when competition leads to depression

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Whoa!  I’m too competitive.  I’ve been playing “Words with Friends”.  I really like the game, but it wasn’t until today that I realized I don’t always enjoy it because I’m so focused on winning.  That has to change.

What’s the point of playing if it can’t also be fun?

So today I’m choosing to have fun.  It’s o.k. if I lose. I’m learning lots of new words, words I’ll never use. And I at least have the honor of beating my husband for the first time. Never up to this point has he lost a game to anyone. I feel so cerebral.

I never connected depression with competition but I think there just might be one. When we can’t “play” because we have to win, we set ourselves up for anger and anxiety. We spiral down to, “I’m not smart.  I’m not good at anything. I’m a loser”.

I’m playing against some tough opponents today. (I hope they’re not twelve years old!) I might lose and if I do I’m going to try and convince myself it’s only a game and who would know anyway.

Anyway, how are you at losing? Does it throw you into a tailspin? Does it cause you to think of yourself as a ‘loser”?

We’re all going to lose some THING, some ONE. Maybe if we learn to handle loss we will better appreciate what we still have.

God bless and I hope you have a good day.

Rebecca

Hi. I'm so glad you're here. My blog focuses on faith and mental health issues such as mood disorders like depression, anxiety, and dysthymia (chronic low moods that don't qualify as depression.) I post DIY and decorating projects when I can. My book, "Depression Has A Big Voice. Make Yours Bigger! (Expanded Edition), is on sale at all online retailers. I have a Psychology degree and post-graduate courses in Clinical Pastoral Education. I am a former hospital chaplain, Bible teacher, and retreat/conference inspirational speaker. Thank you for visiting and may you feel God's presence today.

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