Mental Jam
Mental Jam is a research project that explores how methods of video game co-creation can facilitate the participation of individuals with lived experiences of depression and anxiety to build empathy and mental health awareness among young people.
People with lived experience of mental illness have used different artistic mediums to portray their stories as a form of self-expression and to raise community awareness. Video games offer interactive and immersive experiences that can inspire players to gain knowledge of the lived perspectives of others. The research project will provide a venue for young people with lived experience of depression and anxiety to share their stories, learn new game development skills and work together to develop video games through game jam workshops.