"If you have anxiety or depression please do not continue" *I'm suddenly Jared, 19*

The cameras were a nice touch because, with anxiety, the feeling of being watched constantly is just too real.

The warning: don’t play if you have depression or anxiety! Me: *it’s not diagnosed*

“Why don’t you just breathe?” = “Why don’t you just try to be happy?”

I think the cameras represent how it feels like people are always watching you.

“Everyone should create. You don’t have to change the world with it. But you should be able to change your own world with it.” As an artist. That’s such a beautiful thing to be heard.

Imagine how terrifying this game would be in VR...

the fact that jack tried to rush the breathing part with jumping from platform to platform because he started to get impatient just shows how amazing that symbolism is.

“They don’t bite” My social anxiety: where is your proof?

"cant get to close to people, got to stay introverted" never related that much to anything before

The end with the noose, and how jack chose the other way and it ended up working out made me see how it doesn’t matter if you don’t see the meaning, because not everything has to have meaning. But if you don’t live you’ll never find out that meaning...

When he said, what you create, "doesn't have to change the entire world, it just has to change your world," I really almost cried..

JACK THE GAME TRICKED YOU! That was not the end the game wanted you to think that you already beat it but jack there was more to it remember the "WHY NOT RELAUNCH THE EXPERIENCE MAYBE THERE WAS MORE TO THIS" please continue this I beg you JACK!

Game: Don't forget to breathe Me: OOOOHHHHH the quote for depression! "Depression is drowning when everyone is telling you to breathe"

I love how positively Sean reacted to the follow the light bit. My depressed ass just saw it as an anxiety ridden walk in the dark. The struggle to see the light at all and having to basically hug the edge where you might fall just to see it was too real. 🙃

“What if I don’t pass this? What if I get stuck here forever?” “I was almost there!”-Jacksepticeye. This level is simulating trying to “recover” from depression. It’s hard, and one wrong step can easily set you back to the beginning. The dev really captured that well. You can’t always see the way, but you keep trying anyway, and sometimes you may give up. At times it seems there’s no point because you will always fall down again. But eventually you will get back up. Unlike the game, depression doesn’t necessarily have an end, but perseverance doesn’t have to either.

Text: Follow the light. Jack: There is no light. Me: ;-;

Just a fun thing I found, at 34:38 there's numbers and letters on the board (44 65 61 74 68 20 77 61 69 74 73 20 66 6f 72 20 6e 6f 20 6f 6e 65 2e) This is actually hexadecimal, and it translates to "Death waits for no one." which was quite interesting.

"Don't play this game if suffer from depression or anxiety" Me, someone who has that and paranoid schizophrenia: YESSS

I was in tears, I swear to god this game may seem confusing to someone that doesn’t have anxiety or depression, but these things, they don’t say it in a way that you can understand that message but you still do. And it’s so powerful and overwhelming but at the same time so... calming, like it makes me feel like I’m not alone, there’s others who feel like this. And I have so much appreciation for this game.

"I can't really see anything - so dark." Welcome to depression.

I love how jack still has the broken light in the back 😂

Game: “Do not play this if you suffer from anxiety or depression.” Me: “That sign can’t affect me because I can’t read!”

The producers of this game did an immaculate job of depicting different mental illnesses. This is the first video of Sean's I couldn't finish watching. I need to show this to my parents, maybe this can explain better than I can.

symbolism: *exists* jack: "symbology"

JACK THAT WASNT THE END, the game wanted you to think it was over, it got you to quit, it made you think you won, it got you to believe there was no meaning without experiencing the meaning, there was more to it, he should know this

Once jack said: “Always choose the life option.” I had to pause so I wouldn’t burst into tears. He is speaking such wise, wonderful words with classical music in the background and then he says **that**. I love him and he doesn’t even know me.

I suffer from none but I actually got anxious watching this. Seems more a horror game than 80% of actual horror games. Feel sorry for people who feel this way for years.

"Don't cry for help, unless there is help to cry for" I hate the feeling of whenever I do something and someone starts giggling or whispering, it always makes me feel like I'm the reason why they are. I hate being judged or being not being welcome, I hate when I feel alone, when I surrounded by people.

