Suicidal thoughts are often a response to wanting to free ourselves from some form of pain or to lift a perceived sense of burden. Life can feel hopeless and we can feel that we do not have value or that people would be better off without us. We always have value and there are always people whose life will forever be worse off if you are not in it. Suicide leaves a devastating impact on families, friends, and communities.

Suicidal thoughts may also stem from a lack of control. In situations where there appears to be no viable options, suicidal thoughts may present themselves as a solution. When we are in the midst of a crisis, it is hard to think clearly. Try to avoid making major decisions during periods of major distress. Even if it appears hopeless, there is always another way.

Talking through the problem can help. Speaking to someone about how you feel can help you to break the cycle. Hearing someone you care about is having such thoughts or having them yourself can be alarming but try to stay calm. If you’re concerned you or someone you care about is in immediate danger, call the emergency services.



The question of whether adolescent engagement with violent video games drives aggressive behaviour in young people is a critically important one. Broadly speaking, the best available evidence does not support the position that playing violent video games is related to aggressive behaviour. The evidence also suggests that the amount of time a teenager spends playing violent video games does not predict whether or not he will engage in aggressive behaviour. However, it is important to note that some mechanics and situations in gaming cause players to feel angry. Some examples include feeling incompetent, trash talking or competing with other players during gameplay. These are still important and under researched topics that have direct implications on antisocial online behaviours such as bullying, trolling and griefing. However, there is limited evidence to suggest these behaviours transcend into off-line settings. 

Despite the evidence, it will likely remain an unsettled question for parents, pundits and policy-makers whether violent video games drive aggressive behavior. For us, video games are just the latest medium to come under media scrutiny. History tells us that cinema and even books have been subjected to similar concerns. This is not to say that the immersive nature of video games may not affect people differently, but to provide a wider context that these are not new concerns. Whilst the focus in the media has been on the perceived relationship between playing violent video games and violent behaviour, less focus has been on the positives. The social benefits are now well established and psychological benefits are emerging. However, most of these relationships are mediated by, to some extent, individual differences in the players. We argue that the effect of video games on a person's well-being is dependent on multiple factors, including the type or style of game being played, the motivation behind its use, and moderation in gameplay. 


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Most young people in the developed world play video games. Many play violent video games. Since the inception of gaming as a recreational activity there have been concerns about possible negative effects. Studies polling members of the general public as well as scientists suggest that views concerning the effects of gaming on young people vary widely, depending on demographics and personal experiences with games. While some researchers have found that gaming has social and cognitive benefits, others have gone as far as to argue that it contributes to mass-shooting events. The question then is -- does playing violent video games lead to aggression?

The impact of video games on individuals and society is a topic that has been debated by scholars and professionals for many years. There is still no consensus, however, on whether playing violent video causes aggression. In such cases, policy-makers are typically cautious where scientific knowledge about something new is lacking. In accordance with this logic, groups such as the American Psychological Association have warned people to limit how much time they spend playing video games. The Australian and Swedish governments, however, have concluded there is no evidence that youth aggression is caused by gaming.

The most widely accepted theory to explain the link between violent video game engagement and aggression is called the general aggression model (GAM). The general aggression model proposes that repeated exposure to violent media increases the accessibility of aggressive thoughts, which in turn increases the probability of an individual exhibiting aggressive cognitive schema and behavior. The available evidence using the general aggression model to study the effect of playing violent video games on aggression has provided mixed support. More recently, researchers have criticised the use of the general aggression model, suggesting that there are multiple factors key to understanding the relationship between playing violent video games and aggression that are overlooked when adopting such an approach. For example, that people with aggressive tendencies are attracted to violent video games, and that games may elicit aggression in experimental settings not because they prime those schema but rather frustrate players' need for competence. 



Does playing violent video games cause aggression?

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In recent research there has been emerging links between diet and good quality nutrition and mental health status. Studies have shown that diet is one of many different pieces in the prevention of poor mental health and the promotion of positive mental health. 

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You can help improve your mental health by ensuring that you get a healthy balanced diet as deficiencies in micronutrients have implicated a significant number of mental health problems. For example, by consuming green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach you consume folic acid, which a deficiency in has been shown to cause anxiety, depression and psychosis.

We know that energy drinks like Monster and Red Bull are especially prominent within the gaming community however in recent studies and reports published by the World Health Organisation, there are serious health risks that are a consequence of energy drink consumption. 

Potential risks associated with energy drink consumption include:

*   Caffeine (which can lead to a number of symptoms, including palpitations, high blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, convulsions and, in some cases, even death)

*   Type 2 diabetes – as high consumption of caffeine reduces insulin sensitivity

*   Neurological and cardiovascular system effects in children and adolescents

*   Sensation-seeking behaviour

*   Use and dependence on other harmful substances

*   Poor dental health

*   Obesity (Combined with the sedentary nature of gaming is an even bigger risk)



You Are What You Eat

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## **WHAT ARE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS?**

Suicidal thoughts can come from many different places and can be caused by a variety of elements. If you’re having thoughts about suicide, it is common to feel shame or worry that there is something wrong with you. Thoughts can pop into our mind without warning. There is no need to feel shame and having such thoughts does not mean there is something wrong with you.

Sometimes suicidal thoughts are drawn from fleeting emotions that are short-lived. If we find ourselves in a situation where we feel trapped, angry or uncomfortable. In these situations, it is normal to briefly think about taking your own life. They're quite common and as long as they're not too intense or persistent, you shouldn’t be overly worried. However, if the suicidal thoughts begin to spiral or you find yourself obsessing about your thoughts, you should talk to someone about your feelings.


Understanding Suicidal Thoughts

Play Aid is an international non-profit organisation using the power of play to enhance young people's health and wellbeing.

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