to reach out if you don't know what will work. They're both awful when you're in the throws of them.
There are a lot of coping strategies for dealing with them, but not all of them work for everyone. Games don't really work for me as much anymore, but here are a couple that might fit what you're looking for.
I second Fruit Pot since it's just kind of a mindless slot machine game with some mini games you can play to get extra chips.
If word games are more your thing, maybe something like Letter Rooms. I haven't played it myself, though. Sub Words, their other game, is cool but I don't think it's one that would make your mind slow down since it times you.
The first game I thought of was blindfold color crush. One of the modes on it is specifically intended to be relaxing, so just see how many match 3 combos you can get without being timed. It's been a while since I've played it though.
When the pandemic first started I used a YouTube tutorial series to learn how to play Texas Hold'em just so I could play Apple's version (the first game ever released on the app store). That was all I wanted; I don't ever intend to play for real money, but it gave me something to focus on for a while. I've still only made it to about the sixth level tournament.
The thing that helps me the most is talking to a supportive person, but that gets kind of tricky since most of my go tos for that are hard to get a hold of. I hope you find something that helps you.
Good to know there are few of us here.
bitlife
Hi,
As someone who suffers from severe anxiety over the tiniest minutia, for example, just the prospect of having to quarantine for 10 days is just stomach churning to me. No, I don't have coronavirus, and I'm vaccinated, but just the idea of having to stay in one place for ten days makes me really anxious. Anyway, I play bitlife to help cope with anxiety. Bitlife is especially funny when you add the names of people you know, or famous people into the game settings under custom people. Then these names could pop up at any point throughout your bitlife, it's really funny, and has provided me with plenty of laughs throughout this whole pandemic mess.
Reach out to me if needed
For Ashley, I'm not religious, and asking someone to pray or asking god is absolutely redicculous. Why? because you are assuming something. Well You remember the old saying? Guess who's the ass? To anyone that is anxious, depressed or anything, I'd be happy to just be there for you. No, this would not go on some public forum such as this, but I'd be glad to offer whatever support I can. I may not understand all the issues you, in general might have, I do understand empathy.
Totally agree
Thank you! Thank you thank you thank you! You said exactly what I was thinking, but in a much nicer fashion. You can reach out to me as well if you need anything.
I know you meant well.
@Ashley, I understand that praying might work for you and that's great! It truly is!
But there are those out there who don't believe in a creator due to them not seeing any evidence for one, I personally do believe in a creator/afterlife but understand why others may not.
As for the forum, the rules aren't being broken as the person is asking for help and using games as their outlet.