I have a problem.

[Coffeedrinker]

If you are serious about what to do here is some real advice (that is probably worth what it cost)

 

• Stop posting on this or any forum.
• Since it sounds like you are not married and don't have kids try becoming a big brother or volunteer at a shelter for the homeless or one for abused women and children.  The reason for that is simple, it will help give you some perspective on what is really important.  It's hard to take a sporting event too seriously when you know there is a kid out there who father beat him because his favorite team lost or doesn't know when he will eat again, or just needs a male figure in his life to look up to.
• Don't record the games.

[BlueShoe]

I can't watch Colt's games without losing my temper(like I'll hit my leg or inanimate objects around me) and apart from that my anxiety eats me up alive. I can't eat during games and I'm just a complete nervous wreck before and during. It's gotten so bad that for the last 5 weeks I haven't watched a single game on TV - I just record them for later, but only after I see the "what's worse than being blank and blank?" thread to confirm that we won - HOWEVER I did attend the Baltimore game, and now I think my girlfriend never wants to attend a sporting event with me again.

 

Does anyone have any tips or advice for handling my neurosis?

 

My problem is that I cannot miss a game. It could be because I have a streak going since the Colts moved to Indianapolis, never missing a game on TV or attending the game. Or that could be an excuse for my obsession. Not sure, but I am sure there are others who share the addictive traits. 

 

As far as getting mad and breaking stuff, well that has never been an issue for me; however, I used to take losses much harder than I do now. 30 years have calmed me down a bit, and allowed me to accept defeat easier. 

 

This year I have made some huge steps. I bought a SlingPlayer, and can watch the games wherever I am at on my phone or tablet. I used it in the preseason. I also have Verizon, so I can watch my local game (Colts) on my phone anyway, but the SlingPlayer is only a few seconds difference from my home TV, whereas NFL mobile is about 30 seconds behind, and NFL mobile is not as reliable. 

 

As far as the better half attending the games, well I took her years ago, and now I cannot go to a game without her. She is addicted to it too. 

 

My mood drastically changed after we won the Super Bowl. That did something to me. Beating the Patriots in the AFC Championship game, and then becoming World Champs; I guess gave me some justification and comfort. 

 

You're not alone dude. People will handle it differently though. I would be concerned about the breaking stuff though. You may want to talk to a professional about that. I am not saying that to put you down at all, because I get it, but that is something that needs to be addressed before it gets worse. 

 

Good luck man!

[Buck Showalter]

Try Yoga & crochet

[BrentMc11]

I think I read through all of these.  I have not seen your age or family info.  I would not give any advice without having that understanding myself.

 

I used to be a total maniac watching games.  Throwing things...yelling...screaming....drinking like a Raider fan...I was worse than anyone you know.

 

I got remarried, became a step dad to 6 awesome kids, and now there is no yelling unless we have a great TY play...a nice run...or great Special teams play.

 

KIDS and a caring wife made a huge difference for me as well as mellowing with age

 

Good luck.  I will add more if I hear your home situation a little more clearly.

[BrentMc11]

Try Yoga & crochet

This Colts fan actually watches the game and crochets.  She looks a tad jittery.

 

[BrentMc11]

This Colts fan actually watches the game and crochets.  She looks a tad jittery.

 

And after a great 60 minutes of football and 10 pack of cigarettes...wallll-a!!!

 

[gspdx]

I think most people live vicariously through watching sports to some degree.  If we didn't we wouldn't get so excited and call a team "my team".  

 

With that being said it shouldn't disrupt your life.  Entertainment such as this shouldn't dominate or control your life.  I am a little older now and have had plenty of ups and downs in my life.  I have been in counseling twice - once to deal with being a child of an alcoholic parent and dealing with that stuff, and another time to save my marriage.  I went to counseling just about every week for 2 years.  I learned so much about myself and am a much better person for it.

 

An my wife and I are still together and are much happier for it.

 

Seriously, if you see this as a major problem in your life seeing a counselor a couple of times can't hurt.  The worst thing that can happen is you see someone that is a quack and you waste a little money.  But the potential benefits are huge. 

[jusbadd2]

That Luck kid is as bad or worse than Peyton ,I've already lost count of the number of times I got disgusted with the game turned off t.v. and found out at work the next day they came back and won. Also have been known to turn off tv sound ,set radio on top of it and listen to Bob Lamey,you will know ahead of time if you want to watch next play or not .

