Mental Health Matters

 

2011, it was a sunny Tuesday in Chula Vista, and I had just gotten back from preschool. I was ready to start eating, when my parents came up and surprised me with some soccer shoes. They were some black Nikes, and I was so excited to start playing. Nike The Premier III FG - Black/White - Mens Soccer Cleats |

My first team was called the dragons, and I had practice at 5pm that day. I remember jumping out into the field and presenting myself with my new teammates, and it was hard at first because I was the only Mexican player, and no one knew how to pronounce my name. Soccer is one of the most important aspects of my life, and I have had a love for the game for more than 14 years. I have played, watched and even coached soccer at one point. I still try to play to this day as a hobby, but man was I good back then. This beautiful sport has been able to shape who I am today, and it has helped my mental and physical health like I never thought it could.

This topic stems from the love and passion I've had for soccer, and how it basically shaped my world today. A lot of people have used sports as a way to escape from their reality, whether its family issues or personal issues, to millions across the world, it is a way to forget about your smallest problems and feel happiness for a bit. There are many case studies on how soccer, and sports in general, help people feel better. As someone who has struggled with mental health issues basically their entire life, I can assure you, that this is one hundred percent true.  Soccer's 7 Powerful Mental Health Benefits Revealed

 As a little kid, I was diagnosed with anxiety, and that as a kid was not the greatest thing. I struggled to talk to people, I was always nervous for some reason, and as I grew, it got worse. My anxiety would make me start fidgeting with my fingers and toes so much to the point I would start getting calluses and start bleeding, but the only place I wouldn't feel any fear, was playing soccer. Not only would my anxiety calm down, but I would talk to people like it was nothing, and the more I played, my parents realized the more my anxiety would calm down. Without soccer, who knows how bad it would be, and I'm not the only one to say this. 

"Engaging soccer provides a great workout that elevates heart rates and promotes physical fitness. This physical exertion leads to the release of endorphins, often referred to as "feelgood" hormones. These chemicals help alleviate stress and anxiety, creating a sense of euphoria and relaxation after playing. Regular participation in soccer can lead to long-term improvements in mood and a reduction in anxiety levels."

The soccer community in my opinion, can be one of the most warmhearted people you will ever meet. The compassion some have, and the kindness they demonstrate can never be topped. I don't regret anything I have done that involves soccer, on the other hand, I am thankful for the lessons it has given me, the character it built and most importantly, the friends that make the game just a bit better. They don't call it the beautiful game, or the people's game for no reason. No matter what you're going through, the problems you're having, where you're from, or how you are feeling, soccer will always be there for the people to enjoy themselves and maybe forget for a bit all the malicious things about this world. 

Why Do People Play Soccer? Exploring the Passion Behind the Game