Animal Crossing and (My) Mental Health

[@BoldlyWired]

I was individually replying to comments when the video was at 100 views, but it's completely blown up in the span of 3 days now (THANK YOU) and there's no way for me to keep up with all the comments so let me say this: Thank you to everyone who has shared their own story in the comments section. To keep things brief, I was really nervous putting this out because I was worried it wouldn't be relatable or as interesting as any other gaming video. But seeing everyone relate and have something to say about the video really warms my heart. Again, thank you. Stay well! I'm working on other stuff at the moment, and I hope you stick around for that! If you'd like to see anything specific from me, lemme know! Thanks again!

[@itsmemnmxd3701]

I just wanted to say thank you for sharing this with all of us. Personally I like hearing other people’s situations. In May 2017 my house had burned down and my mom was in the hospital for a while. People were trying to help us by giving us things or someone trying to give me food. I felt guilty for needing things from others or being given things. And then we stayed in an “apartment” at someone’s house, I had felt uncomfortable to even leave, I fell into depression. And I am still dealing with it. I still want to go back to Animal Crossing and have the memories of an easier time. What had helped me was Skyrim just being able to get away for several hours a day was amazing I didnt think about anything else while I played I got lost. I still have depression and night terrors about what happened but I feel as if games can help in a sort of way like you said wanting to go and do things when in real life you didn’t but you could in animal crossing, for me it was getting up and going outside in the reaches of skyrim.

[@itsmemnmxd3701]

I’m sorry I’ve never really when on like that anymore but I feel as if hearing other people’s experiences give me hope with dealing with my own.

[@gerlonggaul]

I wish you all the very best man. Good to hear you found something to remedy your situation. Hopes everything will get better

[@TheGreatMrKid]

Having been there myself, I totally relate to all of this. And the best thing I can say is that I'm proud of you for putting yourself out there like you did in this video. Also, don't worry about sounding cheesy! If you feel a way, truly and honestly, then don't worry if it sounds cheesy or lame to other people. The people it needs to reach, it will reach them. Good luck, bud. I'm thankful for you today.

[@haruhisuzumiya6650]

That was deep

[@miasakura1933]

10 years ago I literally named my dog after one of the animal crossing characters. No regrets.

[@jadew6795]

Is he/she still alive? I hope they are...

[@miasakura1933]

@@jadew6795 how nice of you😊. Yeah, she is perfectly fine!

[@jadew6795]

@@miasakura1933 aww! Give her a treat from me!

[@78logicaltoast]

no regerts

[@abigailhyde2697]

@@miasakura1933 aw! Which character? They're all so cute

[@minesweeperlegend]

I remember playing Animal Crossing on the DS in elementary school and the most surreal moment was when one of the villagers were moving, her name was Ingrid (I can’t remember how to spell it). What was different about this was there was a girl in my class with the same name and she was dying of cancer. She and the villager looked pretty similar, mostly because the villager had sickly looking eyes. About a week after she died, that’s when the villager was have a moving away party. I attended the party, she said she was happy I attended and the next day she was gone. I just sat on my bed deep in thought, not knowing what to think or feel. Edit: I have been informed that there is no villager with that name (I played in the English version). I’m in college so this happened a long time ago so my memory may be fuzzed. I was nearly illiterate back then, so the villager’s name could’ve just had similar letters. The most I remember what the villager looked like was the they were gray, I think they were a cat, maybe wearing a pink dress, and had lines under their eyes (tried or sickly eyes). If I ever find my DS and AC game, I will check it out to find the truth

[@goldndrago3491]

Damn that's deep

[@flowercollector9013]

Whoaa...

[@Yolwoocle]

Damn...

[@Daltygaming2]

Dude I’m sorry that happened

[@TamerBekir]

This one hurts.

[@madidee1093]

This. This is why Animal Crossing is such a special game series to us and I'll forever buy it and play it, no matter how old I am.

[@schlubenno3827]

Can’t wait until the switch version comes out, I’m getting the switch just for it lmao.

[@Fractal_blip]

@@schlubenno3827 same

[@Jundesite]

Like that 87 year old lady

[@mahougesu170]

@*LA SHORE* I was five when it came out and not much older when I bought it (probably about six or seven). I still have great memories of playing it with my brother when we were kids. I don't have a Switch yet but I can't wait until New Horizons. I hope he buys it (and a Switch) too so we can play together.

[@saintsrowisntcancelledanym7099]

Yeah i'm so hyped for animal crossing New horizons

[@L-92761]

New Horizons couldn't have come out at a better time honestly its chicken soup for the soul in videogame form

[@maisiekxng]

L P yeah i wish i could afford a switch to play it

[@tifyuploo]

@@maisiekxng play the pocket edition its free in the app store on your phone

[@maisiekxng]

Terra Lim i play it, it’s fun but i’ve been playing for a while and i’ve achieved most of the game tbh

[@CanadianHorseFace]

I have to say Animal Crossing can cause severe diarrhea, just from sitting too long on the couch while you become this giant stagnant bag of shit ready to explode at any time.

[@SaddosMusick69]

Pure truth

[@vandythevandy]

I’m autistic and as a kid Animal crossing really helped me understand human relationships and gave me tips on how to connect with those around me by providing a way for me to “practice” with not-real people that certainly felt real to kid-me. It may sound dumb but it helped me learn how to get people to see I like them and enjoy their presence with minimal words (writing letters and giving thoughtful gifts). As an adult it helped me through big spouts of depression and pretty much everything you said in the video about it being something to look forward to every day. Seriously, having something to look forward to has saved my life so many times and when I don’t have anything it feels noticeably easier to just end things or self harm. It’s a simple yet detailed game and doesn’t cause any unnecessary stress or anxiety but still gives you the feeling of accomplishment from more fast paced games, if not more so because of all the time put into it. The villagers feel like family and the fact that your character doesn’t really talk much but is still so loved is so validating for people like me who have a hard time expressing themselves with spoken words when that is so important in real life society. It’s nice to feel loved and important just as we are and small deeds to show we care. It really is an important game for a lot of neurodivergent kids and adults out there :)

[@dylanellis4320]

This really touches on how I feel about the game! I'm not sure if I'm mildly autistic or moderately autistic but there's definitely something there and I have TERRIBLE anxiety so even if things start to go off the rails I can take five minutes out and centre myself with this wonderful game. It really is amazing and has helped me interact just like you said even if it's just learning how to convey complex notions in not a lot of words like the characters do! I can't describe how bad I am at human interaction and how much my mental health messes with me (it's nothing that makes life unlivable or anything it's just a MASSIVE hurdle that's constantly present) but I think how you described it is exactly how I feel as well!

[@vandythevandy]

Dylan Ellis yes!!! that is EXACTLY how I feel too!! I’m glad there’s someone else out there who feels the same way as me hehe I also struggle with really intense anxiety that can lead to meltdowns and without fail this game helps me root myself a bit even if I only play for a few minutes :’)

[@dylanellis4320]

@@vandythevandy Exactly! I'm glad somebody understands! Wish you the best with everything

[@rubyrubia9090]

[@soso1634]

I’m autistic too but just in a talking way but I got over it!

[@adamzapplezzz]

I think the creator actually created it for this intent, at least for helping people with loneliness. I’m so glad he did, this created my childhood. I blocked out so much of my childhood but I remember sitting down and watching my sister play Animal Crossing. Got ACNL later on for Christmas, and it’s helped me through a lot. While it didn’t save me through depression and self-harm, it’s always nice to go back to my town and say hello to Apollo, and feel like I have friends. I love games for the power they give; a reason to get up, a new life to live of sorts, an adventure to complete, and something to feel proud about in a way.

[@autbot6911]

Lemonysnicker i love apollo🖤

[@lilyp396]

Lemonysnicker Yeah, when I was about 8-10 years old, my parents were going through a divorce. I would regularly cry every night and animal crossing really helped me.

