Nowadays, anxiety has become an increasingly common mental health problem in our society. The constant pressure, the accelerated pace of life and the demands of everyday life can generate a state of emotional imbalance that affects people's mental stability. In this context, it is important to analyze how certain factors, such as video games, can influence mental health and trigger extreme situations such as familicide.

Video games as escape and as a problem

Video games have long been a popular form of entertainment, especially among young people. Their ability to immerse players in virtual worlds and offer them the possibility of living exciting and challenging experiences makes them an attractive option to escape reality and release accumulated stress. However, the excessive use of video games and their impact on mental health has been the subject of controversy and debate in recent years.

Studies have shown that excessive use of video games may be related to problems anxiety, depression and social isolation. Video game addiction, known as "gaming disorder", has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a mental disorder that requires attention and treatment. When video games become the main source of gratification and escape from reality, they can have negative consequences on the mental health of players.

The Elche familicide: an extreme case

In 2019, the news of the familicide that occurred in Elche, Spain, shocked society and revealed the relationship between video games, anxiety and extreme violence. A 25-year-old young man killed his parents and grandmother before taking his own life, in an act that stunned the local community and sparked a debate about the factors that can lead a person to commit such a tragic act.

According to police investigations, the young man was an avid video game player and spent long hours in front of the screen, immersed in virtual worlds full of violence and action. He described himself as a competitive and dedicated gamer, raising the question of whether his obsession with video games may have contributed to his mental deterioration and the escalation of violence that culminated in the familicide.

Yes Although it is important not to stigmatize all video game players, this extreme case highlights the need to seriously and responsibly address the influence of video games on people's mental health. The combination of anxiety, video game addiction and other triggering factors can lead to extreme situations that endanger the lives of individuals and those around them.

Prevention and treatment of anxiety

Anxiety is a condition that can affect people of all ages and lifestyles. It is important to recognize the signs of anxiety and seek professional help if necessary. Treatment of anxiety may include psychological therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes to reduce stress and promote emotional well-being.

Recommendations to maintain your sanity

To maintain your sanity sanity in times of anxiety, it is essential to take care of our mental and emotional health. Some recommendations that can help reduce stress and improve our well-being include:

  • Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing.
  • Maintain a sleep routine adequate and get enough rest.
  • Exercise regularly to release tension and promote the release of endorphins.
  • Maintain a balanced and healthy diet to nourish our body and mind.
  • Set healthy limits on the use of technology and electronic devices, including video games.

It is important to remember that mental health is a fundamental part of our overall well-being, and that We must take care of it as much as we take care of our physical health. Prevention and treatment of anxiety are key to avoiding extreme situations such as the Elche familicide and to promoting a healthier and more balanced society in which we can all thrive.