So, all the ways I thought VR could change my life as a sick person? It did that plus a whole lot more than I could have ever imagined.
Before I received my oculus rift I imagined that virtual reality couldn't really be all that immersive. "How are people trying to lean on fake furniture?" I thought. It is that immersive, that is how! I tried to place my controllers on a fake table within 10 minutes of strapping on my head set.
There is a tutorial where you meet this robot and he hands you little discs and you do different things to learn the controls and that alone had me fucking BLOWN away. I was "ooooh" and "ahhhh"ing and laughing out loud. I was blown away. Many times I said "Oh my gooooood" and "holy crap oh my god!" while laughing. I just couldn't believe how real this felt. I was worried I couldn't use my VR headset mu ch as I am afraid to wear eye masks and headphones normally because my CPTSD has me all jumpy and panicked when my senses are blocked but VR is so immersive that this has not been an issue at all because I don't feel like I am in my room with my senses blocked I feel like I am at the opera, a museum, drawing in 3D, chatting with people in VRchat while taking tours of cool worlds.
How has it been helping you with your sickness?
Well, as I have blogged about the pain is only one factor of my disability the isolation from being not well enough to go out is the thing that is driving my nuts. With virtual reality I have been socializing. I went to a rave in virtual reality. I went bowling while the alley played 60's rock music. I have created 3D landscapes. I watched a film with my friend in a movie theatre. I have explored educational apps where I learn about the body or travel to historic landmarks. This is all just the free stuff! I can't afford the games yet as the ones I want are like $50 so all these experiences blowing my mind are the free bundle games and free experiences. I have cried from two of the short films I saw in virtual reality. It is NOT the same as just watching a film, you can see all around and move in closer to subject. You are in the film observing.
Here are some screenshots of me enjoying my new worlds.
Keep in mind that these images don't do any justice.
Just like in reality a photograph from a vacation is not the same as being there. I cannot stress enough that when I ma in VR I feel like I am there, not in my sad little room. It has already helped me progress with my CPTSD, it is helping my depression related to my disease, and it is certainly helping with stress which I know will be beneficial for my healing. I have so much more to do an discover. I am thinking about taking videos or streaming my gameplay in VR. If you are interested in virtual reality the Oculus Rift is only $399 right now with touch and 7 games, and no I am not being paid to endorse it I just have had my life changed and feel this strongly about Oculus. Also, if you do get VR, make sure your PC can handle it. Seriously, even if you think it can, even if it can run all the non-VR games. Make sure. You need a really solid machine.