[BrentMc11]

That Luck kid is as bad or worse than Peyton ,I've already lost count of the number of times I got disgusted with the game turned off t.v. and found out at work the next day they came back and won. Also have been known to turn off tv sound ,set radio on top of it and listen to Bob Lamey,you will know ahead of time if you want to watch next play or not .

I do that most of the time on the 1 PM games.  That works too, and also helps you analyze the game better.  Listen...watch, and see the replay (s).

[BuckingColt]

I think I read through all of these.  I have not seen your age or family info.  I would not give any advice without having that understanding myself.

 

I used to be a total maniac watching games.  Throwing things...yelling...screaming....drinking like a Raider fan...I was worse than anyone you know.

 

I got remarried, became a step dad to 6 awesome kids, and now there is no yelling unless we have a great TY play...a nice run...or great Special teams play.

 

KIDS and a caring wife made a huge difference for me as well as mellowing with age

 

Good luck.  I will add more if I hear your home situation a little more clearly.

 

I'm 27 divorced with no kids, but I have a loving girlfriend. I have other interests besides sports such as films and TV. I thought by now, after all life has thrown at me, I'd finally be able to put sports in perspective, but it still is paramount to my overall happiness.

[TheBlueAndWhite]

When the games over I'm either elated or depressed. I'm worried about my behavior before and during. I've been able to mitigate my issues by boycotting live broadcasts, but I feel like I'm losing something by not being a part of the live experience. I would kill to be able to nonchalantly watch games. I envy those people.

well that's just what it is, a game. Its not a life or death scenario lol. So I find it helps me relax to watch it as a game and try not to care about the outcome because does it affect me personally... But just my 2 cents

[BrentMc11]

I'm 27 divorced with no kids, but I have a loving girlfriend. I have other interests besides sports such as films and TV. I thought by now, after all life has thrown at me, I'd finally be able to put sports in perspective, but it still is paramount to my overall happiness.

You are still a pup

 

I am not going to recommend drugs if this is your only anxiety/anger issue.  If it happens every day in other facets of life I would recommend seeing a doctor/counselor.

 

Do you watch with your girlfriend?  That may be something that could mellow you out....instead of throwing and       :cuss:     I would not want to be a butt head around a loving girlfriend, especially after a divorce.  Yeah me too on the divorce.  Not fun.

 

Try concentrating on the good things happening in the game for emotion.  Lock in on the OL.  Watch to see how the center is playing...calling out signals.  Watch for the stacked line...route running etc.  Do not go nuts over 'outcomes.'  This is not Madden.  Luck will not go 21-21 for 500 yards.  

 

Watch the defense.  Look at what Luck is seeing.  Look to see if you see any reason he is checking off on a play.  It is great.  When the outcome is points scored or great plays.........celebrate.  And if with your girlfriend...celebrate in a fun way.  Make it FUN!!

 

When our defense is on the field..repeat above.

 

Limit the alcohol.  I no longer 'party' on the 1 PM games...that helps me tremendously in not going nuts.  That and my awesome family

[BrentMc11]

I think most people live vicariously through watching sports to some degree.  If we didn't we wouldn't get so excited and call a team "my team".  

 

With that being said it shouldn't disrupt your life.  Entertainment such as this shouldn't dominate or control your life.  I am a little older now and have had plenty of ups and downs in my life.  I have been in counseling twice - once to deal with being a child of an alcoholic parent and dealing with that stuff, and another time to save my marriage.  I went to counseling just about every week for 2 years.  I learned so much about myself and am a much better person for it.

 

An my wife and I are still together and are much happier for it.

 

Seriously, if you see this as a major problem in your life seeing a counselor a couple of times can't hurt.  The worst thing that can happen is you see someone that is a quack and you waste a little money.  But the potential benefits are huge. 

I think that is why we are called fans...a derivative of FANATIC.  

[House]

I'm 27 divorced with no kids, but I have a loving girlfriend. I have other interests besides sports such as films and TV. I thought by now, after all life has thrown at me, I'd finally be able to put sports in perspective, but it still is paramount to my overall happiness.

Let sports be your greatest joy, and your greatest sorrow. There's nothing wrong, or bad about that.

