I'm skipping the rest of the finals, due to health concerns. Am I a bad fan?

[NYR2007]

The rangers were on the beach yesterday relaxing riding bikes etc...

It's just a game. Your family means more then the rangers

 

[NickyFotiu]

If your health is in danger put yourself and your family first., It has been agony because we love this team so much but it is just a game. Your life comes first.

 

[BarbaraAlphanse]

You shouldn't even have to prove your fan hood to anyone. Your health is much more important.

 

[Born in 1909]

I was wondering if me skipping the remaining games of the finals makes me a bad fan. I am a huge Rangers fan, but at this point after watching the past 2 games, I do not think I can continue on watching any longer.

I literally had pains in my chest after watching the Rangers blow all those 2 goal leads the past few games, and the non-call in the 3rd tonight was the icing on the cake. When the Rangers lost Game 2 in OT, I literally had trouble breathing I was so upset.

Mentally, it has also caused me such anguish that I can not sleep nor can I function properly at work, and it has caused me major depression as well. Thoughts of hurting myself have even entered into my mind...thoughts about hating life, etc.

I know this sounds crazy, but I cannot control how I feel no matter what rational explanation goes into it. Hearing things like "all these guys are millionaires" and "it's just a game" does not help me at all, does it help you?

Nothing seems to help. I have such an attachment to this team, the past 2 games have literally sickened me. I will check the scores at the end of the game, when I feel it's safe to do so (4 to 5 hours after the start of the game). But that's it.

I managed to get through Game 1, and thought it could not get any worse than that. I was wrong. Not only did they blow a 2 goal lead in Game 2...they did it THREE TIMES instead of just once like they did in Game 1.

That literally shook me to the core, both mentally and physically. I don't want to die because of this. I literally had chest pains at the end of Game 2 and I had trouble breathing.

So my question is, am I a bad fan for skipping out on the rest of the finals? I do feel guilty about it...but I feel as if it is not worth losing my life over this and I cannot take the way this team tortures me any longer. Thoughts? Have you had any physical symptoms as well?

Montreal fan here in peace.

Yours is the story of the passionate NHL fan. Respect to you.

There are a million of us out there, all cheering for different teams.

PO hockey is just crazy on the mind of a fan... a bounce here or there in OT and its the Rangers who could be the team that has the stranglehold now, not LA.

My advice to you is to focus on the many big PO wins that NYR had this year... and forget the rest.

Peace.

 

[Shakezilla]

This is a stupid thread . Your 35 years old and u wanna hurt yourself cause the rangers lost ? The rangers were on the beach yesterday relaxing riding bikes etc...

It's just a game. Your family means more then the rangers

This is a stupid reply, I don't mean to pick on you, but this is the type of response that makes any mental condition taboo and prevents people from getting the proper help that they deserve. Would you tell someone with diabetes that they are stupid also?

The OP obviously doesn't want to hurt himself because the rangers lost, his thoughts are distorted and he is magnifying. This is known as Cognitive Distortion (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_distortion) and is a hallmark sign of various mental conditions. This has nothing to do with his age, people of all ages are affected by this. It seems to me that you have distorted thoughts too, jumping to conclusions. Working on these thoughts is an acquired skill that not everyone has.

To the OP, tightening in the chest I would say is most closely related to anxiety, which can cause a variety of seemingly random symptoms (difficulty breathing, difficulty focusing, tightening of chest, cramps...etc). I am not a doctor however so if you're really concerned get it checked out. Especially if you have other risk factors i.e. smoking, obesity..etc

However, the fact that you mentioned that you have thoughts of hurting yourself is monumental indicator to me that you have an underlying condition. It might be that you are depressed. The fact that this game spiked you like this, implies to me that there are many facets in your life that affect you in this manner.

You should seek professional help, I would suggest cognitive behavior therapy coupled with a ton of exercise. You need to STOP distorting your thoughts, most of us were anxious last night, but we realize this is just a sport. However the fact that you distort your thoughts makes your mind think that the game is more important than it really is. It is really difficult to explain to people that telling you that "its just a game" doesn't really help you, because underlying there is a behavioral problem, your brain is in the behavior of distorting your own perception.

Bottom line, talk to someone ! Do NOT let these feelings bottle up. Trust me and talk to someone soon.

 

[KingWantsCup]

Sadness and anger are normal, but these chest pains and thoughts of hurting yourself are not. The fact that you are counting on the Rangers to give you what seems like a sole source of happiness makes me think that you need to reevaluate your life. I don't mean that in any kind of harsh way, it's just how I honestly view that.