[@nickreynolds9745]

One of the safest things for me is animal crossing

[@idefk73]

I hope you’re better now/getting better :) animal crossing helped me too

[@mira-leeestella5337]

Lily, Elise, and Beau are my three favorite villagers because they were so kind to me at a point I felt I had no one. Lily was the first villager to give me her photo. I hope I can get them in my next town and remind them of our friendship.

[@rpg500e]

I'm actually a therapist finishing internship and just wanted to say... TO ANYONE WHO HAPPENS TO SEE, there are several places with sliding scale fees like our school's counseling center - I literally see most of my clients for FREE and no one pays more than 25, you choose how much you can spend. Please don't let money be the thing that stops you getting in to see someone, there IS help if you can get yourself there. I've been a gamer all my life and have had my own battles with this stuff before getting to where I'm at. I feel ya'll. Hope and love.

[@andreah9587]

Elias Burke thank you for posting this!!! I have met many friends who really need therapy of some sort (mostly because I can’t keep being their therapist for them, I’m still taking college courses to be one) and the main reason they don’t seek help is because they don’t have money to pay for it. They don’t believe me when I say there are places where it’s cheap or free. So thanks for having our backs :)

[@marquislafi153]

Hello! That's really great to see.

[@alexayats8618]

This! Please share this comment! Like this comment! Screenshot, repost, spread. We need this!!! Also Elias, thank you so much for your work. You are awesome!

[@kaicaelum9181]

Fellow therapist here! I kept scrolling hoping to see if someone would mention this. Yes! Plenty of licensed interns ready and willing to help with myriad skills at their disposal - on the cheap! Healing is a holistic endeavor. Use your skills, social network, therapy and games to get to where you want to be. Psychology Today is an invaluable resource to seek capable counselors near you for affordable rates, some with those sliding scale rates they mentioned. Good luck, villagers, you got this :)

[@yujm7]

For a long time I thought I couldn't afford therapy. Finally the government gave it to me for free. I visited three different people and they all wasted my time and made me feel worse about myself.

[@tyree3774]

When he said “You sleep because....it’s nighttime.” I felt that on another level.

[@miezimauzi6545]

This is how I live at the moment... It is very... sad :[

[@horror_punk_gamer9932]

@@miezimauzi6545 I feel ya, see my comment I posted, 1st one on top in over a yr, never played AC but I feel it can be therapeutic to some degree, got it yesterday and stil haven't gotten myself to open it, HOPE ALL IS WELL

[@youcantbeatk7006]

im14andthisisdeep

[@youcantbeatk7006]

@Nylthanyr IV I made a reddit reference. Surely I'm nothing but a pseudointellectual incel.

[@starjones1]

For me personally, I've always been the one (in moments like those) where I instead would be going to sleep because I had nothing better to do anymore or because the sun was rising, so my family was waking up and I didn't want to interact with them or talk about how I was feeling.. I really didn't want to be a problem, and honestly, me doing that made me an even bigger problem because then I would be awake when everyone else was headed to sleep- meaning my noise would keep them up or wake them randomly in the night even when I was trying to be quiet.. It really sucks because you already feel crappy, and then you feel you can't even do something as simple as wake up or sleep without being an issue or like you can't do it properly... Makes the hole feel so much deeper..

[@cadetcosette8024]

I constantly reference Katrina “bad times are just times that are bad” it’s such a special game.

[@wuttiffleaf7651]

its kinda funny when she says that but if it makes you feel better when she says that then thats good

[@sirpsychosexy]

The fuck does that even mean

[@aikaterineillt9876]

[WUT] Tiffleaf I find it funny but also kind of dismissive, more of a black humor

[@wuttiffleaf7651]

@@aikaterineillt9876 yea

[@cake811]

Cadet Cosette in the german version she says "bad luck is just luck that isn't there" which i like a lot too🌹

[@ComicDrake]

Man, I am so glad this video hit my recommended. This exactly captures my feelings and why Animal Crossing is my all time favorite video game series.

[@LegendryHeropon]

Hey man, I've been a fan of yours for years. I know you've had a rough past few years, but I'm glad you're still here. You're one of the most enjoyable content creators on KZbin, and it really wouldn't be the same without you. Lots of love, man. I wish you all the best.

[@dumb-eboy]

_THE BARD_ no one cares

[@Ali-sk8ee]

@@dumb-eboy thats a bit mean

[@thethunderchu1013]

Comic Drake Same here.... Everyone thinks that I am a super happy person, but inside I’m pained... I’m scared that no one cares and others would bully me more than they already do

[@memepolice8783]

Same

[@WitheredFreddo]

Animal crossing's creator need's to see this...

[@LulitaInPita]

needs*

[@akumaponipon2426]

Er... He's died.

[@burr5100]

@@Laura-er5rh gosh I miss that guy

[@untitled2303]

ni

[@overstar7900]

@@burr5100 Same

[@yamil3x37]

I’m depressed. I have anxiety. And I just went through a breakup. He left me for someone else. And I feel alone. I’ve never played this game but I did purchase the new horizons before it release date, because i heard its very calming. It was recommended to me by a friend.

[@yamil3x37]

Chitose Game Thank you.

[@natcargill4804]

bad times will end, they’ve got no choice but to end. you will make it through sooner than you think. i’m right there with you and i’m hopeful for us both. hang in there, be gentle with yourself as long as you need to, and let animal crossing be there for you. we will get through this, i know it for certain

[@tasteslikecyanide1852]

Have you gotten Pocket Camp on your phone? It's a mobile version of AC and it's free. I hope you get to feeling better, bad times will always pass.

[@yamil3x37]

Tastes Like Cyanide Yes I have. It’s actually really calming, I really enjoy playing it. It gives me something to look forward to the following day

[@etherealelf]

I hope you really enjoy it!

[@gcil8214]

I remember coming home crying, or breaking down in the middle of the night. I’d pick of good old animal crossing and play until my tears were dry or gone. Animal crossing really helped me through some stuff.

[@johnxina7496]

hope youre good now

[@thefriedegg4498]

This is really relatable, one of the reasons I got really hooked on the Animal Crossing was because it was a way to escape to a perfect world, everyone is easy to talk too, simple characters, like you said you can *control* . You can't control life, you always worry that you're judged or talked behind your back, that your friends might leave you, but in Animal crossing *you have* friends. Yeah its "sad" but it really helped me cope with life.

[@mrwaffles3106]

@ed champagne don't mean to pop the bubble but in the first animal crossing the villagers would talk behind you're back if you are away for a while.(I missed when the villagers gave you sass)

[@jipto11]

Mr waffles 2401 as someone who is very self conscious about about what other people think about me, I also think animals should have more personality like sass and being rude. Personally If animals talk bad about me I dont care because i know its a game. I think more personality would make the villagers much more relatable, more enjoyable, and more interesting.

[@Twat_Dirt]

Are you well?

[@Twat_Dirt]

@Smash 456 I just wanna know if he's well dumb ass.

[@camcancun]

The Fried Egg this hits close to home

[@sirsleepy6145]

My mental state: literally going crazy Animal Crossing: allow us to introduce ourselves

[@shellssoul]

@Sir Sleepy LOL YESSSS it helped me a lot sophomore year a time when i was so stressed. God bless u sir sleepy ^.^ “““You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:14-16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ www.bible.com/114/mat.5.14-16.nkjv

[@Darleer]

The feeling of regret when talking to people about your issues and mental health is so real. I am glad you brought it up in the video

[@lilith9875]

Even when therapy is covered, it is still hard to go. Just wanted to mention that.

[@Sasha-up9er]

I moved to the UK a few years ago, where things like therapy are free but the whole system is very strained. It can be really difficult to get mental health treatment and it's easy to convince yourself that you're not worth putting the strain on the system, especially if you feel like you aren't getting much out of it.