Jack: quiet suspense KZfaq: *JENNIFER DID YOU JUST RAID MY VILLAGE IN COIN MASTER?!*

I cried at the end, felt like he was speaking to me. I’m glad I’m still here

Coming from someone having depression it really does show what's its like that you never good enough and you feel like everybody is fake judging you having thoughts telling you all this things that aren't real but the end of the game what it said helped me see the brighter picture it really helped the game really understands me really well and it helps showing that im not the only one going though it.

"if you suffer from depression or anxiety, seriously, do NOT play and leave now." me: *THIS SIGN CANT STOP ME BECAUSE I CANT READ*

"Let The Light Guide You" But to see the light you have to be on the edge of darkness (falling).

To anyone suffering from depression, anxiety, thoughts of self harm, etc, please know you are not alone. There are places out there that are there to help with these situations. You are important and you have no idea the amount of joy and helpfulness you bring to this world! Please know there are solutions and that you never should feel like you are dealing with these things alone! Always remember there is a light at the end of EVERY tunnel!

Jack: This is sad Me a chronically depressed person: Yeah it's about suicide man.

"This seems like it's a bit too much!" actually, the house level is the perfect representation of how someone with anxiety or depression can go from calm to distressed you could be relaxing one moment then suddenly an intrusive thought comes through and sends your mind spiralling out of control

"Am I actually getting closer to anything?" Now THAT'S a relatable question.

"If you suffer from depression or anxiety, do not play this game." Me with all of my mental stability: 〜(꒪꒳꒪)〜

I like the path of light segment! It forces you to walk that 'fine line' just for some light on your way through life, for some semblance of hope. Always on the edge of your comfort zone or subject to the overwhelming despair of darkness if you stagnate. Just teetering on the edge of some form of oblivion just to get any progress done.

Game: "if you suffer from depression or anxiety don't play" Me, who suffers from both: **chuckles** I'm in danger-

All the things he was saying around 16:00 “It’s so fucking dark” “I can’t even see where I came from” That’s exactly what you’re meant to be thinking, he was saying that in context of the game, not even realising the other way that they could be taken

I have depression and social anxiety and I can tell you that this was damn accurate. The breathe scene with the jumping was just amazing. I could feel how my breathing slows and changes when I have to recover from a panic attack. The last scene was also so reminiscent of when I decided to go to hospital. I also love the scene with the dark path lined with light where the light would disappear every now and then. That's what it's like. Sometimes it's complete darkness and hopelessness. Other times, it's lighter. Things seem possible again. It does go up and down, but the lights get brighter and bigger while you recover. I know there was a trigger warning and I did get triggered, but it was so beautiful and meaningful. I really like that this exists

Coming back to watch this with two years of healing and recovering and learning under my belt now it feels so strange but good and reflective to watch this again, still such a fantastic game and video I’m glad I rewatched it

"I'm not fine' isn't even an option." No Seán, it never is...

