The UK Esports Team Committee (UKETC) is partnering with nonprofit organization Play Aid to help players overcome mental health struggles and improve their well-being. Players are trained using the Psychological First Aid approach by the UK non-profit Play Aid so they can cope with the stressful atmosphere of competitive gaming and streaming in addition to their normal lives. The method has a variety of uses, including professional gaming, although it was initially developed to aid people with PTSD.
The initiative is backed by Movember, a worldwide organization devoted to promoting men's health. To assist teammates in overcoming any difficulties at the beginning of the program, each of the UKETC teams will have psychological first-aid trainers within their groups. The teams stated that they wish to serve as an example of how to concentrate on enhancing both physical and mental health.
Esports Mental Health Initatives
UKETC's Teams Unite with Play Aid for a Mental Health Initiative
Trend Themes
1. Esports Mental Health Awareness - There is an opportunity for organizations and individuals to raise awareness and support for mental health in the esports industry.
2. Psychological First Aid Training - There is a need for more training programs and resources that focus on mental health support in high-stress industries such as esports.
3. Wellness Programs for Competitive Gaming - There is an opportunity for companies and individuals to develop comprehensive wellness programs that focus on both physical and mental health for esports athletes.
Industry Implications
1. Esports - The esports industry can invest in mental health initiatives and wellness programs for players, coaches, and other staff members.
2. Nonprofit - Nonprofit organizations like Play Aid can continue to promote mental health support for esports athletes and partner with industry stakeholders to provide resources.
3. Men's Health - Organizations that focus on promoting men's health, like Movember, can partner with esports teams and organizations to promote mental health awareness and support for male esports athletes.