Leveling Up Mental Health

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 MinhasIntro Animation: Marco PerriMusic: Alexander SmithInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/levelingupmentalhealth/

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 SmithResources:Recovery Alberta Addiction Helpline (24/7): 1-866-332-2322Adult Addiction Services (Calgary): 403-367-5000Digital Wellness Lab: https://digitalwellnesslab.orgCalgary Distress Centre: 403-266-4357For immediate distress or emergencies: 9-1-1

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): 403-234-7233Alberta ONE LINE for Sexual Violence: 1-866-403-8000Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse (CCASA): 403-237-5888Calgary Distress Centre: 403-266-4357For immediate distress or emergencies: 9-1-1

LEVELING UP MENTAL HEALTH is all about examining the intersection of VIDEO GAMES and MENTAL HEALTH.In the premiere episode, Calgary psychologist Andrew Nicholson and his best friend and actor Adolyn H. Dar interview each other about their lifelong love of video games, the impact of games on their mental health, and how video games saved their friendship.Editing: Gurvir MinhasIntro Animation: Marco PerriMusic: Alexander Smith

Leveling Up Mental Health is a podcast exploring the intersection of VIDEO GAMES and MENTAL HEALTH. Calgary-based psychologist Andrew Nicholson co-hosts with his best friend, actor Adolyn H. Dar, to try and answer the age old question - are video games the HERO or the VILLAIN?The first run of episodes include interviews with guests who offer expertise on video game addiction, video games and violence, and the perspective of a local game developer.