The reason why the warning at the beginning says "do not play if you have severe depression or anxiety" is because this is exactly what it is like for people who have those disorders. An in-depth analysis is below. 1.) The clocks represent never having enough time, always needing to go-go-go otherwise people will think you're lazy or you won't get anything done that you need/want to get done. Jack's theory of people "not having time for you" could also be correct, although the ticking of the clock in the background doesn't really support this. People with anxiety (not just creators) often feel pressure when given the illusion of having a "ticking-clock" and even the threat of one (such as the in-game ticking noise) can hype someone's anxiety astronomically high. The task where he had to find the clocks represents how people are often told to "find time" for things -- schoolwork, relationships, even something as simple as eating. 2.) The "shadow-people" are the people who you don't know and who you look at every day. People with anxiety or depression often get social paranoia where they think everyone is looking at them and judging them negatively all the time, despite having no proof. The same symbolism is in the cameras, except it's on a much larger scale (as in, the entire world could be watching you and hating you and you'd never know). Because of this fear of judgment, it makes it really scary to approach people or even just get close to them. What if they think your hair is gross? Or that you smell? When the person at the door ( 38:18 ) asked why he was so scared, it's not just because the person appears scary in the game. It's because people with social anxiety will often appear frightened when approaching another person and it's very likely that that person might ask that, which only deepens the cycle of "they think I'm weird," "I can't do this," and "what was I thinking?" 3.) The light and darkness is quite cliche, but this game puts a unique twist on it. Of course, "the light will lead you out of the dark" concept is still there, but the game gives the image that you can't see the light until you're on the edge/falling to oblivion. There's also the concept that you won't always have that light to guide you. Some days, you'll just be stuck in the darkness, searching for a way out when it seems like the only way out is falling to the darkness. And then, if/when you do decide to give and jump into the darkness, a little glimmer of light comes. But it's too late. 4.) The underwater scene ( 42:47 ) is so similar to a panic attack, it's almost like I am reliving one. When having a panic attack, it makes it so hard to just b r e a t h e, and everyone is asking you why you can't. But you have no answer. One of the things that I learned in therapy for this problem is to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth. While I do this, focusing on only my breath and ignoring any outside influence, I listen to my heartbeat to make sure it's slowing down so that I can get enough oxygen. This is simulated by the parkour (43:05), in which it sounds so similar to a heartbeat. The symbolism strikes again! 5.) Oh. My. God. The Safe Place. I'm sure this concept is not new to many people, even those who haven't been in therapy, but this game once again takes it to a whole new (and may I add, more realistic) level. Because everyone has their safe place, their place of peace. The spot where they let their guard down and find that moment of serenity in themselves. But it doesn't take much for that place to corrupted -- if it's a physical place, it could become filled with other people or destroyed, and if it's mental, then all it takes is one moment of anger or one moment of doubt to shatter it completely. 6.) The "ending" is AMAZING. The power of choice is amazingly portrayed. The player is brought back to that familiar place, that place where they've been brought countless times and known to be safe, just to be given a choice, the choice to end it, one way or another. A player who has only seen that message of "follow the light" may see the noose, see the light and escape that it provides, and choose that. But a player that has been paying attention, a person who does not desire to simply "escape" may look back at all they've done and all they've gotten through... that person will find the other way. The way that might not be easy. The way that has been there throughout their entire life, but they just couldn't do it, just wouldn't do it. They will see that way, and choose it instead. In summary, this game does have a lot of meaning. And to me, it's not just a game. It's an experience, an entire explanation for the things that I cannot put into words. And it is because this hits so close to home, that I will play it once, but never again. EDIT: Coming back to revisit this video, I only just remembered that I made this comment. I am so grateful that so many people took the time to listen in and share their experiences, and I have grown so much love for this outstanding community of people. I want all of you reading this to know that I believe in all of you and will send good thoughts and wishes your way! But that being said, I would also like to take some time to apologize. In this comment, I now realize that I made a lot of unhealthy generalizations based upon my own, singular experience. This was not intentional. I will not change anything I said because I do not wish to corrupt what I was originally thinking with negative reflections of my own writing. Instead, I would like to keep this comment pure. If you have any concerns or experiences you'd like to add, I'd be more than happy to read what you have to say. I am doing my best to reply to the more urgent comments, but KZfaq has stopped sending me notifications when I get a new reply so it might take me a while. Best wishes to you all, my friends!

everyone's talking about the follow the light being a good message, but I think it speaks more to the precarious 'on the precipice of inescapable darkness' feeling you get with depression. it makes you afraid to be left alone because you're so close to that edge and scared of yourself. you feel as though you're constantly trying to stay afloat and clinging to any glimmer of happiness, however fleeting, always very aware of just how little it would take to lose the last thread of hope.

Sean’s speech at the end was exactly what i needed to hear. Thank you❤️

“Create something...you don’t need to change the world with it, all you need to do is change your own world with it.” -Jacksepticeye 2019

"if you suffer from depression or anxiety, seriously, do NOT play and leave now." Me: *blowing bubbles with my spit* huh

Just found this now and it definetly speaks to when I was in the depths of depression and anxiety years ago. The panic, the sinking into darkness, especially the prose during the light hallway segment about the pain and crying increasing and the body feeling numb really capture what it's like. Thanks Jack for playing this and props to the creator.

You've managed to make me cry, once again. every bit of the last 10-20 minutes of this video is everything I have been needing to hear, lately. That's what I like about you. You have created a sort of safe space where people can come and escape personal situations, have a laugh at all of your jokes and puns, or a jump scare, go deep into thought and have a good ol' therapy/pep talk session at the end, that you have humbly provided. A very wise man, you are. Keep doing what you do! You make a huge impact, whether you now it or not!

