My depression oppressively lasted awhile. No quick fixes, just developing little coping tools. It will change. It will change.
My depression oppressively lasted awhile. No quick fixes, just developing little coping tools. It will change. It will change.
Create your own mantra. If negative mindstates overwhelm your mind, give it something else to do until it's grip loosens. I like may I be happy may I be healthy may I be peaceful may I be safe.. repeat for yourself, benefactors, friends, difficult people, all beings. Sounds hokey but it helps.
Baseball can create moments of joy.. joy, compassion, loving kindness, generosity, are all positive mind states. When you find something that evokes those states, they are like antidotes, even a moment countd.
Some things that helped me though several years of depression. Cultivate even the smallest of positive mind states. I started feeding some wild (and neutered) cats.. even a moment of small acts of kindness/generosity helps. 2nd. Don't believe everything you think..remind yourself of that...
I’m almost embarrassed at how big a role baseball at various levels has played in my life the past 15 ish years. Maybe some similar aspects
Thought you too might find this interesting and maybe useful, too. sgapp.sng.link/Acxyc/i3fj/r...
I’m sorry you’re encountering this and so grateful your writing about it. It’s a real thing, this loss of faith in the order of the world we thought we knew. I’m glad we all have baseball.
This was amazing to read, but so sorry for what you’re going through and just hope for better. It really helps those of us who are right there with you, and I didn’t realize the orderliness of baseball was one of its aspects that could be helpful right now. Thank you for all you do, wishing you well
Thanks for sharing this - depression ain't easy and writing about it ain't any easier. Baseball is strange. Cedric Mullins hit a game winner against the Yankees last year which led to me to question things in my life and make some changes. He'll never know, but I'll always appreciate him for that.
This was my first year of an MLB subscription because you are right, it helps. And Detroit announcing with Jason Benetti is so filled with awe and joy. They find beauty in small moments and I am completely drawn in.
same, baseball helps
For gods sakes don’t follow the cubs !!
My childhood was filled with unpredictability, and baseball was and continues to this day to be a respite from all my anxieties in the same way you describe for yourself. I’m starting to get into watching tennis, oddly enough, for the same reasons.
That's the way to do it, Craig. Nice piece of writing and I relate. I've loved the game my entire life and still do some of the things you write about: predict the next pitch; do some Russ Hodges/Lon Simmons commentary (diehard Giants fan). I concentrate on the game, as you describe. Keep goin'.
I felt all of this deep in my bones. Thank you for sharing this with us. Play ball!
I'm so sorry about what you're going through. I'm also glad you have an escape. Its something which is super important to have in the world we are living in.
This nails exactly what has been bringing me down. Nothing matters and it seems like almost nobody with any power gives a shit beyond how it helps them personally. At least during the last Trump administration it seemed like a lot of people gave a shit and worked to oppose him.
That got rather heavy…
Heavy times
I joke every so often that I really shouldn't tie my mental health to how the Twins baseball team is doing but the reality is sometimes baseball helps get me through depression, whether in the way you mention or just with silly distracting nonsense like a team having a lucky summer sausage.
[stares in Mariner]
It's dangerous. (Some years with the Twins were bleak.)
Byron Buxton playing well also helps.
Went to Progressive Field yesterday to watch my Guardians. Of course my team is not playing well, but it was a joy to bask in the sunshine and watch a game that makes sense to me. Sounds like you had a similar experience in Detroit. Perhaps baseball can be our therapy while the country goes to shit
Isn't it amazing that baseball is the one sport a person can attend as a fan and not really give a shit about the outcome?
Well I *did* care that my guardians stunk up the joint, but any day with a baseball game is better than one without!
That's what I'm saying. Until it's time for playoffs, win or lose you can just say "Eh, at least it was a nice day to be outside.'