Mental Health

[Octavian]

Hey folks,

I've been a player on this server for a while on and off. I've only really been at it regularly for the past year. In that time, I've been reminded that P99 is much more than a video game. It's a community. Many of you have met each other and formed very real friendships. The memories you create together are, of course, very real and meaningful. The accomplishments in game give us a justifiable sense of pride in our very real hearts.

I've been thinking a lot about this server, why it is so special, and who finds the most meaning in it. Nostalgia is a very important thing for some people. For many of us, the present time may be full of stress, poor health, toxic relationships, unfulfilling jobs, heartbreak, and any number of other negative factors. I, myself, deal with depression (the happy-go-lucky tunnel guy?! yup... me too). It comes and goes. I find that, when it comes, I am much more inclined to spend a lot more time playing immersive video games (and sleeping too much and eating fast food). This server is a special place. It is an escape for so many of us. And for so many players on this server, the past is where its preferable to be. These raids may bring some players back to a time in their lives when things were simpler. Running through an old zone may help someone to feel more connected to a person they may have lost in their life. These things matter.

Sometimes, unfortunately, we're not always great at managing our mental health. Sometimes, unfortunately, we get pulled into cycles of treating other people poorly, projecting our own insecurities onto others, and abdicating our responsibility for our own behavior. Sometimes it takes the form of trolling. The point is, this server and this incredible sense of nostalgia and connection to our past is something that attracts many types of players, including those who may feel broken, hopeless, angry, sad, alone, abandoned, etc.

I just want to remind everyone reading this post that you are not only a part of this community, you're integral to this community. More than that, this community is here for you. I'm here for you. Feel free to vent about your work day here, share an uplifting story, memory, etc. Feel free to ask for help here. Feel free to be open and honest here. Some may troll, hopefully not. But if they do, try to understand that they are probably hurting even more than you. Anyway, hopefully this reminds everyone to take care of themselves and that it's never too late to look inward, take stock, and begin to work on yourself. You can be whatever version of yourself you want to be.

If anyone needs help finding a therapist who takes their insurance, feel free to check out THIS WEBSITE. You can enter your ZIP code and it'll list therapists near you, their specialties, and their accepted insurance plans. If you don't have insurance but still want to find a therapist, CLICK HERE to check out some resources that will help you to get the care you deserve.

Love yourself, people. And be kind to each other.

<3 Oct