But contain it. When the game is over. It's over. If you need to sulk or be mad, give yourself half an hour to an hour, and then let it go. Set yourself a mental time for when sports are on, and when it's time to reset your emotions.

It's a game at the end of the day, but that doesn't diminish its importance to you.

[ProblChld32]

I can't watch Colt's games without losing my temper(like I'll hit my leg or inanimate objects around me) and apart from that my anxiety eats me up alive. I can't eat during games and I'm just a complete nervous wreck before and during. It's gotten so bad that for the last 5 weeks I haven't watched a single game on TV - I just record them for later, but only after I see the "what's worse than being blank and blank?" thread to confirm that we won - HOWEVER I did attend the Baltimore game, and now I think my girlfriend never wants to attend a sporting event with me again.

 

Does anyone have any tips or advice for handling my neurosis?

 

You may wanna seek help Pal, especially If you are that emotionally invested in a sport in which you aren't being paid for. At the end of the day it is a Game in which we all love, life still goes on win or lose.

[sixfive]

I can't watch Colt's games without losing my temper(like I'll hit my leg or inanimate objects around me) and apart from that my anxiety eats me up alive. I can't eat during games and I'm just a complete nervous wreck before and during. It's gotten so bad that for the last 5 weeks I haven't watched a single game on TV - I just record them for later, but only after I see the "what's worse than being blank and blank?" thread to confirm that we won - HOWEVER I did attend the Baltimore game, and now I think my girlfriend never wants to attend a sporting event with me again.

 

Does anyone have any tips or advice for handling my neurosis?

I am the same way, It just goes to show you are a true fan.  I say just don't break anything in the house and you will be fine.  Go Colts.

[04DarkShadowGT]

If you are smashing doors and other stuff during a sporting event, your problems go well beyond the sporting event.  It is time to see a therapist.  

 

You do not want that stuff to trickle into the rest of your life, you could have dire consequences.  I just dont get wanting to break something of mine when my team loses.  Sure it sucks, but come one get a grip.  If you cant get a grip on your own you need help.  Football is not life, it is a game.  

[BuckingColt]

I've been lucky in the fact that my temper hasn't branched out to other things. I've never hit anyone before or threatened a loved one with violence. It's all directed at sports, so I guess I'm grateful for that.

[BuckingColt]

I went to see a therapist when I was having marital problems, but he only allowed 30 minute sessions. I didn't feel that was an adequate amount of time to address all of my issues, so I stopped going. If I could find a better one that would be willing to allocate more time to address my various issues that would be something I'd definitely pursue.

[southwest1]

My frustration definitely lingers. I pretty much swear off ESPN or any media outlet for the entire week. Hearing about a loss or watching our team struggle is triggering. The Eagles game inspired me to stop watching altogether, because I knew it was time to take control. Actually, the 2006 AFC Championship should have been a wake-up call since I ended up shattering the glass on our front door. I remember doing it after Peyton's pick-6. I got up to slam our front door and I did it so hard that the glass shattered and my hands went through it. I was cut up and bleeding for the remainder of the game, so I couldn't really enjoy the comeback as thoroughly as everyone else. The bloodletting did calm me down, however...

 

My best friend knows how I get, but he has no interests in sports, so he can't really relate. He loves the World Cup and that's really it. If I try to watch football with him he'll troll me by complaining about how football is so stop and go. He thinks I should just give up watching games altogether, but it's easy as a non-fan for him to have that position. My girlfriend is aware of my issues, and she gets frustrated by it at times. For example, I was watching the replay of the Bengals game knowing we won and I was still getting * off, and she yelled at me for acting out, since the result wasn't in doubt. I agree with her that I was acting ridiculous. I think she loves me regardless of my idk what to call it 'sickness', maybe? She just wants me to act civilized in public...which I'm demonstrably incapable of. 

 

I'm a major IU fan, and historically I've been worse during IU basketball games. When I was younger I use to punch holes in the walls of my room, one time I threw my computer chair down the stairs, and during a game at Minnesota where we blew a 20 point half-time lead I kicked my vcr so hard that I broke it. I do have a mundane job, but it pays well. We are both doing well financially, though I do have anxiety issues over that as well, because it's just in my nature to worry. It's like I know giving up sports would be the ultimate way to resolve this particular issue and probably give myself some peace of mind, but it's so ingrained in the fabric of who I am, that I feel I'd be amputating a part of my soul to do so.

