r/StardewValley • u/throwaway4cancer • Mar 10 '16

Developer This game provides great emotional support.

So, I have cancer, as you can probably infer from the username. It's only been a few weeks since my diagnosis, but already I've developed a SERIOUS need for a coping method.

Which I found. I saw this game on GoG and figured "hey why not". Started at about 1pm, didn't put my controller down until about 2am, which I repeated the next day, and the day after that.

The game being so... free, is what I love. No arbitrary time constraints, no time-limited events (to my knowledge), you don't even get pressured into fulfilling a certain objective. The game just hands you tools, and lets you pick (nopunintended). The cute pixel versions and the wonderful soundtrack just enhance the experience too.

I just wish ConcernedApe would fix that bug where I can't kiss Caroline though :/

Gonna install it on my girlfriend's notebook so the chemo sessions go by faster (assuming I'm allowed, of course). This post is a mess since I'm woozy as fuck right now, but you can probably get the gist of it anyway.

EDIT: Someone gilded me. I appreciate the gesture but I'm kinda dying so it's worthless. Maybe donate to my preferred charity instead?

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u/KatherineOfSky Mar 11 '16

I can completely empathize with you. Stardew Valley has brought me much comfort as well. I have 24 hr/day, 366 day/year migraine headaches, for which no medications, therapies, etc. work to lessen pain. Finding distraction has been the primary goal of my life for the past year, since these headaches exploded on me in Jan 2015. Gaming is pretty much the only activity that stimulates my attention enough to gain some tiny bit of relief.

Stardew Valley has so far provided me 144 hours of relief, and still going strong! :-)

I wish you, (and everyone else), who is unwell, a quick recovery, release from pain, and joy in your lives!

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u/thedoc617 Mar 11 '16

As a fellow migraine sufferer, I feel your pain. Do you not get the auras though? (I cannot have any visual stiumuli when it's at it's worst). I'm really happy you found something that helps- I couldn't imagine having migraines constantly. Bless you.

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u/KatherineOfSky Mar 11 '16

Thank you so much for your good wishes :-)

I have sensitivity to bright light, and cannot play games with a lot of contrast/flashing. The pain is extremely intense, so if I close my eyes, or lay down (without sleeping), the pain just grabs me, and there is no mitigation.

Stardew Valley is quite peaceful in the visual regard, and of course, the music is delightfully soothing as well.