An Interview Is An Interactive Story About Depression
Based on a play
An Interview is a short interactive story based on the theatre show Fake It 'Til You Make It about clinical depression and men, most specifically how men have the unfortunate tendency to shun facing up to their feelings for fear of being perceived as weak.
Designed and developed by student Manos Agianniotakis on the National Film and Television School's games design and development course, An Interview tells the story of a troubled man processing his depression - an illness he's wrestled with since childhood. It's based on the English performance artist Bryony Kimmings' play which was inspired by her partner Tim Grayburn's mental health issues and touches on complex, coalescent themes such as suicide. While video games can never be considered treatment in any way with regards to such inter-personal and idiosyncratic issues, if ever they can add to the discourse or facilitate the opportunity to prompt conversations - this should be considered a good thing.
The video below is actually the short game in its entirety, but if you'd rather click through it for free yourself you can do for Windows here or for Mac here.
If ever you feel low yourself, seeking professional help would be my best advice. If that seems to daunting a task, try reaching out to friends, family, or anyone you feel comfortable enough sharing with. If you'd rather reach out to a stranger - my email address is linked above, I'm all ears. Speaking from a great deal of experience, talking about your feelings helps.
If you’re in the UK, the Samaritans can be called for free, anonymously, at any time on 116 123, or emailed at jo@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.