By Douglas McWilliams M.D., Board Certified Psychiatrist – Columbia, MD
Virtual Appointments Across Maryland, Wisconsin, and Virginia
I was recently invited to write a piece on Mothership, and independent publication covering gaming culture, about the video game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
The game itself addresses the process of grief and how people carry loss. It also addresses the concept of patient and medical autonomy. It balances avoidance with being able to effectively process loss, while simultaneously empowering us to make our own decisions.
Writing about popular culture is a new endeavor for me. It has been my observation that the mental health space does not involve video game culture effectively into clinical conceptualizations. This is part of the reason about why I write about games. Millions of people spend time in these worlds, many of them involve themes of depression, loss, and recovery. I think we can utilize some of these pieces of art to improve our mental health while simultaneously bringing enjoyment.
My ideas have garnered attention and I was offered a writing post on Psychology Today to speak to these exact topics.
The full piece is on Mothership. If the themes resonate and you’re looking for support, my contact page is here.
Psychiatric Care in Maryland, Wisconsin, and Virginia
I provide outpatient psychiatric evaluation and medication management to adults across Maryland, Wisconsin, and Virginia via telehealth. If you’re trying to make sense of what you’re experiencing and want a thorough, unhurried evaluation, I offer a free 15-minute consultation to start.
Douglas McWilliams, M.D. is a board-certified psychiatrist based in Columbia, Maryland, offering virtual psychiatric services to patients throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Wisconsin. He does not provide ketamine treatment but collaborates with ketamine providers locally and nationally as part of comprehensive, individualized care.
This article is intended for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, please contact 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.