 

[Cobra Jack*]

This is a stupid reply, I don't mean to pick on you, but this is the type of response that makes any mental condition taboo and prevents people from getting the proper help that they deserve. Would you tell someone with diabetes that they are stupid also?

The OP obviously doesn't want to hurt himself because the rangers lost, his thoughts are distorted and he is magnifying. This is known as Cognitive Distortion (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_distortion) and is a hallmark sign of various mental conditions. This has nothing to do with his age, people of all ages are affected by this. It seems to me that you have distorted thoughts too, jumping to conclusions. Working on these thoughts is an acquired skill that not everyone has.

To the OP, tightening in the chest I would say is most closely related to anxiety, which can cause a variety of seemingly random symptoms (difficulty breathing, difficulty focusing, tightening of chest, cramps...etc). I am not a doctor however so if you're really concerned get it checked out. Especially if you have other risk factors i.e. smoking, obesity..etc

However, the fact that you mentioned that you have thoughts of hurting yourself is monumental indicator to me that you have an underlying condition. It might be that you are depressed. The fact that this game spiked you like this, implies to me that there are many facets in your life that affect you in this manner.

You should seek professional help, I would suggest cognitive behavior therapy coupled with a ton of exercise. You need to STOP distorting your thoughts, most of us were anxious last night, but we realize this is just a sport. However the fact that you distort your thoughts makes your mind think that the game is more important than it really is. It is really difficult to explain to people that telling you that "its just a game" doesn't really help you, because underlying there is a behavioral problem, your brain is in the behavior of distorting your own perception.

Bottom line, talk to someone ! Do NOT let these feelings bottle up. Trust me and talk to someone soon.

Hey thanks. I actually do suffer from depression and I do see a therapist, to be quite honest. I also happen to be a big Rangers fan, and have never experienced the team getting this far in my adult life.

The fact that we made it this far, and just experienced 2 horrific losses is what is tough to deal with. Not so much that we lost, but how we lost.

I exercise a lot...lots of running. It helps. But...these past 2 games...all the running in the world wouldn't help with that lol. When you're depressed a lot, really bad losses like last night are magnified 100 times, it would seem.

One guy mentioned his kids, and family. I don't have any kids so I guess that makes things like this harder too. Not much else to focus on to distract me.

Thanks for your reply, it helps to come here and talk to others. I am actually doing ok today. Honestly though, I am just wanting this series to be over at this point one way or another. I'd love to win, but this whole ride has been too much for me. It was a really fun ride, up until the past 2 games. I guess I just couldn't handle that.

 

[bernmeister]

I was wondering if me skipping the remaining games of the finals makes me a bad fan. I am a huge Rangers fan, but at this point after watching the past 2 games, I do not think I can continue on watching any longer.

I literally had pains in my chest after watching the Rangers blow all those 2 goal leads the past few games, and the non-call in the 3rd tonight was the icing on the cake. When the Rangers lost Game 2 in OT, I literally had trouble breathing I was so upset.

Mentally, it has also caused me such anguish that I can not sleep nor can I function properly at work, and it has caused me major depression as well. Thoughts of hurting myself have even entered into my mind...thoughts about hating life, etc.

I know this sounds crazy, but I cannot control how I feel no matter what rational explanation goes into it. Hearing things like "all these guys are millionaires" and "it's just a game" does not help me at all, does it help you?

Nothing seems to help. I have such an attachment to this team, the past 2 games have literally sickened me. I will check the scores at the end of the game, when I feel it's safe to do so (4 to 5 hours after the start of the game). But that's it.

I managed to get through Game 1, and thought it could not get any worse than that. I was wrong. Not only did they blow a 2 goal lead in Game 2...they did it THREE TIMES instead of just once like they did in Game 1.

That literally shook me to the core, both mentally and physically. I don't want to die because of this. I literally had chest pains at the end of Game 2 and I had trouble breathing.

So my question is, am I a bad fan for skipping out on the rest of the finals? I do feel guilty about it...but I feel as if it is not worth losing my life over this and I cannot take the way this team tortures me any longer. Thoughts? Have you had any physical symptoms as well?

1. You're among the truest of fans, to literally take it this much to heart.
Win or lose, feel better.

2. It is not YOUR fault that while this is a talented team that deserves to go fair, it suffers in comparison and short of Divine Intervention, will not win Cup. We need more/better quality horses.
There was previously concern we were not getting better thru the farm but last coupla years show there is real hope there, so 'let not your heart be troubled' there.