I agree with you BC. I don't like watching highlights when INDY loses either. Let me rephrase it. I don't watching losing highlights of a game over & over again which really sucked when we lost the 2009 SB to New Orleans. Nothing against the Saints personally, it just difficult to get past a Colts loss & move on when all the NFL media outlets kept showing that final Manning interception that's all. 

 

Yeah, if your best friend only watches World Cup Soccer he doesn't really comprehend the mystique of professional American football. Cutting off football is not as easy dropping alcohol cold turkey & attending a AA support group. Plus, you never overcome a problem by attempting to avoid it completely. Your friend although well intentioned is wrong there. Your girlfriend sounds pretty cool because she obviously thinks highly of you if she don't run for the exit over your anxiety sports watching dilemma. My point here is this: She can see that the positive qualities you possess personality wise outweigh this recurring problem. 

 

I was surprised to hear that you got upset over watching the Bengals game later especially after you already knew the outcome & that INDY completely dominated that game from start to finish. It's the most complete game we've played all year in all phases in every quarter. INDY was darn near perfect in that game. I am cool with getting frustrated during a bad game, swearing, & going into another room, closing the door, & yelling briefly or screaming temporarily into a pillow, but physically injuring yourself & literally damaging personal property is a little over the top. 

 

I have said this before in other posts. My astrological sign is a Taurus which means it takes a lot to set me off, but when I blow my top you'll know it because it's like a volcanic eruption. I have learned to detect when I am getting upset & I just walk away from the root of my frustration for a few minutes. If I'm at home, I usually go pound on my drumset for a hour or so. God bless sound proof rooms man the best invention in the world. LOL! 

 

My advice: Don't abandon your love for football that's not practical as you so eloquently stated. Just remember that your girlfriend is trying to help you see that an INDY loss unless it's in the SB isn't worth jeopardizing your health & safety over. No one within the Colts organization wants a fan to injury themselves literally over a game defeat. I will admit though that I have to watch Colts games by myself because if we loose you don't want to be around me for about an hour & a half especially if we get spanked by Dallas this year. Trust me. 

 

You seem like a decent guy BC. I just want you to find a happy medium between enjoying the Colts play ball & not hurting yourself in the process. Hang in there man. 

[House]

I went to see a therapist when I was having marital problems, but he only allowed 30 minute sessions. I didn't feel that was an adequate amount of time to address all of my issues, so I stopped going. If I could find a better one that would be willing to allocate more time to address my various issues that would be something I'd definitely pursue.

I can't speak for who you were seeing, but an hour is typically the standard. And many patients will come more than once a week if they wanted to.

[southwest1]

I think I read through all of these.  I have not seen your age or family info.  I would not give any advice without having that understanding myself.

 

I used to be a total maniac watching games.  Throwing things...yelling...screaming....drinking like a Raider fan...I was worse than anyone you know.

 

I got remarried, became a step dad to 6 awesome kids, and now there is no yelling unless we have a great TY play...a nice run...or great Special teams play.

 

KIDS and a caring wife made a huge difference for me as well as mellowing with age

 

Good luck.  I will add more if I hear your home situation a little more clearly.

Brent, I'm not kidding when I say this: I'm really glad to hear that you found a fantastic woman who supports you completely & that the kids adore you. You're a damn nice guy & I just want my friends to be happy.

 

You deserve it brother. 

[BrentMc11]

Brent, I'm not kidding when I say this: I'm really glad to hear that you found a fantastic woman who supports you completely & that the kids adore you. You're a damn nice guy & I just want my friends to be happy.

 

You deserve it brother. 

No matter what, we can only hope we can do better.  I am living proof of that.  Thank you for the nice response...the old LB needed that!

[dudeski]

I'm 27 divorced with no kids, but I have a loving girlfriend. I have other interests besides sports such as films and TV. I thought by now, after all life has thrown at me, I'd finally be able to put sports in perspective, but it still is paramount to my overall happiness.

start exercising for one.

Like coffee said, get some perspective on life.