"If you suffer from depression or anxiety, seriously, do NOT play and leave now." ayyyy, can't wait to have a heart attack

'That's a bit to much' That's actually how it feels when something destroys your safe space tbh...

There are parts of this were my anxiety was bad but the way Jack dissects the message and meaning and at the end when he picks up the phone really opened up my eyes to meaning and i think this will really help me get through some of my depression and no motivation problems

It's the moments of genuine intuition that made me want to keep watching you from the moment I discovered you. Thank you Sean, you truly move me so often even with all your silliness at times. Such a wonderful being you are.

This game is amazing, it represents depression, anxiety, and social anxiety very well. This person deserves and award.

_Apparently I'm not allowed to watch this video_

This has been in my recommended for awhile. Going through a really hard time, I’ve been feeling constant back and forth between that last bit of the game. This meant a lot, especially to see my favorite person playing it

I've been going through a lot lately. I've constantly felt alone and uncared for, like no one would listen and if they did they wouldn't care. I stumbled upon this video not quite realizing how much it would get to me. Sean, thank you so much for being here. I know you're not literally here in front of me, but your content and your personality make it a little easier for me. Thank you for doing what you do and for helping me, even if it wasn't in person

"I've had it to the point where... I don't wanna make phone calls." Jack, dude, phone calls are the devil's workshop

You know the gameplay is serious when jack doesn’t do his intro...

Thank you for that speech, it was something I really needed to hear as I’ve been stuck and depressed without any sort of motivation for life, but lately I’ve been setting little goals for myself hoping that that’s what I need to go forward. And idk, just hearing you say all of that makes me feel a little better, that yes it’s hard but I’ll get there. It’s okay to be unhappy but I’ll find it. I really do always appreciate what you say in serious moments like these, I respect it so much and these little tips of advice help more than you know

The conversation part near the beginning is almost my exact situation and the anxiety it causes is insane. I feel they captured it well with that part

"you're gonna fall again' I cannot even begin to describe how accurate that feeling is. Knowing you need help but the fear of falling back into the abyss completely engulfing you. The fear of becoming depressed again after you get help. I still have that fear to this day, even knowing I took my medication, there is still that fear. I hope it goes away some day but it hasnt yet

Game/jack: don’t watch if you have depression or anxiety Me: I’m still gonna watch it

I love when Sean plays things like this. He's a truly beautiful soul.

This has to be my favorite episode because just watching this game put me through the ringers but at the end when Jack spoke to the viewer it felt personal and it legit made me feel better…

_"If you suffer from depression or anxiety, seriously, do NOT play and leave now."_ *_No, I think it'll continue watching._*

Me: **sees warning** "i'll be fine" Also Me: **anxiety and depression**

I don’t think I could of ever experienced this game by myself. Thank you for your commentary and your thoughts. Your videos have been helpful over the years. The laughs, the tears during play through, getting scared at the same points in games, etc. I’m glad that I found your channel. I appreciate you Sean 😁

It's so lovely how even the smallest details can represent a real struggle with anxiety and depression. I never took those people staring and saying harmful words at face value such as them judging that person. It really plays on how anxiety is playing on your fears and how you think others are perceiving you. None of those people staring were really saying those things, but as someone with anxiety - you know that you're so quick to think that people are seeing the worst in you, but it's really only because you think that about yourself. You worry that it shows and other people think of you the way you perceive yourself, and it's devaluing. You worry so much about how others are staring and view your life as pointless, but it's you assigning those ideas to them in fear that it's real. It's similar to the part of the experience where it told the player to face their fears; so, it feels as if we're constantly facing them (people) because we face people everyday and our anxiety makes us believe that they're doubting us even if they're strangers. Giving a physicality to fears makes it easier to see for us. The part where the voice of the game shines all of the bright lights on you felt as though it symbolized him building a wall, he was clearly upset that you were delving so far into the corners of his mind that he was shining down a light on you to get your attention and the lights kept growing taller and taller. That's the same way someone builds their walls around other people, they keep them out, but when you're that depressed. You give up because you don't think it'll matter if that other person learns the truth anyways because it's "too late" to deal with any of it; so, that's when the voice gives up and lets you explore anyways, he knows the curiosity of the player is going to want to see more anyways. All in all, this experience was beautiful and really well done, I think it hit a lot of points that I and many others can relate to.

game: do not watch or play if you have depression or anxiety me: *has severe depression and a severe social anxiety disorder* *clicks play*

Jack: "If you suffer from depression or anxiety, seriously, do NOT play and leave now." Me: Can I stay if I have both?

