Mostly Indescribable: Depression Quest

The new interactive fiction game from Zoe Quinn, Patrick Lindsey and Isaac Schankler begins with a quote from David Foster Wallace and a warning. Both of them tightened the knot in my stomach and made me feel a little less sure of myself. I decided that now is not the time to click 'Begin'. I've never lived with depression, at least not my own, but I've experienced it through others and know that at least one of those people would be extremely anxious but hopeful when faced with that button. This is 'game' as communication, comfort and tool of understanding. I'll share thoughts on Depression Quest soon. You can play for free or donate, both to the developers and to iFred

I can't tell you when would be a good time for you to play because we all cope with these things differently. I know that when I'm feeling good, I come down that much harder when faced with bleak realities so I'll wait until my perspective is different than today. Do heed the game's own warning.

The page for Depression Quest links to a helpline for US residents. I'm picking John's post on Actual Sunlight for a more complete list: "If you’re in the UK, the Samaritans can be called, anonymously, at any time on 08457 909090, or emailed at joe@samartians.org. If you’re in the US, the NSPL are at 1-800-273-8255. If you’re anywhere else, this page has links to every nation’s own line."