[@private8944]

@@Sasha-up9er yes same but I finally looked for help here in Germany. Get well soon to you 💚

[@TempestTemple]

I've had multiple times where my therapist told me to call her when I'm ready to see her again and I just... don't.

[@lucegibbs6044]

Sometimes I don’t even want to leave my house to go to therapy I just lie in my bed and I can’t do anything

[@Lolly74079]

Not to mention how exhausting it is when you get there

[@killahcam8114]

I got my grandma animal crossing on the Nintendo switch and I never seen her more happy she has been through so much It makes my day see her happy playing and talking to her villagers ❤️

[@yuka-samax3178]

This made me literally cry for like half an hour. Because i feel completely understood. Animal Crossing was one of these Game that gave me the little warm feeling of being in control and that everything's alright. Also when i had a rough day, and i heard the calming music of this game, i felt so calm, no one ever could replace this.

[@biancaperez957]

Boomers: Video games cause violence! Animal Crossing: Hold my Bells

[@samubluu_]

Boomers: **runs away with the bells**

They do cause violence you damn millenials! You people need to see sunlight some time. All your noses are glued to the screen. Back in my day kids were whooped if they didn’t listrn to their parents nowadays parents are so spineless that the kids they’ve gone soft and weak. Go outside more!

[@cameron4259]

Boomer: video games are causing violence in today's youth Animal crossing: cöllect..... Bugse

[@biancaperez957]

@ Okay boomer.

[@libbyf51]

Mike Oxmall I get what you’re saying but maybe say it in a different way? Or else no one will take you seriously

[@lizettejunjou88]

“Time was just there to indicate when it was time to sleep” ... that’s what I have been trying to put in words, thanks.

[@shepardcommander5174]

this hurts..

[@kingzennia1750]

When you missed catching the fish, I felt that.

[@utvm6748]

Xd 💕💕

[@seth1393]

my dad passed away 7 months ago, nobody expected It. Since then my life turn into a roller coaster of emotions and things to do for others, having to replace my dad for my mum's sake. My brain started to give me stomach pains that wouldn't let me go to work, I decided to start theraphy and helped a lot to realice I was trying to heal my mum instead of heal my own pain. Animal Crossing was that little world where I had to take care of nobody, where I could feel and be safe. sorry for my grammar, english is not my first lenguage.

[@diamondkitten7918]

I’m so sorry for your loss. You are so strong for trying to heal for your mother. Things will get easier. I used animal crossing to cope with problems too. Remember to think about yourself and your needs too. I hope everything is okay for you.

[@ErraticConduct]

I'm sorry for you loss. I don't know your belief system, but I know without a doubt, you'll see him again. He would know you are going to miss him, but he would not want it to overwhelm you. While the missing doesn't go away completely, I promise the pain does lessen as time goes on. Good luck, and much love from me! 💙

[@tamayoisaac52110]

Thank you for sharing

[@milesndulue2015]

👍🏾

[@reveluvreveluv7257]

I lost my father a few years ago and the pain you must be feeling is almost unimaginable until you experience it. That pain stays but you grow strong enough to deal with it and things will be okay xxx

[@kayreen6467]

I thought it was only me that had such an emotionally connection to all the animal crossings. I’ve been depressed since 6th grade but was clinically depressed/diagnosed in the beginning of 2020 but this game has always been here for me. it literally gave me something to live for. Every now and then, I become suicidal .. that would be a time I didn’t touch AC for a while. I remember logging back into my town and Isabelle said to me “you haven’t been around, I’ve been doing my best to take care of the town while you were gone but I’m glad you’re back now” and then I entered my town and talked to everyone- I felt loved. Needed. I felt like people actually missed me.

[@rollings2035]

Yeah animal crossing helped my depression too. You feel like you're interecting with people, doing jobs, be in a bright place. Also animal crossing's music is soothing to listen to. I'm sure it made many people feel happy.

[@x01x0_]

you explained depression and the misconceptions around it perfectly, thank you so much

[@PrimalSincerity]

When my parents were divorcing, my sister let me play he DS. I only ever played Animal Crossing because I felt like a had a stable group of friends/family. Honestly the game taught me how to have healthy relationships with people

[@aMAXproduction]

I don't think I've seen a comment section with so many paragraphs. It's nice to see how much you and the Animal Crossing franchise have helped so many people. For me personally, while I don't have depression, I've noticed so many benefits and life lessons that spawn from this game. Most recently, while playing Pocket Camp early this year, I realized just how much this game has taught me about finances, budgets, and overall money management. While not exactly like the real thing, it's a great stepping stone into the financial world. That more that could even say about the one economics class I had to take in high school so long ago...

[@noeliagutierrez4223]

It taught me the difference between "withdrawal" and "deposit", words you are never taught but expected to know later in life when you get a bank account. Priceless

[@LulitaInPita]

Wow that's great!

[@saritaartista3951]

I explained to my brother what inflation was using animal crossing and cheat codes

[@stellarstarvibe]

Exactly! AC also taught me to focus on earning, not on spending, to have a bigger achievement in the end!

[@selimlmr5403]

It thought me so much general information about fish, insects, plants, paintings and dinosaurs. Now when my mother asks me something about that I can tell her names+information. 😂

[@StizzyM1]

I knew from a fairly young age that I was somewhat different in a bad way. I never really realised that I was depressed, all throughout my shitty childhood the only good memories that I have were playing Legend of Zelda, Rayman, Animal Crossing, Crash Bandicoot, Minecraft, Mario and so on. There’s so much more I want to say but I can’t find the words. Thank you for this video.

[@kmac6118]

i feel a similar way, i've known i was "different" as you put it for as long as i can remember. it's a rough track to walk but i wish you all the best

[@a_bear]

I relate to almost every word on this comment. I was always the "black sheep" of the family. The most mentally unstable, least succsessfull, not fun to be around.

[@trivie]

Luis old comment but I was just like you! Just add Pokemon to the list of games and boom. Animal crossing and rayman is what really made my childhood.

[@blameitonvince]

when i heard 7PM start playing i knew this was about to go down.

[@ruby8372]

shed right?! it’s so sad and beautiful

[@YamiBlake]

7PM and 2AM from New Leaf are so beautiful

[@chaosxarchive]

Last year I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, everything since then has been a nightmare, right now is on remission, but anyway I'm going through some really rough times. I'm deeply grateful to you, thanks for making this video, I started playing Animal Crossing just a month ago and I'm so hooked up, it has helped me a lot and I think now I understand why. I really hope all of us in the comments can be able to get better...

[@floofff]

Maria José Lucifernanda Wishing you health and happiness. 🙏🏼

[@ladyfoxwf1075]

X

[@kayseacamp]

I recently had a partial thyroidectomy due to benign tumors and it drives me crazy how no one believes me when I explain the sheer level of exhaustion I am experiencing. It goes beyond physical into mental and emotional exhaustion. I can only imagine what your situation is like with the added stress of radiation and the emotional toll cancer plays. I know it doesn’t mean much but you aren’t alone in feeling helpless. There are people you may never know that inside their souls support and connect to you and your story. We all hope and prey that anyone going through the same struggles as us can find the strength and support they need. Keep fighting. You got this!

[@chaosxarchive]

@@kayseacamp I broke into tears with this, thank you so much... It is horrible to feel that no one understands what you are going through, its painful and frustrating

[@kayseacamp]

It’s unbelievably frustrating. I used to be a powerlifter and a backpacker before my surgery. Now I barely have the energy to do daily tasks. I broke down crying my first time back to the gym seeing how weak I got. No one sees the struggles other face inside. Sometimes those are the hardest battles to fight. I’m so glad I was able to reach out to you. I don’t even know you but I do know that you ARE stronger than you think you are!

