Written by Anthony Centore, PhD
Tips for Depressed Fans
Are you feeling down after a sports-related loss? Did your team lose last night? Here are several strategies for beating these painful blues:
1. Take a step back.
The networks do a great job before a game–especially a championship game–to make it sound like the most important thing that has ever happened in the history of mankind is about to go down. Of course, they never say, “And remember, it’s just a game!” This, in combination with the fact that you’re a huge fan of your team, makes the situation a very emotionally charged event. Here’s the thing: When something is emotionally charged, it looks and feels a lot bigger than it actually is. Sure, your team lost, and that sucks. But 99.9% of your life is unaffected and unchanged. Taking a step back will give you a broader perspective to put this loss in its rightful place—one that doesn’t ruin the rest of your week.
2. Stay social.
People who feel down or depressed have a tendency to isolate themselves. Also, if the sports season is over, you might be lacking that pre-scheduled time every week or few days to get together with friends to hang out and watch this game. Social withdrawal only makes one’s mood worse.
3. Fill the void.
If you’re a diehard fan and the season is finished, you’re going to notice a post-season void. And it’s important you fill this mental and emotional space with something else. Find something else you’ll enjoy; a project, hobby, group, or event to get involved in. In all honesty, it doesn’t really matter what it is that you do. Just do something, something that you enjoy.
4. Talk about it.
Talking about your sports fan blues with a friend will help you process the disappointment that you’re feeling. Commiserate with other fans who are having some of the same feelings. It can help just to know that people care (and they do) and to be reminded that you’re not alone. Pretty soon, you’ll be talking less about the loss, and more about what your team’s going to do next year (they’re going to crush it, of course).
5. Wait it out.
“Sports fan depression” is probably better described as the “sports fan blues”. While the symptoms can match those of depression—and while they can be surprisingly painful and disruptive—they generally have a short “half-life”. In most cases, you’ll feel better in a few days.