Playing Pokémon Go Could Help Manage Your Depression

Pokémon is making a comeback!  The new Pokémon Go app is definitely the newest gaming sensation.

According to The Huffington Post, more Android users have downloaded the app than the popular dating app Tinder. Pokémon Go is even on it’s way of having more daily active users than Twitter.

Pokémon Go uses your phone’s GPS and clock to detect where and when you are in the game and make Pokémon appear around you to catch. The idea is to encourage people to travel around the world to catch these Pokémon. The more you move around, the more Pokémon you can catch.

Exercise helps greatly with depression, and since Pokémon Go requires a lot of walking and traveling, this app is said to have positive impacts on those with mental health problems. Psych Central states that being motivated to be active when you’re depressed can be a challenge, which is why engaging in this app can be very helpful. It can also help those with social anxiety, since the app allows you to interact with others in person.

There are a couple of downsides, though. A woman found a dead body while looking for water Pokémon near a river and a lot of people are posting about their injuries on social media. Police in several areas have even issued warnings, asking people not to use the app while driving.

The takeaway: we know you gotta catch ‘em all (and it can be a healthy pursuit), but be safe about it.