Get your girlfriend to record you acting like a fool

[jimmy g]

Sorry for any feelings i may be hurting, but this isn't about being a fan (especially not a typical fan as some say).   This thread is like reading about spoiled 5 year olds.  I've been following the Colts since I was 4 in 1958.   I love the team.  If I had ever acted like the above descriptions, my Dad would've spanked my behind for being stupid!  How would you act then if your kid brought home bad grades, or if (like happened to me) three times the company you worked for/ depended on for family financial support closed?  What if your wife/ girlfriend/ kid wrecked your car?   Sounds like someone (many, apparently) can't deal with a game- let alone reality.   Sad, really..... and dangerous to the rest of us.  Time to grow up and act like a responsible adult.   If you can't do that- quit following the Colts.

[TJ14]

I can't watch Colt's games without losing my temper(like I'll hit my leg or inanimate objects around me) and apart from that my anxiety eats me up alive. I can't eat during games and I'm just a complete nervous wreck before and during. It's gotten so bad that for the last 5 weeks I haven't watched a single game on TV - I just record them for later, but only after I see the "what's worse than being blank and blank?" thread to confirm that we won - HOWEVER I did attend the Baltimore game, and now I think my girlfriend never wants to attend a sporting event with me again.

Does anyone have any tips or advice for handling my neurosis?

I was almost the same way. Almost every year I've been invited to a Colts playoff game party and had to turn down the offer because I know how I would react if it doesn't go well. But with some resent bigger(family) matters to worry about, it really all put it in perspective for me and I haven't had any big outbursts in a while. I even trust myself to go out to a place like buffalo wild wings and watch the game.

My tip would be to just put it all in perspective (hopefully no where near what mine was), it is just one of 16 games, and there are many other things that are worse than a bad play or losing the game. I know that it is easier said than done, especially because of the emotional attachment. So my other tip, and my personal 1st solution: Buy a punching bag. Have 1 or 2 small outbursts(like swearing or throwing your arms up) during each half, then go out at halftime and after the game...and beat the crap out of it. Trust me, you instantly feel better and you don't break anything.

Hope this helps! GO COLTS!

[sfergson727]

I went to see a therapist when I was having marital problems, but he only allowed 30 minute sessions. I didn't feel that was an adequate amount of time to address all of my issues, so I stopped going. If I could find a better one that would be willing to allocate more time to address my various issues that would be something I'd definitely pursue.

If you haven't already, try participating in the chat session here during the game.  You'll be too preoccupied with typing to get too upset, and sometimes there is some good laughs, especially when Trent does his patented 2.9 yard gain or less.  God forbid he fumbles......

[southwest1]

start exercising for one.

Like coffee said, get some perspective on life.

Get your girlfriend to record you acting like a fool

I've heard other people say that. Breaking a sweat in a constructive way gets a person's positive endorphins flowing which is supposed to make an individual feel good similar to the chemical reaction when someone eats chocolate candy for instance. Good advice there. 

 

I beg to differ with you on your 3rd & final sentence though. I get what your saying dudeski & I know your intentions are good, but a humiliation tactic never reinforces good behavior nor does it typically result in a longterm change for the better. Embarrassing someone just makes a person feel resentful not hopeful that a destructive pattern of behavior can be modified & transformed in a new direction. JMO. 

 

I understand what your driving at though, when you see outlandish behavior for the 1st time played back to you it can make a person understand how serious the situation is in scope which can be useful initially, but it can also generate backlash & make the person recorded feel like their are a freak of nature in a scientific experiment designed to alienate them feel like a creature locked in a cage for ridicule & the spectacle of being made fun of & mocked making it hard for the person with the problem to trust you again.

 

Besides, video evidence is not beneficial after BC already admitted he has anxiety/anger issues. It's only useful if BC thought his behavior was normal & perfectly fine refusing to admit he has a problem. 

[dudeski]

I've heard other people say that. Breaking a sweat in a constructive way gets a person's positive endorphins flowing which is supposed to make an individual feel good similar to the chemical reaction when someone eats chocolate candy for instance. Good advice there.

I beg to differ with you on your 3rd & final sentence though. I get what your saying dudeski & I know your intentions are good, but a humiliation tactic never reinforces good behavior nor does it typically result in a longterm change for the better. Embarrassing someone just makes a person feel resentful not hopeful that a destructive pattern of behavior can be modified & transformed in a new direction. JMO.

