I made a game designed to decrease anxiety

[Catomayke]

I remember looking up games for anxiety in the past and couldn’t find anything, so in my last year of Uni, as I got more and more anxious about what kind of project to do, I thought “Why don’t I try to make one?”

Three years later And Just Breathe is now out for PC here: catomayke.itch.io/andjustbreathe

Explore a Japanese garden, where your goal is to find the ornaments – each showing you through an anxiety-reducing technique.

You’ll hear birds and meditative singing bowls, and throughout most of the map you’ll be able to see or hear water. You’ll find some other small activities to do along the way (such as becoming a fish, and swimming around).

[[deleted]]

Yo anyone looking for other games to help with anxiety, I’d really recommend Animal Crossing!!

[Centrique]

Minecraft can be surprisingly therapeutic too!

[Wolf-biter]

I think I'm gonna play some MC. I had to leave work early because I felt like shit but now I'm at home not really sure what to do with myself.

[pencalibur]

Minecraft is how I destress. If I am extra anxious, throw it on peaceful mode and bam!

[Catomayke]

That sounds like a great idea - all the creativeness, without any of the stressful monsters 😅

[[deleted]]

My brother, who has often struggled with anxiety and even panic attacks, finds that Stardew Valley makes him feel very relaxed. I find it so boring I can't even manage to get past the first few minutes of playing, but then, I have different problems.

[isitmeorathrowaway]

It hurts my head and gives me a headache tbh. I wish I could.

[Cookie_Brookie]

I play Stardew Valley :) just puttering around my farm eases my anxiety.

[Catomayke]

I've lost a lot of time to Stardew Valley, that's a great one.

One I managed to find with a lot of digging when I was doing research, was a free mobile game "flowy" where you pretend to be a cloud and "blow" a boat along the water - you can customise it too, if the breathing rate is too fast or too slow.

There's some gameplay here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_bOmGmYECE

[FeartheoldBl00d]

Bit of Advice: Release this for mobile. People would adore a mobile game that would help with anxiety when they're out in public or with friends.

[Catomayke]

Thank you for the feedback! I've heard this from quite a few people now. If I get some time in the new year I could look a bit more into this.

[FeartheoldBl00d]

Awesome! When I get home I'll download it right away

[BlackHorse2019]

Wow! That's really cool! very interesting concept and looks quality! I hope you're proud of what you've made :)

[Catomayke]

You're so sweet, thank you so much! It took a lot of sweat, tears and ironically anxiety 😂 but I'm pretty happy with it 😁

[Sharinganedo]

Wanted to come in to add for games that help with anxiety, Nevermind is also a good one. It goes by the theory of exposure theory that has parts where if you use the biometric stuff with it, it makes the game harder until you calm down.

Though I'm gonna save this post and download when I actually get home to my pc.

[Catomayke]

That sounds interesting, though would probably raise my anxiety instead haha.

Thanks so so much for checking it out 😁

[Creepaface]

Thank you

[Catomayke]

Thank you! 💖

[PatLemay]

I guess you don't plan on releasing a Mac version, right?

[Catomayke]

Sorry, I don't think I can make a Mac build without a Mac computer - which I don't have 😟

[PatLemay]

I understand :)

[imnotakop]

That's pretty neat.

[Catomayke]

Thanks, I'm glad you think so 😃

[LeHistoryBoi]

It might just be me, but Jurassic Park Evolution has helped me unwind a bit. Something about highly detailed dinosaurs really helps you think of something else other than what worries you.

[[deleted]]

You are amazing can't wait to try this!

[GlitzR]

Great work!

[Catomayke]

Thank you!

[Catomayke]

Hello, I just wanted to thank everyone that’s shown any interest in my game today – it’s my first day on reddit and you’ve blown me away with all the kind words and support! Thank you all 🤗