3. Do what I do. Be the gm. Take a stand. Whether it is the Rangers, or the Yankees or whatever team.
Take a stand based on certain facts, and update as those facts change.

If the club listens to you, then you can have honest constructive criticism positive or negative as may be applicable for the results.
If the club does not listen to you, then hey, why beat yourself up?
They are the idiots who were wrong, not you!
Do you own the team? Was it in your power to change their stupidity?
No.
So take it easy, brother.

Case in point.
It was obviously 1 gazillion percent wrong to retain Taylor Pyatt.
Rangers did for like half a year.
Would rather have had Kreider and Miller both up here, making mistakes ok, comes with the territory, but playing here getting better here, than Pyatt.

FINALL--- oh freakin fuggin leeee,
they listened.

I hope that provides some perspective AND comfort.

 

[Cobra Jack*]

Montreal fan here in peace.

Yours is the story of the passionate NHL fan. Respect to you.

There are a million of us out there, all cheering for different teams.

PO hockey is just crazy on the mind of a fan... a bounce here or there in OT and its the Rangers who could be the team that has the stranglehold now, not LA.

My advice to you is to focus on the many big PO wins that NYR had this year... and forget the rest.

Peace.

Hey thanks man. I love going to Montreal to watch a hockey game, the fans are always very polite and respectful like you are.

 

[Shakezilla]

Hey thanks. I actually do suffer from depression and I do see a therapist, to be quite honest. I also happen to be a big Rangers fan, and have never experienced the team getting this far in my adult life.

The fact that we made it this far, and just experienced 2 horrific losses is what is tough to deal with. Not so much that we lost, but how we lost.

I exercise a lot...lots of running. It helps. But...these past 2 games...all the running in the world wouldn't help with that lol. When you're depressed a lot, really bad losses like last night are magnified 100 times, it would seem.

One guy mentioned his kids, and family. I don't have any kids so I guess that makes things like this harder too. Not much else to focus on to distract me.

Thanks for your reply, it helps to come here and talk to others. I am actually doing ok today. Honestly though, I am just wanting this series to be over at this point one way or another. I'd love to win, but this whole ride has been too much for me. It was a really fun ride, up until the past 2 games. I guess I just couldn't handle that.

I can tell you ruminate a lot. I am glad you're taking steps to help yourself, but I think you need to understand that "just" talking is only the beginning of therapy you have to take STEPS to get better.

I think you should continue to watch but view this series as a challenge, when you get depressive thoughts, recognize them and apply therapeutic responses to them. Keep doing that to your thoughts to form a habit of counter conditioning your brain. This is how I would personally approach it.

Think of it like working out at the gym, if you go to the gym and talk to a trainer for years, you wont get bigger and healthier right? You have to then take what the trainer says and put it to work, actually work on your body and even then you don't get results until you've been at it for a while and formed a habit. This is the same thing but for you brain, its exercises for your brain. Just talking to a counselor is good, it lets you get some steam off , but then you have to follow it up with exercises for your brain that help you with these thoughts. Eventually you'll be good enough to deal with stress in a much healthier way and the negative thoughts will start to ease up.

Next time you're with your therapist, ask for some exercises to do. If the therapist isn't a CBT therapist then I highly suggest getting one that practices CBT. Medical research and studies have proven over and over that a combination of CBT with exercise (sometimes medication to get you going) is the most effective way to deal with depression.

But always remember, depression is a medical condition, like diabetes. Your thoughts are a result of depression especially your distortions. They are not correct representation of reality, but a magnified version of reality, you have to acknowledge and remember that.

This is all about putting in the work, just like the team puts in the work to get to Stanley Cup Finals, you have to put in the work to deal with your condition.

Keep on truckin' !

 

[Macbanan]

Up to the actual chest pains I'm in the same situation as you. I was shaking because I was so angry when LA got their third goal, and at times covering my face when the play got intensive. As long as I feel I can take it I think the potential payoff outweighs all these things if the game eventually turn out my way. At times when I feel like it is too much, for example in overtime yesterday, I try to think of as many things as possible to counterbalance the importance of the game.

For me step one is thinking the particular game doesn't matter. Like, "Oh, game two is nonsense anyway, LA has lost 2 game leads many times in the past". If that doesn't work I'll try to think of some other sports event that I may or may not care more about. " Oh well, hockey is just one of the sports I care about, soon there will be the qualification rounds of the European championship in soccer, that's what really matters." Or last line of defence is that all sports are essentially stupid. Of course, that will be easier if you have many other things that you care about in life.