I understand what your driving at though, when you see outlandish behavior for the 1st time played back to you it can make a person understand how serious the situation is in scope which can be useful initially, but it can also generate backlash & make the person recorded feel like their are a freak of nature in a scientific experiment designed to alienate them feel like a creature locked in a cage for ridicule & the spectacle of being made fun of & mocked making it hard for the person with the problem to trust you again.

Besides, video evidence is not beneficial after BC already admitted he has anxiety/anger issues. It's only useful if BC thought his behavior was normal & perfectly fine refusing to admit he has a problem.

the video was for the girlfriend so she could leave him until he grew up and started acting like a man.

Him exercising was because his only hobbies are sitting down and watching tv. That isn't healthy and kind of gross

[wesd2890]

Xanax that is your ticket you will have a script so work can't say anything and you will be chilled out for the game plus if you add a couple of beers nothing will get you too upset.

Niiice.. xanax and beer youll never be mad.. and if you do get mad, its ok because you wont remember it tomorrow..

[southwest1]

the video was for the girlfriend so she could leave him until he grew up and started acting like a man.

Him exercising was because his only hobbies are sitting down and watching tv. That isn't healthy and kind of gross

Obviously, neither you or I have a complete picture of BC's daily lifestyle or routine. It reminds me of a quote from the movie "Animal House: Fat, drunk, & stupid is no way to go through life son." 

 

I'm just a little weary of stereotyping somebody I have never met personally. I will acknowledge though that kicking VCR's & throwing computer chairs down a flight of stairs is disturbing behavior. Maybe hitting a punching  bag would be more constructive & release your frustrations over a Colts loss in healthy manner Mr. BC. I'm just trying to help him get over this hurdle without hurting himself or driving friends & loved ones away permanently. Everyone is capable of redemption in my book except for child molesters & serial killers. 

 

A lot of people like to label aggressive behavior as simply a sign of  immaturity & selfishness. Sometimes, this is true. However, flights of rage can in fact be a mental disorder of some kind that a person may mask with booze, pills, daredevil tendencies, or violent sex with partners. I guess I've never liked the notion of discarding people or throwing them away as long as they keep trying to improve & rectify their situation with professional therapy & guidance. 

 

I respect your point of view dudeski & I am not trying to change your mind. From my perspective, I just don't believe in throwing in the towel on a guy if he keeps getting up & fighting to preserve his own sanity & romantic lifestyle with his significant other. If the woman chooses to leave, that's her decision, but if both parties want to stick it out & drive over a variety of potholes together for a better future together the end result can be a nice resolution too. 

[BuckingColt]

the video was for the girlfriend so she could leave him until he grew up and started acting like a man.

Him exercising was because his only hobbies are sitting down and watching tv. That isn't healthy and kind of gross

 

Actually, I like going to the theater more than anything. I'm not obese in the slightest. My job is exercise enough.

 

Also, I don't think a video of me acting out during games would do a bit of good. I'm aware of the problem, and I understand how embarrassing it is from an outsiders perspective.  

[southwest1]

Actually, I like going to the theater more than anything. I'm not obese in the slightest. My job is exercise enough.

 

Also, I don't think a video of me acting out during games would do a bit of good. I'm aware of the problem, and I understand how embarrassing it is from an outsiders perspective.  

I realize that your reply was not directed toward me specifically BC. I just wanted to say that we all have issues we need to work on myself included BTW & that you don't strike me as lazy & you appear to be fully aware of the circumstances before you. Feel free to vent anytime or give us updates on your progress or just how life is going in general. 

 

You are not crazy to me or the devil in sheep's clothing for that matter. I just dislike sweeping generalizations made about other individuals with no proof or evidence at their disposal. I have no answers, but I do have a sympathetic ear &, if I was in a similar situation asking for advice on a longterm problem I was coping with, I would hope that strangers would be kind enough to propose solid ideas/solutions vs slam me outright just because they can. 

 

What type of movies do you like? Action adventure, romantic comedies, cop buddy flicks, historical war films, westerns, or old school black & white Hollywood movies? Sci-Fi perhaps? Something else? 

 

Me? About the only thing I avoid like the plague is blood & guts horror films & I have a fondness for music documentaries. Just skim through the "Seen Any Good Movies Lately?" thread & you can easily figure what genres I like & what stars I like etc. etc. 