God I'm 10 minutes in and my anxiety is kicking in. I get why there is a warning. All the eyes the whispers and cameras, that's what going outside feels like

I'm in tears after Sean's talk at the end

This is not even a horror game if you're mentally healthy. I'm not. It's 2am

The market scene gets me. I get so stressed and I don't look at people in the eye. Only look at their body image, not the face. I feel lile people are looking at me all the time, which is not always.

this game makes me freak out every time, but it's so accurate and I absolutely love the way it was executed and the way everything is represented. I really feel like I can connect with the game, (as someone who struggles with anxiety and depression) it really is a beautiful game.

this game made me cry unexpectedly, i never knew i needed this. it's a beautiful line "the beautiful thing about life is that you decide its meaning."

Sad backwards is das And das just how it be sometimes

Jack theres more to the game, you need to launch it up again, you can play it 2 more times. Also it will leave stuff on your desktop. And if you do happen to play it again keep following the light. Thats all im gonna say.

my sisters both have/had depression, one got through the other one is still in it, when they told me “I genuinely hate myself” I thought it was so simple “just ignore it and tell yourself you are awesome, easy” but seeing this opens my eyes to how they actually think/thought and i feel terrible for them

I needed that at the end cause depression is a constant lately and being reminded that there can be an end to it is important

“How are you is almost like hello at this point” That hit me hard

I got jumpscared by a word.

What I loved about this game is the parts when you get crowded or overwhelmed by the people or the bad messages. Those parts help people like me who aren't depressed or don't have anxiety, I began to feel the way the creator makes the player feel.

It's so strange watching Sean play this. (this is me writing as we watch through, haha) Ouch, the rejection in the beginning even if you try to choose "yes" is something that happens a lot to me at least. No matter what others try to say about what you make, your brain breaks it down and rejects the positive answer because there is no way that it can be good. "They're lying" "They just want to be on your good side" "They hate it, but they're too nice" "What aren't they pointing out that's wrong?" "Why can't I do better?" "Why am I such a failure?" "Stop. Stop. STOP. STOP!" Since I have depression and only minor anxiety compared to others, the anxiety triggers didn't get to me, but as soon as he was going through the rooms with the words that kept building...man. I started really feeling out some of my depression when he had to find the clocks and realized how normal it seemed to me even though these thoughts aren't normal or healthy or anything when he said, "This is f***ed, man" And the angry, "Why don't you just breathe?" "I can't breath!" scene was kinda scary for me. That's so true though, feeling like an idiot and getting mad at yourself because you should be breathing fine even though you are literally drowning is something that really shows depression and anxiety hand-in-hand. What's funny is when he says, "don't mess it up now" that's what it feels like trying to regain breath and trying not to psych yourself out again while maintaining a pattern of breathing. Dude, why did the siren spark fear in me? "Oh, I can't" "Maybe I can make it if I turn and sprint immediately" oh my gosh I actually felt relief when we made it into the light door. "What's the black stuff at the bottom of the door?" I knew we should have stayed in there. Walled rooms, though walled, are safe and even if you never get out, it feels better to be there than wonder where the black came from. Got anxious with the whole "I can't move" thing whilst knowing we would probably fall and the panic behind not being able to do anything but knowing what will happen. With the whole thing with the woman so far, what I can say is that depression and some of that anxiety, at least for me, makes you feel as if everyone hates you, doesn't like you, is judging you all the time, and if you mess up even a little all you've done is for naught and has been a waste, meaning that you and your abilities are a waste, and who would ever want you to do anything like what you tried again if it won't mean anything else? She's a loved one, but she's been warped in his mind. Her music lives on, but she is a person like all other people and therefore, even with her love, will say something that he will take as judgement. Maybe it's little mis-readings of body-language or stuff that wouldn't matter to anyone else. Oh geez... That double voice with the noose is a very real thing. Man, this was a really deep game, very well-done. I might watch it again later and add to this. Remember, loves, you have purpose and you are wanted and loved by someone in this world. You are here for a reason. God bless

