As the season comes to a close, whether your team is in the Super Bowl or not, you begin to experience the signs and symptoms of Post-Season Football Depression.
Most are thinking, "this sounds familiar." I may have even had this before. If you are not sure, then please read the following signs and symptoms for your own safety.
Signs & Symptoms:
1. The tears.
This is a sign that is most often ignored. People always think that end of the season tears are just a temporary thing, but they leave a mark. The tears are a representation of the sorrows of realizing that everything you loved for 17+ weeks has now come to an end. No more putting on the jersey, no more chants, no more NFL Sundays ... it is over.
2. Going on social media to follow everyone on the team, if you haven't already.
The anguish of not seeing them play is bad enough. Therefore, you must know what your team players are doing. If you're concerned about this stage, don't be. Its perfectly normal. After all, you have developed a relationship with them for 17+ weeks. You need to know what your homies are up to. Are they visiting any cool cities near you? Are they missing football as much as you? You need to know this stuff, I understand.
3. ESPN attempts to talk about something other than football ... so you stop watching.
This symptom will be very obvious. It is around this time that you have started to fall into the deep depression. Something that you have watched every day for over four months is now gone. ESPN trying to cover up the real issue by flooding the media with absolute garbage is a visceral betrayal. That being, said you still should realize that this is very serious. Even though the season is over, you can't just throw something out of your life like that. You need to be careful.
4. You wave at every person wearing NFL gear.
Do you really think just because they are wearing NFL gear that they somehow know how you feel? No! You are starting to make your depression blatantly obvious. Have you considered the fact that they might have put on the gear because it was the first thing they pulled out of the drawer? You don't need to make a big deal about the gear.
5. You freakout when someone says "I'm glad football is over because I'm excited to watch the MLB."
I get that you are upset and in a deep stage of depression, but come on. Not everyone has the same passion for the game as you. Some people enjoy other sports. I get that the insensitive comment has put you into a further stage of heart-throbbing depression; however, you need to remain calm. If you're experiencing this symptom, I would refrain from making mean comments. The best thing to do is to go into a quiet room and think things over. Think about how amazing the next season will be! Just forget any comment was made.
6. Someone tells you that, "You should change your background on your phone since football's over."
At this point, you're in complete denial. It is time for you to move on. You don't need to keep the background any more. Focus on things outside of football that you could put as your background. Maybe a picture of you and your dog? If that doesn't make your day then I don't know what will. If you're not changing the background, you need help.
7. You start buying all the team gear you wish you got during the season.
25 percent off is cool, but why? You don't need the Nike combat Seattle Seahawks sweatshirt. Why do I know that? I know that because you would have bought it in the middle of the season if it had that much value to you. Don't blow all your money on NFL gear. Money doesn't buy your way out of depression. Be smart. Save for next season's gear.
8. You start watching highlights of the NFL season on YouTube.
I get that you miss football and that this play is, without a doubt, the best catch you've ever seen. Do you know how many times we have seen this? Way too many times. No matter how many times you watch this, the play isn't going to change. Your obsession is beating you. Take some time to realize this.
9. You get upset when your friends don't want to talk about football with you.
Your friends are upsetting you because they have moved on. I suggest you do as well. You can still build memories, even with football coming to an end. There are other things you can talk about! Don't get down on yourself, look to different fields of interest to fill your conversations with your friends! I know you can do this. All you have to do is take the first step.
10. You're confused when you see the number of days until football starts back up.
Yes my friend, it has only been a week. You need to realize that, even though you're upset, it doesn't change how many days there are until football. Talk this over with someone close. There needs to be some understanding of where you are at in your stages of depression.
11. You tell someone to leave the room when they start talking about your team losing players in the Free Agency.
Don't get mad at your peers. Are they the General Manager of the team? No! It's not in their control. They are just pointing out the obvious. Plus, maybe your team will get a tremendous player in the Free Agency. You need to be positive! You need to focus on what is important ... which is getting over your depression.
12. You get weirdly aroused when anything about football is brought up.
What the hell is wrong with you? If you look anything like this in your arousal, then I am extremely concerned for your wellbeing. I'm going to do everything I can to tell you how to get past this ...
Treatment:
If you're going through any of these signs and symptoms, DO NOT call your doctor. He will say, "why are you calling me?" "are you kidding me right now?" or "you need some serious help."
If you're going through any of these signs and symptoms, please talk to your family and friends. Tell them what's going on and tell them you need their support.
The last thing you can do is reach out to your team. Send them a tweet, let them know how much you miss them and that you're extremely excited for next season!
Here is an example I have drafted for you:
Take these steps to ensure your safety.
P.S: GO BRONCOS!!!!