 

I'm assuming "theater" means movie plex not stage plays on Broadway right? Either 1 or both is fine by me BTW. 

 

I respect your privacy & you are under no obligation to respond either. SW1 is just trying to break the ice with a friendly conversation that's all. Nothing more; nothing less. 

[backshoulderfade]

Just to let you guys know, exercise, while not "proven" has a ton of empirical evidence to prove that it is just as effective as any of the meds currently on the market for treatment of both anxiety and depression.

[SOMDColtsfan]

I know your pain lol I get invited to "come over and watch the game", for example when they played the Ravens. I just now politely say "no thanks". I especially hate when the Colts play the Cowboys, my sister and her kids (all 5) are huge Cowboys fans. The Colts haven't fared too well against the Cowboys lately and they all love talking smack, that usually doesn't turn out too well because I don't talk smack even if the Colts are winning big. Its not "fun" to me so I just sit at home and watch by myself, a lot less stressful and keeps the family in harmony lol  

[basketballsteve]

This problem manifests itself in different ways for many fans, for the longest time I was unable to sit down during the game and needed to pace or be on my feet and i am still acutely aware that for most games I really am awaiting a feeling of relief from the "high anxiety" I feel during the game......i tried putting on a Mel Brooks film at the same time but that didn't help

[superrep1967]

I can't watch Colt's games without losing my temper(like I'll hit my leg or inanimate objects around me) and apart from that my anxiety eats me up alive. I can't eat during games and I'm just a complete nervous wreck before and during. It's gotten so bad that for the last 5 weeks I haven't watched a single game on TV - I just record them for later, but only after I see the "what's worse than being blank and blank?" thread to confirm that we won - HOWEVER I did attend the Baltimore game, and now I think my girlfriend never wants to attend a sporting event with me again.

 

Does anyone have any tips or advice for handling my neurosis?

Just like Rodgers said RELAX................

[ruksak]

And after a great 60 minutes of football and 10 pack of cigarettes...wallll-a!!!

 

 

*viola

[No 1 Manning Fan]

*viola

Why are you bringing stringed instruments into the conversation?

[superrep1967]

I'll share some thoughts....   but only to offer some perspective....   I don't pretend that I have some magical solution....

 

As a former Sports Producer -- often for the 11p newscast -- I quickly figured out that having favorite teams,  whether it was the Dodgers, or Lakers, or Rams, or any other team was not good for my job.    Getting sidetracked by who was winning or losing was a distraction I couldn't afford.

 

All I cared about was if the game was good and ended on time.   That gave me time to get hi-lites edited and scripts written so you could enjoy them at home.

 

But,  since I no longer do that, I enjoy my favorite teams.   And I care whether they win or lose. 

 

But, if you can't enjoy the 3 hour game experience, then........... what's the point?!?  

 

I'm totally serious.       What's?      The?       Point?!?!?

 

I have a very close friend who is more into Stanford than I am.    He went to Stanford.   He met his ex-wife at Stanford.   Both his parents went to Stanford.     He and his family write very, very big checks to the school every year.     He's hugely invested.

 

And when Stanford plays,  he's almost physically ill.     I'm seriously worried that he's going to suffer an ulcer or high blood pressure,  or a heart attack,  or a stroke.      And for what?    

 

He -- like you -- knows he's got a big problem.    He's considering going to therapy.    But, I suspect that won't happen for a while.

 

But, you need to ask yourself......   if you really can't enjoy the experience of being a fans -- even a diehard fan -- then something is wrong and you need to change things.

 

I'm hoping you can someday get to a place where you can enjoy a game and not torture yourself.    Hey, whether they win or lose,  take your lady out for a nice meal and a drink and enjoy the night.      Finish off the night with a little romance and when you wake up the next day,  avoid the newspaper if they lose and enjoy the paper if the Colts win.

 

If being a fan isn't fun,  then it's not worth it.    I'm not kidding.    It's OK to live and die (more figure of speech than anything else)...   but it's no OK to effect the rest of your life so you can't enjoy it and your family and friends can't enjoy you......

 

Sorry,  this got a little preachy....   didn't mean for that to happen......

 

Bottom line:     you only get one pass at life....   you gotta make the most of it and enjoy yourself.    And if you can't enjoy being a Colts fan,  then fix things so you can!

 

Good luck!      

Where did you work as a producer and where are you from?