ROdown Blog
Get ready to ROC some more!
So, somehow we’re already into April and I haven’t posted since January. Eek!
Well, partly that is due to the fact that I have been busy (promise!) working behind the scenes on some brand spanking new content for ROC that is now LIVE on the site.
The new content explore the issues of help-seeking and was written with young people and in consultation with a fantastic headspace clinical psychologist.
Why help-seeking? Well, because we know that currently only 1 in 4 young people experiencing mental health problems actually receive professional help.
This is way too low, particularly as counsellors can be a fantastic resource for giving you tools to work through stuff (not to mention being great for bouncing ideas off someone outside your situation).
Some of the reasons we don’t seek help include concerns about confidentiality and anonymity, cost, not knowing where to get help, not thinking our problem is serious enough, thinking we should work it out ourselves and stigma (e.g. thinking that seeking help is somehow ‘weak’ – when in fact it shows a lot of courage and is taking care of yourself)...I’m sure you could name more.
So what happens in this plot? Well, without giving away tooooo much – you get to find out what happens in a first session with a counsellor and also how you might talk about it with your mates. There are also more juicy things happening to all our characters (particularly party-animal Trish and shy girl Anne-Marie).
Check it out here: www.reachoutcentral.com.au and let me know what you think!
Who do you speak to when you’re going through a tough time and why? Have you seen a counsellor? Or perhaps there’s a mate who is particularly awesome for providing support?
Marianne
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20 Comments
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Marianne - RO Crew
almost 2 years ago
Reply Report@pie - yeah, it definitely sounds like a glitch. The frustrating this is that I can't find anything in the game engine. Very frustrating. Are there any other available conversations, apart from that repeating dad one?
pie
almost 2 years ago
Reply ReportI really really love this game, but I seem to be stuck. "Dad" has just told me that he can't come and visit anymore but no matter how many times I read the conversation it still comes up as a new message on the computer. There's nothing else available for me to do and I have a feeling this glitch is stopping me from getting any further
Marianne - RO Crew
almost 2 years ago
Reply Reporthey @ flowerheart - Have you had the conversation with your dad on the computer (i.e. after the mum tells you about the separation).
Cally
almost 2 years ago
Reply ReportFantastic! Brilliant idea. I honestly can't tell you how great this idea is - Maybe try making it a little more personal with characters for the person playing and more apps to choose a story-line in their life at the beginning of the game. xx Keep up the GREAT WORK!!
Marianne - RO Crew
almost 2 years ago
Reply Reporthey :)
Firstly - I'm so sorry for not getting back to you sooner. We don't get automatically notified when someone comments which is very annoying!
Thanks so much for describing where you are with the game - it helps enormously
.
Sounds like a problem with the game logic - there are so many dependency and pre-requisite settings in the game engine which means that if something is set incorrectly it have a flow on effect to the whole game. It can be a bit like finding a needle in a very big haystack.
Thanks so much for taking the time to explain it. You rock!
:)
marianne
PS. We're also looking to get the bug on the site where your name doesn't appear when you comment fixed asap!
Flower_heart
almost 2 years ago
Reply ReportMarianne, I'm wondering if there's a glitch in the game that's causing the game to freeze? I've used the game on Chrome, Safari, Firefox and IE and I've had the issue of the game being "stuck." My main interactions with each of the characters are as follows at the point where I'm stuck
Ophelia.L
about 2 years ago
Reply ReportOh yeah! Right! Yay bus is here. Tootles!
Marianne - RO Crew
about 2 years ago
Reply ReportYep, activities and conversation is what it's about!
Ophelia.L
about 2 years ago
Reply ReportWait! I think I got the hang of this game, but i still dont like the speeches given. Ive moved forward in the game now to the warehouse .... Hmmm!!! Heart rises up!! So, if we do activities and all we progress through in the game? Is that how it rolls?
Ophelia.L
about 2 years ago
Reply ReportHey Marianne,
Ophelia.L
about 2 years ago
Reply ReportThanks Marianne. :) Got 2mins to respond and have move car from a 15mins parking spot. How many characters are there in the game and do you want me to screen shot where I am in the game? I helped give my feedback with headspace aswell. Both a psychologist and myself weren't certain about the game there. Gracias!
Marianne - RO Crew
about 2 years ago
Reply ReportSorry Olliie :)
Thanks so much for your feedback - honesty is appreciated!
In answer to your questions:
1. At this stage the mall is for chat and activities only.
2. places are only open when there are available conversations
3. Not sure about this. If there are characters there you should be able to talk.
4. You should be able to go quite a long way in the game, so not sure what's going on.
Ophelia.L
about 2 years ago
Reply ReportHi Marianne,
Marianne - RO Crew
about 2 years ago
Reply ReportHey Olie - re headspace: you're totally correct. Have changed it, thanks!
The little firey thing in the top left hand corner is a representation of your in-game mood. You can change it through various activities and how you interact with people in the game.
Can you email me - marianne@inspire.org.au with more detail about what part of the game you're currently at?
Thanks!
Ophelia.L
about 2 years ago
Reply ReportPs: Legally, headspace isn't capitalized with a 'H'. It be a small case 'h' so it's like this 'headspace'. :)
Ophelia.L
about 2 years ago
Reply ReportSup yo!
iight - I checked the tool out & boo I still don't get it! It's got a cool firey thing in the top left hand corner, which I aint no wat the shiz that be.
And I am still in the same place and haven't skitaddled!
Emergency 911 pls? :)
Cassie :)
about 2 years ago
Reply ReportThat's awesome! Will definetely have to check out Reach Out Central again, the last time I played it was a while ago!
I've spoken to both friends and professionals like counsellors and psychologists when I am going through a tough time. It can help to get things out instead of just keeping it inside and letting things build up.
Mockingjay
about 2 years ago
Reply ReportYay this is great!
And yes, would be awesome to bring those stats up to heaps more than one in four.
I have mainly had Counsellors for support during a tough time, though I do know a few people who know about my tough time who've helped me out a lot. Particularly in encouraging me to seek help. Which at first seemed like a huge step, though now I realise it's all for the best :)
Alphabet
about 2 years ago
Reply ReportYay...this is awesome news!!
canberra-jd
about 2 years ago
Reply ReportWoot! Awesome Marianne :)
I have a few select really good friends I talk to when I need support. Even if they don't have answers or suggestions I know that they will always be there even if it's just for a big hug (and that can do wonders sometimes!)
- Jen :)