March 26, 2021 HARLINGEN, TEXAS – Content Creator, Gamer, Influencer and Disney XD star Parker Coppins a.k.a. Parker Games has set the goal to raise $1,000,000 and vital awareness in an effort to highlight COVID’s impact on mental health.
From April 19, 2021 to April 28, 2021, Parker will be completely isolated inside a 12’ x 9’ plexi-box located in his studio in Harlingen, TX. Each day Parker will provide his fans and over 1M followers updates by live-streaming his experiences, playing video games and encouraging those who can donate funds to help him reach his goal. Proceeds will benefit “Take This” a 501(c)(3) non-profit mental health organization providing comprehensive resources and support that is tailored for the unique needs of the video game community.
https://www.twitch.tv/ParkerGames
One-in-two people will be diagnosed with a mental health condition in their lifetime. Especially in the video game community, the idea that “no one will miss me if I’m gone” is a pervasive one. Take This was founded to let people know how wrong that is, that there’s help for people with mental health challenges who are also passionate about making games.
Combined with the issues Covid-19 presents, an initial report on the pandemic and mental health from the APA, stated that “… teens (ages 13–17) are struggling with the uncertainty of their own futures. Half (50%) say the pandemic has severely disrupted their plans for the future. A similar proportion (51%) report that the coronavirus pandemic makes planning for their future feel impossible.”
Another study showed that youth ages 11-17 were more likely than any other age group to score for moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression, with rates decreasing steadily by age. The rate of suicidal ideation among this age group (actively thinking about or planning suicide) spiked in March, decreased as COVID case numbers declined in early summer, and increased again through September. The most common issue that people reported was contributing to their mental health problems – nearly by a factor of two – was loneliness or isolation. Over 70% of respondents to the survey selected this factor.
“By raising awareness of mental health, depression and isolation – how it affects many in the gaming community, my goal will be to reinforce to those who are currently dealing with these issues, that they are not alone” said ParkerGames. “Covid has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health. I felt it was necessary to not only raise much needed funds for a great cause, but in my own way help reduce the stigma about seeking support.”
https://www.twitch.tv/ParkerGames
Those interested in tuning in to Parker’s 24hr continuous live-stream on twitch during April 19 through to April 28, and supporting his fundraising goal by donating will also witness Parker virtually interact with special guests, celebrities, gamers, and influencers, as well as earn the chance to win some exciting prizes. Prizes will include Yeti Snowball Microphones, Microphone shock mounts, minecraft and signed items by Parker and more! In addition to making donations, fans and viewers can support by purchasing event merchandise such as t-shirts and hoodies with 100% proceeds going towards Parker’s fundraising
One of the special guests currently scheduled will be Dr. Raffael Boccamazzo a.k.a. Dr. B, who is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and the Clinical Director of Take This. “Our slogan at Take This ‘It’s dangerous to go alone!’ isn’t a witty aphorism”. Said Dr. Boccamazzo “it is the foundation and guiding principle of everything we do.”
Now more than ever, every action that brings awareness of mental health issues, counts. ParkerGames along with his special guests invite everyone to take part, tune in and step up to help people facing mental health challenges. For more information visit www.parkerboxin.com.
About Take This
www.takethis.org
Mission: is to decrease the stigma, and increase the support for, mental health in the game enthusiast community and inside the game industry.
Vision: is a game community that welcomes and supports people experiencing mental health challenges, and that recognizes the humanity and mental health of game creators.
Take This is a mental health advocacy organization with a focus on the game industry and community. We provide resources, training, and support individuals and companies that help the gaming community improve its mental well-being and resilience. The organization addresses the underlying conditions that can create and perpetuate mental health challenges: stigma, harmful studio culture, harassment and toxicity, lack of diversity and accessibility, and problematic game and community design.
Parker Coppins, also known as “ParkerGames” on YouTube and host of Parker Plays on Disney.
I grew up as a pastor’s kid in a small town in Texas with big dreams. My mom and I moved to LA when I was 15 in hopes of pursuing the Hollywood dream. After a few years of eating beans in garages and various other hardships, I found my footing on YouTube as “ParkerGames”. I accumulated over one hundred million views and over one million followers across social media. YouTube led me to Disney, where I was fortunate enough to create my own show about gaming called Parker Plays.
I recognize the role and responsibility that comes with being an entertainer for young people. I take that responsibility in stride, in hopes of inspiring young kids to follow their heart and work hard towards their goals. I love to address things like depression and internet addiction, as these things can be so impactful to young people. I aim to use my position to influence kids to operate through their passions and bring manifestation to their dreams.
These dreams became realities when I decided to take advantage of the resources I had at my disposal and not let fear hold me back.
About Dr. Raffael Boccamazzo
More affectionately known as “Doctor B”, is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and the Clinical Director of Take This. He has served in this role since the beginning of 2016, overseeing the AFK Room program, creating written content and in-person training materials for Take This, as well as overseeing the creation of the Take This Streaming Ambassador Program. Outside his work with Take This, Doctor B is an expert on the applied use of tabletop role playing games and has co-created clinician-focused trainings on the topic. He is also one of the chapter authors in the upcoming book Video Games and Well-being: Press Start. and co-authored Gardens of Fog – a mental health-themed, charity, adventure module for Dungeons & Dragons.
Our slogan at Take This (“It’s dangerous to go alone!”) isn’t a witty aphorism. I mean, it kind of is, but it’s also so much more. Our slogan is the foundation and guiding principle of everything we do. Mental health challenges and suicide thrive in silence, darkness, and isolation. It allows them to fester and mutate into something more monstrous than we could imagine. That monster lies to us. It lies convincingly and fools us into thinking we’re alone, that nothing will ever get better, and that there is not other solution. Forgive me, but that’s bullshit!
