Despite all the negative media attention, the global phenomenon may also be beneficial, as those with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are finding the game to be exceedingly helpful and possibly even therapeutic. Specifically, in the article below, those with social anxiety disorder speak out about how #PokemonGo has helped them develop the courage and desire to leave their house and begin interacting with others...
"Dr. Ganz Ferrance, an Edmonton psychologist, said the game could work as a positive catalyst for people who suffer from mental illnesses like anxiety, depression and possibly obsessive compulsive disorder.
"When you have a game like this, you are providing a purpose and a structure for the individual when they go out," he said. "What it does is, in a sense, it kind of distracts them from the anxiety they would normally feel, it breaks up the cycle.
"The person then gets the experience of being able to be successful at what they've been avoiding.""
For the full story, click here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/how-pokémon-go-can-help-fight-mental-illness-1.3682714