[@villager7262]

I heard this story about Animal Crossing. So the story was about this woman with cancer and animal crossing anyways here it goes. So there were these sibling who got the animal crossing game (for wii) so they played a lot and then got bored. Around this time their mother was diagnosed with cancer and she knew that the kids like the game and decided to play it. The kids went to school while the mom became obsessed with it in the end. The mother passed away and so for some reason the kids went on the wii and played animal crossing. Come to find out the mom got all of the gifts, made things beautiful in the town and wrote little notes for then kids.

[@yiyyiyiy351]

The Unoriginal Alex omg I've heard that story too but I have no idea where I heard it

[@themysticfedora]

@@yiyyiyiy351 its a gif

[@StonyArc]

I read a version of this years ago where it was the GameCube version

[@villager7262]

StonyArc it could have been I don't remember it's been a few years since I read it

[@otterpus]

www.duelinganalogs.com/comic/a-tear-jerking-story-about-animal-crossing/ Have you people forgotten how to use the internet?

[@cakemakenavantiya]

I usually don't comment on videos, I'm more of a lurker, but when I saw how people had shared their experiences, I just had to. After going through heartbreak, I entered a period of severe depression that lasted almost two years. I cut off from people, I stopped having a routine, I would waste endless hours playing video games that were instantly gratifying but were never quite enough to make me feel. What's wonderfully different about Animal Crossing is that it doesn't exploit that need for instant gratification that gamers tend to have. Instead, it makes the player wait, teaches them patient. At a point in my life where I knew I wanted to get back on my feet but didn't know HOW or even where to begin, Animal crossing became a simple form of stability in my life. I would find it hard to imagine being motivated enough to put in work into a project that would require weeks of effort to pull off IN REAL LIFE and my work suffered because of it. I would start picking apart all my friendships and wonder if I had any real friends or if I was even capable of emotionally connecting with anyone. AC helped me with BOTH of those things. It helped me visualize things on a long term basis; work that would require commitment and more importantly PATIENCE to execute. It also made me feel so much for the characters that I never again questioned if I was an emotional being. BOTH these learnings I then began to apply in real life and have been ever since.

[@EponaTrekka]

Thanks for coming out of your lurker shell and sharing that with us prashanth! I am glad you had AC in your life to help you through the hard times when it seemed like noone else could! AC Is truly a remarkable game. :) Hugs, stay strong!

[@AliceKikyou]

This really makes me want to find my old DS and Animal Crossing. Going through a terrible heartbreak and severe depression, but I'm still on month three.

[@alexander-np5sc]

prashanth raghuram this is deep.

[@MrThedrachen]

Sending you hugs. Same.

[@hollys_labyrinth9774]

for some reason, this made my cry.

[@jellycheol]

worm

[@galacticgardevoir9496]

Honestly, this video has one of the most heartfelt and accurate depictions of depression I've ever seen. I have been battling depression alone since middle school, I'm now in college and with the encouragement of my boyfriend, started working with a counselor and was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. My entire life, I viewed depression as people who cried all the time, took anti-depressants, and were diagnosed as a young child. Nobody took the time to say that depression wasn't only sleeping too much, it was also sleeping to little. Depression isn't only finding no joy in life, it's also not having the mental energy to do the things you enjoy. Depression can be waking up at 8 am on weekends but staying in bed till 4 in the afternoon because it takes that long to be able to get up. Depression can be doing the things you've always done not because you have the energy to do them, but because if you don't then people will start to notice. It can be a constant state of feeling nothing despite wanting desperately to feel something. It can be a fear of being confronted by those you love because you know something is wrong but you dont know what and you dont want to admit that you're not okay. Depression is such a diverse mental illness and it manifests differently in every person who has it. Animal Crossing provided me with a very similar relief, but honestly for me, it took reaching out to someone I love and allowing them to guide me through the process of finding out what was wrong and getting the diagnosis I needed.

[@tbrew222]

this was breath of the wild for me

[@BrianHopson]

Can't commit suicide if your scouting the land for shrines.

[@Person-fq9uz]

Yeah, Breath of the Wild, Animal Crossing, and most of all Persona tbh. (Like seriously, that series did a lot for me)

[@chaotika693]

same

[@mjangelvortex]

Same here. With my case it's Animal Crossing, Breath of the Wild, and Pokemon.

[@kassyyar97]

YES! For me it was Super Mario Galaxy (I started having depression at 12), FFXV and Breath of the Wild Some games just make you want to keep living and find out what other adventures you can get into

[@loudmoons]

“Fake Depressed, is something you should never say about anyone. Ever” -Billie Eilish (ik its a billie quote but it is a good message) -------------------- My experience with Animal Crossing was very important to me. I had a lot of problems making friends due to social anxiety and when i got my hands on New Leaf, i was able to see how to treat people and how to communicate. It helped me in my darkest times of my parents abusing me. I remember gifting an umbrella to Goldie during a rainy day. I remember when my best friend BlueBear moved away. I remember planting that tree. The tree that grew with me through everything. My experience is so emotional to the point that if I even listen to the startup music I start to cry. I am very excited about New Horizons. But I will not stop playing in my town. I am the mayor of Skyberry. Forever and always.

[@jcstides]

FreshCutt that quote sure means a lot coming from the fake depressed girl singer. Faking depression is totally something a ton of people do. You can tell.

[@loudmoons]

JohnManofFunnyLand not always and depression is different for everyone so someone who is REALLY depressed could come off as fake.

[@letmetakeajormungandrattha8591]

StupidEditsGuy And what proof do you have for that claim?

[@jcstides]

Let me take a Jörmungandr at that hold on let me grab my fake depression statistics. Buddy it’s called having experience in a world where mental illness is seen as quirky on social media and everyone wants to be special. There are fake depressed people and you KNOW that there are.

[@loudmoons]

StupidEditsGuy yes there are attention seekers but you still have to procede with caution. Cause you can’t tell if they are or not. Better safe than sorry

[@CuspofCrazy]

Spoken from a voice that never feels heard: Thank you. I know how terrifying it is to be vulnerable, but I’m glad you took a leap of faith. You’ve created something beautiful, and I’m incredibly happy I came across this video today.

[@jannawary]

wasn't animal crossing created by a person with depression?

[@Terrongous]

hi im janna I think it was somebody who moved to america to work on games for nintendo and it was a completely new environment for him and he felt lonely in this completely different world, so he decided that was a good idea for a game

[@pablofmc]

@@Terrongous Katsura Eguchi, the creator, moved from Chiba to Kyoto when he was in 21. He worked in super mario 3, world and star fox before making AC. And yeah, he missed his friends and family, and wanted to create a game about being alone in a new place

[@Thawah]

To add to the comments above, I don't think he necessarily had depression (to our knowledge) but rather he felt depressed at the time due to his situation.

[@TheDuckyDino]

Not depression, just loneliness. All people with depression are depressed, but not all depressed people have depression

[@emilyhaggett8374]

Yes the creator wanted to make a game about loneliness/community and being a good neighbor!

[@a.redwood]

All those heartwarming stories in the comments make me so happy. I'm glad you are all feeling better. Animal Crossing is truly a wonderful and wholesome experience and this video helped me realise my own reasons for obsessing with the game. It's kind of magical how it works wonders on so many different people and their issues including myself. Thank you so much for this video.

[@Someone-uq2zq]

I still play new leaf. It’s a second life I have complete control over, it makes me feel free, and it’s a really cute, happy game(This might sound sad) but the characters really feel like mini friends that are capable of distracting me

[@GD3DBeats]

same brother! the characters didnt seem like npcs to me! it helped me thru hard times and i laughed alot.

