Can mental health issues be tackled by playing games?

Play therapy can be very effective in combating trauma, anger management issues, grief, depression, and anxiety, in children aged 4 to 12. It works on a subconscious level, using a child's natural form of communication: play.

To address a range of emotional, social and behavioural problems among young children, some local doctors are prescribing a bit of fun, through "play therapy".
According to the World Health Organisation, mental health disorders affect between 10 and 20 per cent of all children. "This is a worryingly high number. If a child's mental health problem remains untreated, there is a strong chance that it will detrimentally influence his or her development, educational attainments and potential to live a fulfilling and productive life," said Taimur Hydari, clinical supervisor and certified play therapist, Breath and Health Alternative Medical Centre in Dubai.
Play therapy can be very effective in combating trauma, anger management issues, grief, depression, and anxiety, in children aged 4 to 12. It works on a subconscious level, using a child's natural form of communication: play. "Children play out their problems and feel just as relieved when they've been given that opportunity," he said. "When a child has the opportunity to express what is troubling them alongside a trained practitioner or therapist, they are often able to gain an understanding of what's troubling them and why, build resilience and effective coping mechanisms, and eventually overcome the difficulty.
 bernd@khaleejtimes.com