SPORTS: MENTAL HEALTH
WHY TEAM SPORTS
While many people find it difficult to schedule time for physical activity, team sports have always been a fun and motivating way for people to exercise. Further, not only do they come with the physical benefits of being active but they can provide many people with mental and social health benefits.
TEAM SPORTS AND MENTAL HEALTH
Specifically, research shows that team sports have been associated with decreasing feelings of depression and anxiety likely due to the companionships that can be found in team sports. This is especially shown in youth between ages 12 and 19 and it affirms that team sports is a positive way for kids to relieve stress, socialize, and create friendships. Studies also show that the longer kids participate in a team sport, the less likely they are to experience future symptoms of depression.(Pluhar et al., 2019)
On the other hand, though team sports may be super beneficial in helping people engage and be active, there are aspects of team sports that might diminish its benefits towards mental health, such as the sport’s level of competitiveness. If a team sport is found to be overly competitive, people might experience more stress and performance anxiety rather than feelings of relief or fun.(Andersen, Ottesen, & Thing, 2019) For that reason, the person should decide what environment or level of team sport is comfortable for them to participate in.
IN CONCLUSION, CHOOSE WISELY
Team sports can help people of all ages boost their mood and mental health, not only increasing self-esteem but confidence in themselves and in interactions with others. Also, team sports are a great way for people to socially experiment and find out new passions or understand themselves through trial and error. For example, not one sport or level of competition will be fun for everybody, that’s why it is so important to explore physical activity and find the one thing that brings them joy. Finally, while team sports has its benefits, it does not replace professional help or recommendation. In turn, people with severe depression and anxiety may find it beneficial to ask a mental health professional for any treatment or opinion.