[@GD3DBeats]

its my first 3ds game and always had a special place in my heart lol

[@Someone-uq2zq]

Steven V2 I thought I was the only human on earth that still played new leaf haha. the villagers are really human like and they remember things about you,, it’s pretty comforting

[@GD3DBeats]

yeah remember when streetpass worked? LOLOL

[@GD3DBeats]

but yeah i bought it in a pawn shop, 3 years after cut all the trees in my village, and couldnt figure out how to get them back, lost the game card, bought it again a year ago, and i still play lol it doesnt feel like deja vu at all to

[@carolineeiser5483]

When the severe outbreak of COVID-19 hit, i became depressed. Everything was cancled, my play that i had worked forever on, my school, everything. For me, there was no point in getting up. There was nothing to do anyway. I just would stay in my room for hours, scrolling through tik tok. Then i saw animal crossing on my fyp. I loved it from first sight, so i looked into it, loaded up my switch, and with my amazing mother's money (i rlly cant thank her enough) bought it. Now, there is a point to getting up so i can check the stores, make frienships with villagers and do all sorts of activites. Thank u, nitendo.

[@JessG_20]

This is similar to what the Sims is like for me. I don't really struggle with depression anymore (I did years ago as a teen) but I still have bad days and still feel the lack of motivation to do life at times...so when that happens, I go into my sims 4 game in which I've built an exact replica of myself, my family, friends, pets, exact house I live in, etc. and then I perform basic responsibilities within the game (going shopping, read, paint, to the gym, cleaning up, go to work, go for a hike, etc.) and after a little while it motivates me to get off my ass and actually go do those things for real. For a little while it makes life seem like a fun, silly session of playing the Sims. LOL!

[@leeannpelletier4117]

jgowee me too!! But instead of it being an exact replica it is sort of a fantasy life. I put so much effort into making my sims’ lives perfect that in the end it motivates me to do that for myself

[@itzahhmeluigi7512]

Wow that is crazy. You really made me picture it

[@a_bear]

Sims can make my depression sometkmes worse because it makes me realize how repetitive and "boring" everything can be idk. But it literally makes my anxiety so much better. Like I see my beloved sims maybe failing at school. It's more of an "uh oh oopsie woopsie" rather than "I'm gonna die I failed in life" reaction which I usually have and seeing them have the basic emotions as anger, embarrassement, saddness boredom makes me realize how silly programs we humans are and makes me care less and calms me. I cant be bothered to check my grammar, spelling or scenetnse scuture so sorry for mistakes lol

[@leeannpelletier4117]

@@a_bear Yeah, I get this! failing at school or work seems a lot more normal and just a part of life in Sims

[@carlstevenwilletts]

Animal Crossing is a really soft, luxurious pillow that cushions our fall into really deep holes. It cradles us, diverts us, and ultimately allows our anxiety to reduce to the point where the circus of life doesn't seem so daunting. The whole series is a blessing.

[@laffydaffy5133]

Im so numb honestly. My room is litterally my safe zone but also my tomb. I live in a mess, barely shower, trash everywhere, barely eat meals, looking for socks is just me grabing the floor for 2 used different colored pairs. Ive gone banannas. I plan on playing this new game in 2019 and I just started medicine that i stopped taking on my own. Doing anything sucks energy from me. Maybe I need YMCA rock climbing because staying on KZbin is really making it worse. Its a distraction so I dont get stuff done outside the internet realm

[@shadowblastxtreme9032]

Same tbh

[@emq5340]

Man, you should be a writer. I’d read your stuff.

[@kingzangy2114]

I know it's hard but try to keep a daily routine to motivate yourself. Write it down and stick it somewhere and read it everyday. Start with your environment. Clean your room, keep it orderly. Once that is good, take to yourself. Start to shower everyday. Doing this everyday wont take away depression or that feeling of numbness, but it will help you immensely. Having an active mind and body is the most essential thing to your health. A stagnant mind is the playground for depression and similar cases. I know it's easier said than done but push yourself every single day. Find a hobby you like, or get into something that interests you. It will help, it helped me.

[@camillakhau3170]

Rock climbing is an excellent choice. I currently still have lingering effects of depression here and there, so I took up bouldering (a form of rock climbimg except without a harness). This helped me out so much because it forces me to focus during the moment and I can't let my mind wonder, otherwise I will fall. It's almost therapeutic in a sense that I'm in control, and accomplishing that climb makes me feel a bit better. I definately recommend anyone else to try rock climbing, as it helped me change my mental state for the better. Please be kind to yourself, and I hope things get better for ya.

[@javiercastellanos8276]

Rock climbing! Go through with it. Get in some phisical experiences (atleast for me that helped me feel a sense of accomplishment). Best of wishes to you

[@zartheitalian5376]

Seeing this video just remembered me how deep in a pile of shit i am currently with my own depression but by the end. Maybe I'll just have to fight through it and there'll be a end to it. I contacted my therapist after this and resumed therapy, also looking to start retaking my medication. Thank you for this.

[@Zoltiboi]

I wish you the very best! You made a good decision :) I am proud of you

[@xash06]

Thank you so much for this video. I cried during it because animal crossing was my escape from depression and made me happy and help me cope with it. I thought I was the only one who felt this way. Animal crossing will always be my favorite video game series.

[@miranoire8715]

You know what's crazy is that I clicked on this video not sure who would be speaking or what this was truly about. Once I heard your voice and what tone you were setting I was a bit shocked to hear how this effected you. Im being honest that I'm going through a vunerable and uncertain time in my life and while I never played animal crossing I have played Story of Seasons and it's the same as wanting to be in control and letting the little victories bring momentary joy. I'm starting to see it as therapy for me to collect myself for the real world. I appreciate you and how vunerable you are, Im appreciative of this video.

[@Nintendan95]

15:25 Conversely, this hit over 1 million fucking views. Thanks for sharing your story, and I'm glad you were able to get out of that nasty hole. Depression really is a thing that cannot be explained. To anyone that's never felt it before, even with your explanations, they won't understand, and to everyone that has, they'll just be nodding up and down the whole video. Depression is the absolute fucking worst. Bravo for speaking about your experiences. AC is really something else.

[@carvedyournameinsnow]

i love how everyone is sharing their stories, shows how one game can move and change so many people.

[@TimHowardETR]

The summer of 2009 was when I went through my depression. No matter how much I wanted to turn it off, it just persisted. Family members and friends would try to help me but it was no use. Looking into my future, I honestly couldn’t even see myself living. Animal Crossing helped me in very similar ways. And like you said, it wasn’t a substitute for real life but it helped me transition back into real life in a constructive way as I went through therapy and talked about it with others around me. Today I’m married, in graduate school and get to help out at my local church. Thanks for the video man. Very timely and helpful for many I’m sure. Keep making content! I very much enjoyed this video. - Tim

[@CynAnne1]

I've played "AC" since GC, and everything you said rings true...I loved playing at night, because the music was calm and seemed to be 'just right' (except during the summer, when an unexpected 'tarantula catch' would make me 'jumpy' for quite a while...lol). Thank you for uploading this... 🙂

[@tracygoode3037]

The island at night in the summer....the most peaceful place around...

[@user-nr6pz8ye2p]

Wow animal crossing is truly amazing! I’m glad that this game has helped so many people, I’ve never seen so many paragraphs in the comment section. I remember my brother giving me £30 so I could buy the game. It was very fun. When I felt sad I would play it, happy I would play it. Having the idea of running a whole town is awesome, I love video games cause it is an escape. I truly wish everyone the best

[@_Ori.]

I won't waste anyone's time with my story with depression, but I think I really needed this. To hear that I'm not truly alone, that other people really go through this, and have these kinds of experiences. I know lots of people do, but hearing someone's story and hearing them open up like this just feels so comforting. Cheesy, I know, but thank you for this. It's truly a comforting video

[@ChazzDiStefano]

It’s a game, but it’s an interactive work of art. It’s a fictional simple life of innocence and slow paced town life we all subconsciously crave. It gets you in touch with your perspective of life as a child.

