Games

Games aren't just for fun — research shows they can be a powerful tool for mental recovery. I added this section because I believe resilience should feel accessible, not clinical. Sometimes the best reset is a few minutes of focused play. 

A separate clinical study found that veterans with combat-related PTSD who played visuospatial video games alongside their therapy showed increases in hippocampal volume — the brain region associated with memory regulation — compared to those who received therapy alone. Greater hippocampal growth was linked to continued reductions in PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms months later. PubMed Central

A review published in the Journal of Veterans Studies found that games can trigger the release of dopamine and endorphins in the brain, producing effects that help ease anxiety and PTSD symptoms. Veterans in the study reported that gaming helped with mood management, stress relief, and building a sense of confidence and control. Journal-veterans-studies

The VA's own research found that veterans recovering from mental health challenges reported that games helped them manage moods, replace risky coping behaviors, and feel more connected to others — benefits they described as meaningful alongside traditional therapy. VA Research