I have heard two theories on how to treat anxiety:
1) Paul Gilbert's theory that the brain's 'threat system' is overdeveloped and the 'soothing system' underdeveloped, and the right treatment is to stimulate the 'soothing system'.
2) Steven Quartz' theory that the brain's evaluation of risk has become distorted, and that the right treatment is any form of 'risky play' that you can tolerate; with an emphasis on being able to feel you've achieved something after taking (reasonable) risks.
(Both of these are about how you reduce anxiety in the long term, not how you cope with it if you're overwhelmed in the moment).
Video games could in theory work for either - but not the same ones. Under the second theory, coziness may work in the moment, but seeking coziness could inhibit long term reduction of anxiety.
I don't know which theory has the more evidence. ( Also I'm not an expert and the consensus theory might be something else entirely. )
1) Paul Gilbert's theory that the brain's 'threat system' is overdeveloped and the 'soothing system' underdeveloped, and the right treatment is to stimulate the 'soothing system'.
2) Steven Quartz' theory that the brain's evaluation of risk has become distorted, and that the right treatment is any form of 'risky play' that you can tolerate; with an emphasis on being able to feel you've achieved something after taking (reasonable) risks.
(Both of these are about how you reduce anxiety in the long term, not how you cope with it if you're overwhelmed in the moment).
Video games could in theory work for either - but not the same ones. Under the second theory, coziness may work in the moment, but seeking coziness could inhibit long term reduction of anxiety.
I don't know which theory has the more evidence. ( Also I'm not an expert and the consensus theory might be something else entirely. )