[@giginaa]

It’s so odd. When I was in the lowest part of my life, I played animal crossing constantly. Literally nonstop. In the morning, come home and play it after, day after day. But years after, now that I’m better, I haven’t played as much

[@isaacschmidt1359]

Watching this as I constantly deal with an anxiety disorder (Coronavirus quarantine doesn’t help). New Horizons is helping my mental health every single day. Thank you for sharing. 💙

[@Tournelis]

I still play animal crossing games to this day whenever I'm not feeling well mentally or emotionally, and it was there for me when I was 5 and my parents and I thought I was getting really sick (I went from having whooping cough to having strep throat, ultimately just simply having tonsillitis, though it got so bad to where I couldnt eat at all for a few weeks and had to have surgery) I missed a lot of school so I would always play animal crossing and funnily enough it actually boosted my reading level for school. When I wasnt able to play I'd watch my brothers play and would yell at them to slow down the text so I could finish reading. Of course my brothers got mad but eventually they were patient with me until I could finally keep up 😂 but it definitely had a huge impact on my life and I'll always appreciate that

[@sp8cey]

This video made me cry and it’s inspired me to get better. For the past few weeks I haven’t gotten the energy to do anything at all except look at my phone. I don’t even know if I have depression or not. Hopefully it’s just temporary. But watching this made me realize how much I’m missing out by staying in my room, in my bed all day. Thank you. ♡

[@denise-9206]

"There's really no winning when you let yourself stay in that mental state, and when you're depressed, you can't help but keep yourself in that mental state."

[@hellsarbiter101]

i strongly relate to this and the story of you discovering your diagnosis too. i went through a super rough patch right after graduating high school, and i lost the structure of school to rely on. i did 2 semesters of college before quitting because i couldnt keep myself motivated to complete it. i had no job and no motivation to get one and no schooling to attend either. for about two years, all i did was sleep in late and stay up late playing video games and screwing around on the internet. i truly felt like i was wasting away and i started tying a scarf around my eyes to block out any sunlight so i could sleep in later. i stopped eating full meals and i dropped maybe 20 lbs. i thought that i didnt have depression because i still showered and occasionally went out with friends but i was ignoring a lot of serious symptoms. video games and animal crossing specifically were a harbor away from irl problems that i knew i needed to pay attention to but couldnt work up the motivation to. like you mentioned in your video, talking to the villagers and doing little errands for them and accomplishing things in the game really did help me get through my day to day life. its a coincidence that new horizons came about right at the time i felt like i needed a new animal crossing the most. now im on medication and regularly seeing a therapist but those rough patches still come around and hit me. luckily playing new horizons and my friends and my partner have been helping me stay functional and im making more progress these days. really appreciate your video and hope youre doing better these days :)

[@lifesonelongskirmish4004]

Bro how do you not have more subscribers? This is by far a better, more genuine and impactful topic any video then any of the other gaming channels on KZbin. I suffer from depression too and your story was all the more inspiring to me. This video is truly unique and I’m so glad that you put in the time to make it, really it’s helping others more then you realize. I just subbed btw. You are a truly wonderful person no bs. I hope you continue to accomplish great things and continue to hold the depressive state in a head lock and show that you are in control and not depression. Thanks bro, I love this video, by far one of my favorites.

[@JustARandomPie]

I’ve never met someone who perfectly captured what I felt/feel. I can relate to this but with BOTW, thanks man. Hope you’re better now.

[@subice2158]

Hey, thanks for putting this video out. Really struck a cord with me. I wish you the best and can’t wait to see more from your

[@quinncookemillard6263]

Animal Crossing came to me semi-recently, as I continue to find balance in my family and my mind... I absolutely relate to this. On bad days, New Leaf coaxes me out of bed, and the villagers are so kind and caring. It means a lot to have it with me.

[@8clubb934]

began animal crossing with new leaf, started my first save when I was 6 years old. Today, I’m still playing on the same save as 7 years ago, and every time I log on I feel this sense of OK-ness. I’ve struggled (and am struggling) with a pretty severe anxiety disorder, (no depression,) but animal crossing (among a variety of other Nintendo games) not only have helped me with my anxiety, but have made me countless friends. Animal Crossing is so far beyond a game. It means so much more for so many people, (including myself). I’m so excited for ACNH!!

[@adecentaccount5887]

I am currently in a depression that was diagnosed to me several years ago. It comes back in waves. I play animal crossing every single day on my phone and when I get a breakdown or have a triggering moment I always put it on and start playing. It keeps reminding me to stay kind to others even when I feel like there is no kindness. This video made me tear up

[@georgie7347]

Every time I get super depressed and alone I always find my self coming back to the game and I never actually realised until seeing this video why my brain was subconsciously telling me to play again. It’s an escapism. It makes me feel wanted and relaxed. Whereas in real life I feel refused and really anxious. The game has changed my life a lot since I was really little and I feel quite dependent on it for happiness...

[@eggsteph]

Animal crossing will always hold a special place in my heart forever.

[@gagozutv2235]

Never suffered from depression, but I do think I understand it quite well. Hope you all give a good beating to depression and find some friends who'll appreciate you the same way you appreciate others. Good content, no idea how it got to recommended, but liked it ! PS: Whats the song name, it's really damn good..

[@mullet973]

Gagozu TV mad late but it’s from the animal crossing soundtrack. the first song is called 7PM

[@taylorburke8745]

What animal crossing helped me with was a major struggle. I've always wanted to get New Leaf, but my parents told me they'd get me it for my birthday. For almost an entire year I was so excited to get the game simply for the fact of building a town from scratch. At first I didn't care about the villagers, seeing as it was 2014 and at that time I was not depressed. Slowly during the year I began talking with a villager more often (Rosie), and I began to think of her a real friend. My parents decided that I was spending more time on my 3ds than, in their words, 'doing something productive'. They took my 3ds away and I slowly forgot about Rosie and Animal crossing. On March 8th of 2017, I found out my grandmother (who lived with me), died from not being able to breathe. Everyone in my family knew this was coming from the point we found out she had cancer, yet it devastated my sister and I especially. I always looked up to my grandmother. At times I'd actually say I loved her more than my Mom and Dad. I grew up in a dysfunctional family, and felt as though she was the only one that cared for me. During the two weeks I took off from school (since I was extremely close to her), I found my old 3ds and decided to play. Going back onto animal crossing was a life changer for me. And might I say it actually saved my life. Since March 8th, I have been suicidal. And since I'm the only one of my friends with depression, I truly felt alone. Once loading the game I was greeted by my door from the only villager that didn't move out, Rosie. She asked where I've been all this time, and I wished I could have replied. Some how her peppy personality, calmed me down and numbed my depression. For what I can say animal crossing has deeply touched us all, and I hope that I will never forget about it again.

[@murtaghk8408]

i feel the exact same, i havent been offically diagnosed with depression but my therapist has mentioned it frequently and ive had childhood trauma but as im still a child pretty much my schedule is go to bed at 4 am and wake up at 1 pm, i just feel so empty, i wake up with no expectations of myself and i just boot up my computer and mindlessly scroll through my steam games and watch youtube, i dont know what to do, i havent played animal crossing but i might get it, sounds fun

[@kellybananabelly594]

This was so good. I also have depression and anxiety, the past two years I've had nothing going on in my life. No job. No school. Rarely seeing friends because all I want to do is hide away in my room. Just therapy and trying to figure myself out. Other than my health and fitness (which I have latched onto like my life depends on it) I've used video games to keep me going, and I've only just realized that because of your video. Everything you said is so true. The fact that the only thing I'd look forward to when waking up was hoping right onto my game. I'd stay up til the sun rise playing, because I was too scared to go to sleep, in fear of the thoughts that might come into my head. I find it interesting for me that the games I became hooked on were life simulators like Animal Crossing and The Sims. I used those games to have control of some kind of life. Create a world in my image. Do what I wanted to do or felt I never could/can do in the real world. Be someone I wish I could be. I know it's not healthy, I know I need to live in the real world, but I can't help but thank these games for giving me some sort of joy in my life

[@ihatestairs9034]

kellybananabelly I’m literally in the same exact situation, though I’m still in high school. I don’t know why I act the way I do when I’m out in public, but it really sucks. I get high anxiety and become extremely paranoid about what people think about me. I sit at school as a nervous wreck and wait to get home to play video games, my real escape from reality. I often ignore my friends texts and calls asking me if they want to hang out, I purposely go offline on steam so that I don’t have to speak to anyone. I hate myself for doing this, but I can’t force myself to socialize because it kills my sanity. I have no idea how the rest of my life is going to go from here if I have trouble talking with basic, ordinary people, but at least I know I have games like Animal Crossing to fall back on when things start to get really bad.

