Mental Health Awareness Month Feature: How Stack Up is Dedicated to Military and Veteran Mental Health Through Gaming
Source: Stack Up (2023)
Promoting Mental Health Through Gaming
When it comes to Mental Health Awareness Month, our service members, veterans, and their families are especially crucial. This month serves as a reminder that everyone has a responsibility to support our selfless military service members and veterans by advocating mental health support. As a service-disabled, veteran-owned company, this is especially important to us.
Here at Evocati PR, we are proud to recognize a very special nonprofit this month. The Stack Up team endlessly gives their energy towards combating veteran suicide through gaming and creating strong online communities.
About Mental Health Awareness Month
“As a veteran living with anxiety and coping disorder, mental health is just as important as physical health. In fact, they’re the same. That’s why activities like gaming, and organizations like Stack-Up, are so important to our community. They’re finding unique ways to combine a passion for gaming with mental health awareness all while building a shared community. As a gamer and veteran, I love what Stack Up is doing.”
Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every May. It is a month to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and others. It is a time to promote mental health and wellness and reduce stigma so individuals dealing with mental health issues are empowered to seek help. The initiative also highlights the importance of creating a supportive community for those struggling with mental health challenges.
For the military-connected community, it is increasingly vital. 14% of US suicides were veterans. Only 8% of the US population are veterans. Our service members are trained to look danger and death in the eyes, calm, cool, and collected. They are praised for their resolve and being strong. There is an increased stigma for military members to seek help, yet PTSD, depression, and suicide are equally prevalent in our military-connected community.
The Mental Health Benefits of Gaming
Source: Squarespace
When it comes to mental health, gaming may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, recent studies have shown that gaming can have numerous benefits for our well-being. For starters, gaming can serve as a form of relaxation and stress relief, allowing players to escape from the pressures of everyday life.
Additionally, gaming can improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. It can also provide a sense of achievement and social connection, especially in online gaming communities. It's important to note that moderation is key; excessive gaming can have negative effects. But for those who enjoy gaming in moderation, it can be a valuable tool for maintaining mental wellness.
The Stack Up Mission
Source: Stack Up (2023)
Stack Up's mission is to support US and Allied veterans by promoting positive mental health and combating veteran suicide through gaming and geek culture.
The organization accomplishes its mission by sending video game Supply Crates to veterans and deployed service members, all-expenses-paid trips for veterans to come together at gaming and geek events, their 24/7 crisis intervention program, and of course, their phenomenal volunteers and donors.
If you haven't heard of them, check them out today to learn more about what Stack Up does for the military-connected community.
How to Support Stack Up
“Back when we first started, I had no grand aspirations of becoming a mental health charity. I was simply sending gaming consoles to guys and gals deployed overseas in combat zones. But when those same people come back and tell you that you helped save their lives? It really changed how I thought about the direction of Stack Up. And here we are today!”
We are extremely proud to showcase and support Stack Up and to donate to their mission accomplishment. To support their mission, consider donating to Stack Up today.
You may also enjoy reading …
