Integrating Mental Health Awareness into the Gaming Industry's Core

According to Sky Tunley-Stainton, Partnerships and Training Manager at Safe In Our World, the charity's ultimate goal is to make it commonplace for individuals to openly discuss their mental health struggles without fear of stigma. "Our mission is to promote positive mental health and provide support, not just for gamers, but for everyone involved in the video game industry, including developers, publishers, and retailers," Tunley-Stainton explains. "We aim to bring the industry together to start a conversation that can change lives." When asked about the biggest obstacle to the industry's acceptance of mental health services, Tunley-Stainton notes that mental health support is often seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. To combat this, Safe In Our World offers free resources and partnership programs to make mental health support more accessible. The charity emphasizes that mental health care should be a fundamental aspect of any workplace. Tunley-Stainton highlights the importance of studios promoting better mental health conversations and avoiding stigmatizing language in their recruitment practices. Safe In Our World shares personal stories through its website and podcast to help destigmatize mental health discussions. The charity also recognizes the need to focus on the experiences of underrepresented communities and has developed global training programs and resources to address these specific needs. Recently, Safe In Our World released a self-help book, Sidekick: The Video Games Mental Health Journal, to provide a physical tool for individuals to explore their mental health. The book offers practical prompts and exercises to help people engage with their mental health journey. Looking ahead, Tunley-Stainton is optimistic about the growth of mental health advocacy in the industry. The charity plans to roll out more training programs and resources to encourage industry-wide commitment to mental health support. With nearly 150 level-up mental health partners globally, Safe In Our World aims to continue expanding its network and promoting a cultural shift toward prioritizing mental health in business operations.