I can see that broken lamp in the background

I struggle with EXTREME anxiety, depression, self-harm, and i have had suicidal thoughts. Even so, I continued to watch the video thinking that it would be a harmless horror game, or have small illusions to what it feels like to have anxetiy... I couldn't have been more wrong. From the first question, and the "No, you didn't mean that." I knew I was in for it, but I kept watching. EVERYTHING hit so cloes to home on SO MANY levels. It was getting to me, and when Sean mentioned the Nuke being a bit much. I thought "But it's not, thats EXACTLY what it feels like. All you want to do is run and hide and everything is just blowing up around you, everything is chrashing down on you." I know, because I've felt like that before, many times, and in a full blown panic attack, it really does feel like a nuke just went off in your backyard. Then he ran from the black hole, and the tears started pouring. From then on I was crying and I felt so awful... but then he chose the phone. And that after message started playing, and the real water works began... i was bawling like a baby. It hit me so hard. And THEN Sean went on about the game, and how you can always choose the meaning of your life. All that matters is that your exsisting,walking on a path..... I'm glad I watched it to the end. I needed to hear that. So, if your reading this.... Thank you, thank you, thank you THANK YOU SEAN and God bless you. If we ever meet I'm going to give you the biggest hug ever! And if your not Sean, then thank you for taking time to read this, even if you don't care. God bless you to.

I have depression and I played this before I watched the video and it's so interesting how different (more positive) jack's view of the symbolism in each section was to my own

I really like the conclusions many people have drawn from watching this. It's beautiful in its own way. Regarding the part where you have to follow the light to avoid falling off the path, perhaps the light disappearing for a moment is symbolic of the bleakness of life getting you down in the moment. The feeling that there is nothing worth pushing forward for, that you'd be better off not trying anymore, only for the light to return soon after, and all you needed to do was push a little further. The light may flicker and fade for but a moment, but it will always come back, so long as you press on.

Those cameras man... they’re very unsettling

This game looks like it'd be a crazy experience in VR.

I always get back to this video whenever i need a reminder that things will be okay again, do not despair, let the light guide you

I've just been watching a bunch of videos since whenever I'm making something I need background noise and the timing of this video popping up couldn't have come a better time. Recently I've been very discouraged with...continuing to make videos and keep on working at it, I feel like no matter how much time and effort I put it that it's not leading anywhere and it sucks cause I genuinely enjoy doing this but idk. At the end when you had talked about...reaching out for help and all that I cried, on one of my wrists I have the semi colon tattoo, I've wanted this ever since I heard about the project, I got it as soon as I could and I'm so proud and happy to have it, a co-worker saw it one time, looked me directly in the eye and said "I'm happy you're still here" no one, NO ONE has ever ever told me that and it'll always be in the back of my mind. Your content has always helped me in some ways and it always pops up when I need it the most honestly.

On the under water scene when it said "just breathe" I don't know how to explain it but I couldn't breathe

Why can't everyone be as understanding and insightful as Jack

Thank you for playing this Sean. I've been a long time watcher of your content and you have no idea how much this game clicked for me. I feel as if many people such as myself has been deep in sorrow and been lost in some way or another. The fact that you answered the call gives me hope in life and that makes me truly happy. Life is rough and sometimes shitty. I want anyone who reads this to take time to breathe and go after what they want. Everything in your way are only shadows. Get to somewhere where you can feel and conquer. I love you all as if you were myself and loved ones. For we all die someday, live love and laugh today.

KZfaq just recommended me this out of nowhere. I've been in a dark place for the majority of my life and I experience social anxiety, depressive and anxious episodes every single day. Life has been traumatic and difficult, but I've made it thus far. Realizing that I had randomly started crying around the beginning of the game made me think about how much I'm actually struggling and relating to the contents of this game. Sean's interpretations of each chapter in the game are wonderful and optimistic. It's a good thing. Each chapter portrays just how scary experiencing these feelings really is. The feeling of being watched, being unproductive, not doing something on time, being awkward in conversation, meeting people. Games like this that have had so much effort put in to make someone feel something as strong as what this game does is always impressive.