Leveling Up Mental Health

Neurodivergent Gaming: Coping Skills & Cozy Games

Calgary psychologist Andrew Nicholson and his best friend and actor Adolyn H. Dar sit down with Mira Maschmeyer to talk about neurodivergent gaming. Mira shares about her experience with cozy gaming, what that means to her, and why it is an important coping tool for her diagnosed autism spectrum disorder. Editing: Gurvir Minhas Intro Animation: Marco Perri Music: Alexander Smith

Game Developer Dilemmas: How to represent mental health in video games

Calgary psychologist Andrew Nicholson and his best friend and actor, Adolyn H. Dar, sit down with local Calgary game developer Keith Mitchell to talk about all things gaming and mental health related, including ideas and challenges for representing mental health in video games, behind the scenes knowledge on game development, and exploring the responsibility of game developers. Editing: Gurvir Minhas Intro Animation: Marco Perri Music: Alexander Smith

Female Perspectives of Online Gaming

Do gamers who identify as female have a unique experience of video games and how they impact their mental health? Calgary-based psychologist Andrew Nicholson and his best friend and actor Adolyn H. Dar sit down with Andrea Fong, who has completed research on this exact topic. She shares both her academic knowledge, as well as her own personal journey, in an episode that explores the female perception and experience of gaming online. Editing: Gurvir Minhas Intro Animation: Marco Perri Music: Alexander Smith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/levelingupmentalhealth/

Is Video Game Addiction Real?

Is video game addiction real? Does playing for 10 hours a day automatically mean you’re addicted? Or can video games play a large and still healthy role in our lives? Andrew and Adolyn sit down with Calgary-based psychologist, Michaela Rebus, who works with addiction of all kinds, including video game addiction. She shares her experience and knowledge exploring these important questions. Editing: Gurvir MinhasIntro Animation: Marco PerriMusic: Alexander Smith Resources: Recovery Alberta Addiction Helpline (24/7): 1-866-332-2322 Adult Addiction Services (Calgary): 403-367-5000 Digital Wellness Lab: https://digitalwellnesslab.org [https://digitalwellnesslab.org/] Calgary Distress Centre: 403-266-4357 For immediate distress or emergencies: 9-1-1

Gender Violence and Video Games - Can games be used for violence prevention?

Do violent games increase violence in society? Calgary psychologist Andrew Nicholson and his best friend and actor Adolyn H. Dar interview Kenzie Gordon, a social worker and PhD Candidate whose research examines the intersections of gender-based violence and video games. Enjoy a fascinating conversation on representations of violence in mainstream games and the positive use of games to prevent violence. Editing: Gurvir MinhasIntro Animation: Marco PerriMusic: Alexander SmithResources: Connect Domestic Violence & Abuse Helpline (Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter): 403-234-7233 Alberta ONE LINE for Sexual Violence: 1-866-403-8000 Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse (CCASA): 403-237-5888 Calgary Distress Centre: 403-266-4357 For immediate distress or emergencies: 9-1-1