[@kellybananabelly594]

@@ihatestairs9034 I hear you 💚 I would try and see a therapist, start now while you're young, don't wait for it to build up and get worse like I did

[@jacqueline7141]

I don’t suffer from depression but if I’m alone for too long I get in a really bad headspace, my older brother gifted me his switch and the new animal crossing game while he’s in the Air Force, and it’s really helping me get through the day while quarantined, having something to look forward to every day, and having new goals and fun things to do. I don’t have any other siblings and my parents are working all day, my house is so quiet. I think I’d be in a pretty bad headspace if it weren’t for this game. I’m actually playing it right now. This video made me so thankful for my brother and for this game. I think it can help a lot of people.

[@heistghoul8315]

Phenomenal video. I understand you feeling like this is cheesy, but there are many other people that feel and understand this. You also need more attention on your videos, the fact that you only have 100 subs is ridiculous for the quality you're putting out. Keep working hard! ☆

[@Juiceharlot]

My therapist said "medicine, therapy, support, and faith are all important to your mental health." Me : "Animal Crossing"

[@annaisntcool]

i know this video is a few months old at this point, but i can’t stress enough how glad i am that i came across it today. i can very much relate to your story and i’m glad you were comfortable enough to share it with the internet. in the past month, i’ve found myself playing new leaf again for the first time in 4 years. i’d like to think it is helping me get back on track during a particularly rough time with depression - though i really don’t know for sure if i’m any better because of it. having the daily tasks to take care of in new leaf really does make me feel like i’m committing to something every day, where as in real life i have struggled to find the same level of purpose. idk man this is pointless ramble, but i’m glad you made this video.

[@alisak4826]

When I can’t play the game, I listen to their ost. The music is a gift from God himself. Helps with my anxiety/depression so much.

[@melodybunbun8535]

New Horizons is my first experience with Animal Crossing and ya know, I feel exactly how you felt playing it. I have to wake up and go to work every day, but when I come home, it’s just emptiness and me battling my depression alone. ACNH has made me feel so much better and I am so happy my friends pushed me like hell to get it. I hope I can reach the point you have as far as getting professional help and being able to start functioning normally again. Thank you for sharing your story with us and being an inspiration 😊 It really gives me hope ✨

[@Dusky-Bunn1e]

Animal crossing soothed my Anxiety. I have bad anxiety and when i played it, it made me feel better.

[@christinacarlos7232]

This is the first video of yours I have ever watched, and I just want to applaud you for being so open and candid about everything. It's so unfair how men who suffer with depression are stigmatized. Thank you for sharing your story, and I'm so glad you're doing better. Animal Crossing got me through some hard times too, and even though I've never had depression, the way you articulated your words about why it was helpful for you is similar to why it was helpful for me.

[@jfloww]

I am crying so hard right now because I feel like it was fate for me to see this video. I too, used Animal Crossing during one of the worst periods of depression I’ve ever experienced, and I still think back to just how deep of a hole I was in. Animal Crossing New Leaf was the only thing that kept me looking forward to waking up at the time. My grades were slipping, I stopped seeing my friends and actively rejected invitations, I didn’t even recognize the person I had become. Like you said, video games are not a replacement for therapy or working on yourself. But having that little spark of hope that even if I accomplished literally nothing that day, I could still accomplish something in my virtual town in a game that I loved, kept me from suicide. I eventually got back on my feet, started taking initiative in my friendships, and cared about school again, I was able to get to a point in my life where maybe I wasn’t insanely happy, but I was grateful to be alive. It sounds so stupid to say to others, but I 100% completely understand. And as I am currently fighting through another low point with my depression, this video really resonated with something deep inside of me. Thank you so much for making this video, I will never forget it.

[@itsyourdudelogan7981]

You're videos are really good. When I clicked on the video my first thought was "This guy has to have at least 10k." Then halfway through the video I decided to look at your sub count. HOLY my dude, how do you not have more subscribers? The quality is so good! Keep up the great work.

[@Creepkido]

LoganAsh1388 woah he has 382 wow i thought he would have 10k too lol

[@crowmigration8245]

What! I thought it said 1.2M. I looked back and it's only 1.2K. This is an insane amount of views for that sub count.

[@axeltheking4157]

Your*

[@AceDRenegade]

Incredible video. First time viewer of your content and I think I'll stick around. I had a similar experience with new leaf. I was just as you described, alone/ mentally exhausted and staying up til sunrise. Time was just there to tell me to go to sleep. Some time later I had overcome the depression and was happy with a new job. I purchased new leaf shortly after and it was amazing. I was hooked. So heartwarming and relaxing. I eventually put it down. Fast forward 5 years and I had some belongings stolen a few months ago including my 3ds. I've been feeling anxious and depressed lately while trying new things. I just made arrangements to purchase a 2nd hand 3DS so I can replay New Leaf. I know it won't be a cure but it'll help.

[@BoldlyWired]

Thanks! And thanks for sharing. Hope you feel better soon, just keep at it and you'll get there!

[@change_later6561]

Thank you for sharing. As someone who has never dealt with depression (Or at least not on any level that could be considered lingering). I found this video helpful in understanding people that do. In a strange way I think I understand how animal crossing helped you, in the same way it helps me understand how depression works. I can't explain it too well, but in a since of somewhere between how you said it gave you something to do and it brought you balance and realizing what you do is in your control. That coupled with Knowing how animal crossing works I think helped me understand how depression works (a bit, I'm no expert all of a sudden). I think you sharing your experience is a wonderful thing. Thank you, I feel as though you have helped me as well.

[@claudiah.924]

This is seriously one of the most incredible videos I have ever seen and I appreciate it more than you could ever know - I have severe generalized anxiety, OCD and Panic disorder and animal crossing helps me immensely. I applaud you on your bravery to not only post this but to talk about your experience with mental health. It’s different for everyone and you are absolutely correct when you said that not everyone understands it. I also don’t talk about my mental health with anyone because there is such a huge stigma out there and it sucks, but I appreciate this video so so so much and I just feel understood. Thank you 😇

[@dreamwanderer9769]