 

[Kane One]

Do you actually get chest pains? That seems a bit ridiculous and an excuse to not watch.

 

[Synergy27]

As long as I feel I can take it I think the potential payoff outweighs all these things if the game eventually turn out my way.

Not trying to be a dick, but what is the potential payoff? How exactly do you stand to gain from the Rangers winning the Cup?

If you're posting on this board, you're a big fan, and it's obviously impossible to completely detach yourself emotionally from the outcome of these games. But seriously, if either losses or wins affect your mood for more than a couple of hours, you have a problem. None of us have played a role in what's happening on the ice, and win or lose, none of our lives will be changing at all. It's entertainment, pure and simple, and when it becomes more than that I personally think you'd do well to take a step back a evaluate some things.

Otherwise, you're literally staking your well being on what some dude in a striped shirt sees, or on how a little bump in a sheet of ice can make a puck bounce weirdly. Think about that for a little while.

 

[jerseyjinx94]

Yeah the losses are major depressants. I laid on the floor for almost an hour after that game, not moving, as my phone buzzed with incessant text messages. I stared at the ceiling in disbelief.

But as said above, if the losses are honestly giving you feelings about hurting yourself...you not only should step away, but you must step away. And you really should go see a Dr. or speak with a close friend or relative if a Dr. is not an option.

Try to put things in perspective for yourself.

 

[ReggieDunlop68]

Dear OP,

Assume from one of your posts that you are ~35 years old. If you don't have a history of heart issues, I assume your having serious attacks of anxiety. If you are experiencing a true weight on your chest, please see a physician immediately, but if I'm correct, you would need to make life adjustments.

It sounds to me as if the Rangers are not just a form of entertainments for you. It sounds as if they are a distraction from a lot of problems. This is just a game, the Rangers don't give a **** about you, and you shouldn't give your entire life to them.

You need to look at what is missing in your life. I have no idea what that is, and you don't need to share it, but this series has more importance in your life than it should.

Hockey is a sport, and the NHL is a league for the purpose of entertainment. At this point in your life, strapping on a pair of roller blades and going for a skate would be more beneficial than watching this team.

Rick Nash is not losing sleep over you.

I wish you the best!

Sincerely,

ReggieDunlop

 

[jerseyjinx94]

Not trying to be a dick, but what is the potential payoff? How exactly do you stand to gain from the Rangers winning the Cup?

If you're posting on this board, you're a big fan, and it's obviously impossible to completely detach yourself emotionally from the outcome of these games. But seriously, if either losses or wins affect your mood for more than a couple of hours, you have a problem. None of us have played a role in what's happening on the ice, and win or lose, none of our lives will be changing at all. It's entertainment, pure and simple, and when it becomes more than that I personally think you'd do well to take a step back a evaluate some things.

Otherwise, you're literally staking your well being on what some dude in a striped shirt sees, or on how a little bump in a sheet of ice can make a puck bounce weirdly. Think about that for a little while.

That's a bit harsh. The loss still affects my mood. Do I have a problem? When you live and die with a team for an entire season, it's going to take its toll. Watching every second of Ranger hockey during this season creates an emotional attachment that isn't simply detached by a couple of hours. Yeah, we can't affect the outcome, but we are emotionally invested in the outcome of the games.

Now, I get what you're saying if you're saying you should be able to function in society after a loss, but it's perfectly normal to feel anguish for more than a couple of hours.

 

[jerseyjinx94]

Watch this video and put things in perspective.

 

[TeamStewie]

That's a bit harsh. The loss still affects my mood. Do I have a problem? When you live and die with a team for an entire season, it's going to take its toll. Watching every second of Ranger hockey during this season creates an emotional attachment that isn't simply detached by a couple of hours. Yeah, we can't affect the outcome, but we are emotionally invested in the outcome of the games.

Now, I get what you're saying if you're saying you should be able to function in society after a loss, but it's perfectly normal to feel anguish for more than a couple of hours.

Yeah I'm still pissed but I'm sucking it up and dealing. Generally when the season ends I watch the handshake line, have a good cry and in a couple of days I'm thinking about the draft. It sucks when they lose like that but the good pretty much outweighs the bad or else I still wouldn't be doing it after 40 years.

 

[Brooklyndevil]

Hey thanks. I actually do suffer from depression and I do see a therapist, to be quite honest. I also happen to be a big Rangers fan, and have never experienced the team getting this far in my adult life.

