Slightly OT - Football and Depression

Hello all

Recently, on a personal level I have been in some what of a rut. A failed attempt and getting the girl I love, my hate for my job and boss, and a strong sense of selth loathing surrounds me. Depression has run in my family, and I fear it is my turn. The worst part, is with my depression I've drank more, drinking after work every night, for a teenager isn't the best plan, and I don't mean partying, its more like binge drinking.

The reason I've posted this thread here is because I wonder, how would this rut be, if another thing I love (Newcastle ofc) was not doing so poorly? If all this bad stuff around me was still happening, but I could get a few cheers and such at the weekends would I be much different? Footballers, and managers don't seem to comprehend the impact there poor performances and tactical mistakes can make. You get people who dislike what they do and live for there club. And then the club doesn't even bother. I know that Newcastle performing better would not turn me around, I'm not a fool. But it would help.

But what are your thoughts? Do you believe football has an impact on people which it shouldn't. Or do you think this is just a 19 year old crying about life?

 

It can certainly impact my mood either way. While I've always been able to be 100% professional at work, my general mood often follows that of NUFC's results/performances.

Not sure about depression, not yet anyway, but yes I have noticed an increase in the consumption of in recent weeks / months. Hadn't necessarily connected the two, but now you mention it, I bet there is a correlation. Careful with that binge drinking mind lad, that's not a good path to follow.

 

Life's like spinning plates mate. you gotta try to keep them all up in the air. Sometimes though I know it's hard and you may just wanna let them all drop.
The fact that you've identified the depression means you have done the hardest part and identified it.
Then I'd tackle just one element of your life at a time and take it head on.... and win.
It will take a long time to feel good again, but it will come.

In terms of the Toon, given that we are the most passionate and obsessive fans in the world, our club takes a massive part of lives but at the end of the day we can't control what happens on the pitch so sometimes... you just gotta roll with it as it's beyond your control. As fans we always will have hope so that in itself can be seen as a positive.

Chin up fella and here's to 3 points on Saturday.

 

Undoubtedly. My good lady would testify to that. She knew not to speak to me after the derby. When I got home pissed, she said nothing. She never moaned at me or anything for two or three days because she knew what I'd be like. Again on saturday when I got back, she just said "did they win?" "nah drew but should have won, our centre halfs want shot!" to which she joked "see you tomorrow then haha"

I think with us it is so often like a rollercoaster, you end up bi polar. I have mates who are canny lads but they bewilder me. When we win they're on the ceiling, when we lose they are beyond consolation. When things were going well last season, Pardew could do no wrong, the team were class, we had top 4 players worth 20m plus etc etc. I said "steady on, this might not last, its always tough to back a good season up". "shut up man you negative bastard, onwards and upwards" was the cry. A season on we are doing ****e and they hate Pardew, want him sacked, the players are not all they were cracked up to be and are now worth less than 5m. I kinda look at them and think, bit of balance here lads!! You can't knock their passion though, they really love our team.

I just think football is such an emotional game anyway, and because we have been without success for so long, if we get a sniff we're in with both feet. Just the way it is. But the flipside is when we struggle, we go to the other end of the spectrum.

 

Good post and some relevant questions. Questions I have have found myself asking lately.

I sometimes think 'its football', or 'its only a game'. but the fact is, it defines the mood I will be in for a good few hours after the final whistle. I say a few hours because it used to be worse. Because of the amount of lows this season, I am finding it easier to get over poor results. The Mackem game however was a different story, as was Saturday against WBA in the second half.

The thing I need to keep telling myself is that my lass is not a football fan, so to affect her mood is not fair. And I have been a prick at times after games this season. Probably because Its my first season as a ST holder and I've usually had a good drink.

I think we have a right as fans to feel robbed this season. The lack of effort usually sees me take to this board effing and blinding because I feel short changed, but that's part of being a football fan. I also think that sometimes in life, football is all you have and all you look forward to - Geordies more than anyone. If we're having a bad run or bad season, the feeling that follows a horrible performance are enhanced greatly.

I had a similar spell as you a few years ago. Get a hobbie, go to the gym or something. Drinking is only going to make your moods worse. Do positive things to improve your mood, otherwise you'll feel like nothing is going right.

 

The first thing you should do is quit the booze!

Alcohol is a depressant, and if you do suffer with depression, drinking alcohol is by far the worst thing you could be doing.

More likely, like many people, you're just feeling generally unhappy... if work, personal relationships and your sport/leisure time are all 'pants' at the minute, it's little wonder you're feeling down-in-the-dumps!.

Don't go to your GP... he/she will thrust the pills-of-no-emotion in your hand and next thing you know you're wandering around as gormless as a Mackem!

Channel all your anger/unhapiness into a physical activity (not beating up your boss though) try running or boxing! Ideal!

 

Firstly, I think there needs to be some definition between being generally down and sad, and actually being medically depressed. Depression is an illness and is often for irrational reasons that are hard to shake.

Mind you, being sad isn't much fun either! I imagine football results will not cause depression, but will definitely get you down. I would also hazard a guess that if you were truly depressed, positive football results would also have no long term impact.

Read up on it a bit more. There's plenty out there on depression and dealing with it. As the previous poster says, exercise is a well known way if reducing the negative impact of depression. So get a sporty hobby to replace that alcohol

 

Agree with ACS

 

Mate I get pissy for a few hours after the game (the Sunderland game did last at least two days) but after that I don't let it bother me. The way I see it is if the players/management don't give two ****s why should I let it bother me?

I have to say though after we lose a game all radio and tv regarding football that weekend will not be watched. Its a time honoured tradition that I will forever stick to!

 

I try to think like that but it always ends up ruining my day/weekend But you're most definitely right, if we win I watch MOTD, MOTD2, read every Sunday paper I can get my hands on and watch Goals on Sunday. However, lose and I don't even look at twitter to see what's happening in the football world, football basically doesn't exist until it's game day again and I then start the same cycle all over again

 

The old cliché of one day at a time is very true.
I don't think that alcohol or medication is the answer. For a short time they will help but not long term.
Don't bottle things up talk to someone whether that's a family member or close friend it will be help.
Newcastle not doing well is out for your hands and we all know how you feel but we will come back.
Chin up Welshie, we are all here for you. At one time I think most of us have suffered from depression at sometime in our life.

 

I 'try' to think that way mate but very often it doesn't happen! What I try to do now (this season particularly) is give it a break once in a while watching us play. I have done that because it drives me mad how **** we can be. Either that or a late goal and I feel my heart about to explode!

 

I've got to put up with Obi, I find that very depressing.

 

You don't have to.

 

Have a read of these sweetheart:

http://www.youngminds.org.uk/for_children_young_people/whats_worrying_you/depression

http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/emotional_health/mental_health/emotion_young.shtml


Some good suggestions from others above but please don't be frightened of talking to your GP if having read around the subject you feel you may be depressed. Doctors are more qualified then those on here to assess your mood. Medication is rarely the first treatment of choice for young people who are suffering from low mood.

Alcohol reduces inhibitions .... so if you are feeling great you will feel even better however if you are feeling down it makes you feel so much worse.

 

Are you leaving?