Struggling with Motion Sickness During Video Games
Profile: Age: 23, nonbinary, 5’4”, weight: 185 lbs, non-smoker. Health background: Chronic joint pain, depression, past experience with uveitis. Current medications: Meloxicam, Prozac, and birth control. I experience intense motion sickness when I try to game, particularly when playing titles like Lego Star Wars and Minecraft. Regardless of the gaming system—be it PC, mobile, console, or Switch—I find it nearly impossible to last more than a few minutes without feeling queasy. This challenge has been present since childhood and seems to have intensified as I’ve aged. Despite my efforts to find remedies, nothing seems effective. Is there any advice or medication that may alleviate this issue? It’s frustrating that it interferes with my enjoyment of gaming and social activities, and it’s disheartening to note that I haven’t yet conquered the Ender Dragon due to this predicament. 😔
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 9:10:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant motion sickness while gaming, which is understandably frustrating and can limit your enjoyment of a favorite hobby. Motion sickness, especially in video games, can happen due to the disconnect between what your eyes see and what your inner ear senses. Here are some clear steps you can take to help alleviate this issue.
Explanation
Motion sickness occurs when your brain receives conflicting signals from your eyes, inner ear, and body. For example, when you're playing a video game, your eyes may be focused on the screen while your body remains still, which can confuse your brain and lead to feelings of nausea. This is particularly common in fast-paced or 3D games where movement is quick and constant.
Your past experiences with motion sickness could also be influenced by your chronic joint pain and past uveitis, which may contribute to sensitivity in general. Finally, if you've already tried various remedies without success, focusing on a few targeted strategies may help.
Next Steps
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Adjust Game Settings: Lower the graphics settings and reduce motion blur in games when possible. Consider switching the camera settings to a stationary perspective, like a fixed camera, if the game allows it. This can help provide a more stable view.
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Take Frequent Breaks: Play in short sessions and take breaks every 10-15 minutes. This allows your brain to readjust and gives your body time to recover from any discomfort.
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Positioning: Sit further back from the screen to reduce the intensity of the visuals. Ensure the room is well-lit to minimize glare and strain on your eyes.
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Ginger and Peppermint: Consider using ginger or peppermint products, such as ginger tea, ginger chews, or peppermint oil. These are known to help with nausea and can be soothing.
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Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can worsen feelings of motion sickness. Drink water regularly during gaming sessions.
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Calming Techniques: Practice deep breathing or mindfulness exercises before and during gaming to help reduce anxiety and nausea.
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Medication Options: If your symptoms persist, you may want to consider over-the-counter medications like meclizine or dimenhydrinate, which can help with nausea. Always check with a professional if this aligns well with your current medications.
If these strategies don’t help, consider keeping a symptom diary to monitor when the nausea occurs and any patterns you notice. This information can be valuable if you choose to consult a healthcare provider for additional options later.
Remember that you’re not alone in this, and many people experience similar challenges with motion sickness in gaming. Take it one step at a time, and I hope you can conquer the Ender Dragon soon!
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