The fact that we made it this far, and just experienced 2 horrific losses is what is tough to deal with. Not so much that we lost, but how we lost.

I exercise a lot...lots of running. It helps. But...these past 2 games...all the running in the world wouldn't help with that lol. When you're depressed a lot, really bad losses like last night are magnified 100 times, it would seem.

One guy mentioned his kids, and family. I don't have any kids so I guess that makes things like this harder too. Not much else to focus on to distract me.

Thanks for your reply, it helps to come here and talk to others. I am actually doing ok today. Honestly though, I am just wanting this series to be over at this point one way or another. I'd love to win, but this whole ride has been too much for me. It was a really fun ride, up until the past 2 games. I guess I just couldn't handle that.

Sir, at the end of the day, it only sports, played by a bunch of millionaires whom will all be taking a beautiful vacation in about a week, win or lose. They don't pay your mortgage or rent, they don't put food on your table and feed your family, that's your job. These players, win or lose will go on enjoying themselves. You need to do the same. Good luck to you and your family!

 

[Wolfy*]

It's certainly not good if you experience chest pain and breathing problems when you are upset or excited. Those are actually symptoms of heart disease.

I'd see a doctor to check it out.

 

[Bone for your jar]

Hey thanks. I actually do suffer from depression and I do see a therapist, to be quite honest. I also happen to be a big Rangers fan, and have never experienced the team getting this far in my adult life.

The fact that we made it this far, and just experienced 2 horrific losses is what is tough to deal with. Not so much that we lost, but how we lost.

B's fan in peace. You have a lot of wise fellow fans on this thread, with solid advice. I just want to say that I personally have developed a real fondness for your team over the course of these playoffs, and the last two games, while frustrating as hell, have not dampened that. I know it's of no consolation after two such losses, especially when bad calls play a role, but the Rangers are making a strong impression on a lot of folks. The hustle and speed are amazing to watch.

The one thing I would suggest is fairly minor compared to what others have said. After a game ends, if you're still going to be awake for a bit, just do something to help you switch your mind off hockey. For me, that's usually grabbing a good book, or listening to some music. Just change the scenery, you've already paid your dues.

Take good care.

 

[aufheben]

A sporting event wouldn't directly cause clinical depression, it may bring a condition that was already there to the surface, or "spark" a condition that was caused by a complexity of reasons. Should see a doctor. I don't mean to sound sterile, but if it IS being caused by a sport, that probably means your brain is interpreting the event as traumatic, which is a potential issue in itself.

Seems like you're reacting to this event in the same way a person would react to a breakup: chest pains, trouble breathing, anguish, self-inflicting thoughts, trouble sleeping, etc.

To the OP, tightening in the chest I would say is most closely related to anxiety, which can cause a variety of seemingly random symptoms (difficulty breathing, difficulty focusing, tightening of chest, cramps...etc). I am not a doctor however so if you're really concerned get it checked out. Especially if you have other risk factors i.e. smoking, obesity..etc

However, the fact that you mentioned that you have thoughts of hurting yourself is monumental indicator to me that you have an underlying condition. It might be that you are depressed. The fact that this game spiked you like this, implies to me that there are many facets in your life that affect you in this manner.

Chest issues would definitely point to anxiety. Agree on the bolded as well.

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

B's fan in peace. You have a lot of wise fellow fans on this thread, with solid advice. I just want to say that I personally have developed a real fondness for your team over the course of these playoffs, and the last two games, while frustrating as hell, have not dampened that. I know it's of no consolation after two such losses, especially when bad calls play a role, but the Rangers are making a strong impression on a lot of folks. The hustle and speed are amazing to watch.

The one thing I would suggest is fairly minor compared to what others have said. After a game ends, if you're still going to be awake for a bit, just do something to help you switch your mind off hockey. For me, that's usually grabbing a good book, or listening to some music. Just change the scenery, you've already paid your dues.

Take good care.

Cannot stress enough how much music helps with this in general (at least for me), and last night in particular as well.

I find that listening to music during games also helps keep me a bit more even keeled.

 

[mandiblesofdoom]

These games are nerve-wracking. If watching them is not good for you, absolutely, don't watch. Doesn't make you a bad fan at all.

You know what's best. Trust your instincts.

 

[sbresistor]

hey OP - watch the games with friends - or ask to watch with some of your fellow fans on this board if you have been watching alone.

Win or lose - there is always another season to look forward too - and believe it or not, even after a cup win - you will find a reason to be depressed if your mind takes you that way (like no more hockey to watch) so just try to enjoy the games i guess - with other people helps