This really warmed my heart knowing Animal Crossing has helped other people with depression like myself. I am a severe depressive with a mix sprinkle of generalized anxiety, which really does interfere with my daily life. My whole 2016 was a depressive episode, I stopped doing everything and all my "friends" stopped talking to me and I was pretty much living on my own, only seeing people at the job I worked at, which after the fact I saw how much that depressed me and how emotionally abusive the people there were. Prior to this, I was the self-motivated wonder kid who was going to graduate early, always drawing, reading and writing. No one would have pictured me as a dropout. That whole year I can only remember sketching three times though not finishing them, and I didn't pick up a single book and abandoned the books I was working on. These were the only anchors I had developed, and without them - I began to lose myself. It's honestly terrifying watching yourself fade away and not being able to do anything about it. Depression isn't always sadness like you said, sometimes it's just unable to feel at all, like you are burnt out. And towards the beginning of 2017, I somehow managed to work up enough motivation to attempt to change my situation, as I was tired of feeling like that. What ensued was...cataclysmic on my mental health. All 'n all, I was so desperate to change my situation I let my loneliness blind me and I put on rose colored glasses-or cinderblocks as you'll soon see, as I thought I made trustworthy friends. I decided it was time to stop being ashamed of my mental health issues and be open about it. And at first, it went magnificently well. These people were damaged to, but I didn't think any less of them because of it, in fact usually the most damaged are the most humble, so it a way it made me feel even safer. But...not everyone is humbled by their suffering I soon learned. Things I let these people get away with- Unwilling to learn about my mental health issues properly and treat me like I was dangerous/ insult me Being comfortable with me being homeless and not offering me help Using me for entertainment or to further them in school Not trust me for things that were out of my control and rubbing my face in my own failures (this one had severe adequacy problems, and I don't think could stand to know I was eligible for a higher position they were elsewhere, so it was easier to call me a liar, even though I had never lied to them, which stung all the more) Along with that last one, though they couldn't prove I had lied, and there was evidence to the contrary, they still treated me different anyway Leaving me for dead (Yeah, a red flag if any, I know) And A LOT more. This...terrified and damaged me more than I can ever express... Depression and anxiety warp your perception, and for the longest time I hadn't let people in as deep as I did with them because I only ever saw people hurting me and not truly caring. And though I was already an adult, I had never seeked anyone's friendship out either, people usually came to me. So after convincing me for months that they cared and valued my life, they eventually showed the side that terrified me the most; they showed me and assured me they never cared, and I was just an ends to the means. Though I am far away from them now, what they did still haunts me. Especially since they assured me they felt no guilt over doing these things. Though it's been many months, every time a situation arises where I could be even a little social, I usually avoid it. I'll never be able to understand how people can go on with their lives after damaging someone like that. I know I couldn't. I just can't comprehend how anyone could be so cruel, as I said, I thought they were humbled by their own suffering, but instead they only reinforced my beliefs and shattered the little hope I used to have. Sorry, that got, well, depressing, haha. Though not all is amiss. I know both time and care from others will help dull the pain, as it already has begun to. A part of this healing process has been helped by my Animal Crossing towns. There, I don't have to worry about them hurting me, unless my favorite villager moves away. The sense of community and relationships you can have are a real comfort. Now, with this games help, I have something to look forward to. And, well I almost feel ready to face the outside world and try and open up to new relationships again

[@astromoonie]

you deserve _good_ things! be kind to yourself and stay safe, b

[@maxmakesfilms69]

I think there's nothing wrong in admitting how games, TV shows, or films can allow for reflection on one's inner struggles and mental health conditions. Whilst you're absolutely right in that it doesn't replace professional help or prescribed medicine, I'd say that games like animal crossing help to remind you to literally take things a day at a time, plan ahead so you've got something to look forward to, and have that positive feedback loop that allows for a better sense of mindfulness. I had a similar experience, not with animal crossing but in the same way it seemed to spark something off in my head that made me want to better think on my situation, how I was feeling at the time and how I used to feel. I really should have sought professional help at the time (I was too stubborn in my shame to consider it), but I'm lucky in that it gave me the impetus to crawl out of the hole I had secluded myself in for quite some time. I hope you're feeling much better these days than you used to, and it's nice to know that other people have found solace in art as a form of healing and coming to terms with one's self.

[@ellenrice4830]

I've suffered from depression for 11 years, i'm 21 now. I've never considered using this to help with that, and I think this would be a HUGE help! Everything you said I was like, "Yes! This makes sense" and it was so helpful, thank you for posting this, I'm really looking forward for using this to help a little bit.

[@whyisgamora4191]

11 years? Lots of respect for you and I hope you can find your way back to the light soon.

[@leaflemon1765]

Thank you for sharing your story. I’ve gotten back into playing new leaf in preparation for the new game, new horizons, coming out next month...and I had the same realization yesterday. A lot of bad has happened and I’ve recently moved to get a better life but things still are way different, but the game helped give me hope that things don’t have to stay that way. Life is what you make of it, and flowers grow where you water them. People come and go, but there’s always a chance at making friends...and the little things we do in our community can make a huge difference. It’s been a lovely tool in my toolbox of keeping my head above water. I’m so glad it helped you the same, and I hope so many others see this and realize how healthy it was. I agree that it isnt a substitute for treatment, but I do think it’s a tool to help us get higher.

[@MimiTheHamster]

Animal crossing can be so therapeutic actually, the graphics, music, everything

[@roserafiei4877]

you explained depression and all of this perfectly

[@mushroomdude123]

Thank you so much for sharing this. Everything you described about your symptoms is 1:1 what I’m going through. I don’t feel like I have things to look forward too. I want to hang out with my friends, but I always tell myself “they’re too busy, what do they want with me?”. I purposely toss opportunities to meet new people because it’s too mentally taxing and stressful. I KNOW I have depression, but it’s never been diagnosed and nobody wants to at least try therapy. I have no job, so I can’t just do it myself. Where do I turn? Video games. This summer, I really got into Splatoon 2 and it’s doing for me what Animal Crossing did for you (kind of). It’s definitely helping me pass the time (a lot of it...) and distracting me, but... ...it’s not enough. No game, no matter how fun it is, can fix what’s going on in my head. I really don’t know what to do. I just feel stuck.

[@computer5272]

I was diagnosed with clinical depression almost a year ago now. Your experiences are very similar to mine, almost word for word. Thanks for sharing, I don't feel so alienated now. Although I was diagnosed only a year ago, looking back I realized the depression started around 8 or 9 years ago when I was 13 or 14. So having been depressed my entire adult life I have nothing to compare to, which is why hearing from people who have been on the other side of the curtain really teaches me a lot. I don't remember how I felt when I was 10 and I certainly wasn't self aware, so depression is literally all I know.

[@crowbirdyy]

As someone currently seeing a therapist due to finally giving in and reaching out about how I felt, this video was really close to home. No matter what the day had in store for me, there was always something to put myself down about. Everyday was a struggle to make it out of bed, and I still have those days. It's nice you made this video, I'm happy to hear your story. This was a great video, I'm rooting for you!

[@talysha22]

Ok this hit home HARD and also was so beautiful? This is how I’ve been feeling, stuck. It was cool to hear this side of healing. Thank you

[@meganraeee]

when my anxiety gets horrifically bad and absolutely everything is overwhelming and i struggle to cope, this is the game i come back to. every single time!

[@patentedyikes]

i feel like this video perfectly encapsulates the struggles of depression and how video games can play on that, positively and negatively. i really appreciated your story and glad its gotten better for you 😔🤲❤️ i randomly put this on and haven’t regretted it 10/10 video

[@michelles7601]

A few years ago I suffered from an eating disorder and at that time I played Animal Crossing a lot. I had a friend that'd ask me to meet up a lot which made me feel a lot less lonely. Sometimes we'd just have a sleepover at her house and play Animal Crossing the entire night which at that time was the only time I got away from everything else like school, therapy and home which is why Animal Crossing, specifically New Leaf, holds a dear place in my heart. It was how I could escape everything. My dad also played Animal Crossing and because I wasn't able to articulate my feelings well (still can't) and didn't really have any common ground with my dad it also helped me to maintain a somewhat healthy relationship with him (which sounds really ridiculous tbh but well).

[@WZRDr]

Good to hear, remember to eat/cook delicious food!

[@michelles7601]

@@WZRDr Thank you! I'm trying my best, even though I still get caught up in unhealthy thought patterns. I have managed to maintain a somewhat healthy weight for almost 4 years now which makes me feel great because I get to enjoy life to a much greater extent!

[@WZRDr]

@@michelles7601 well, life will have its ups and downs (๑و•̀ω•́)و its beautiful if we can learn to appreaciate it, altho its kinda tricky.

[@michelles7601]

@@WZRDr that's true. We gotta try to make the best of the time we have here:)