Mental Health in Esports

What do we do when we are physically injured? We rush to a doctor. What do we do when we are mentally ill? Nothing, we keep fighting it making it bigger and bigger till it takes the shape of a monster that destroys many lives. Such an invisible enemy is extremely dangerous and Mental Health in Esports has the potential to turn the world of a player upside down.

Be it Esports or field sports, mental health is an important ingredient of an athlete’s success. Physical along with mental presence is very essential to win any match. Athlete’s usually taken care of their physical fitness but forget the whereabouts of mental fitness. 

Diagnosing mental illness is a hard nut to crack and mental health in Esports Player is more tough. Even if diagnosed it had already done a substantial amount of damage either directly or indirectly. When we talk about mental health it refers to the overall functioning of brain-related activities like concentration, focus, anxiety, depression, etc. Anxiety in the form of a panic attack and Depression has emerged to be a rising form of mental illness among Esport players Justin “Pulp” Mc Grath who was defeated in the finals of the Smash Bros Melee event at Evolution Champion Series experienced a panic attack. Within no time, the moment of anguish turned into a concerning scene. LOL pro Diego ” Quas” Ruiz after retirement spoke about his battle with depression.

The reason behind deterioration of Mental Health in Esports

When we consider a sports athlete he or she plays it as their career, unlike a casual player who plays for fun. In the case of the former, it becomes a question of doing or die as his life is dependent on that one game. It becomes a means to earn his livelihood. As a result, they keep on pushing themselves, sitting in front of a machine staring at that non-living thing for hours or sometimes for a day or two. 

It leads to disturbance in their circadian rhythm and they fall prey to mental illness. In this highly competitive world full of cut-throat competition where the mistake of even a second could cost their entire carrier players usually cannot cope up with mental stress.

According to a study at the University of Chichester, researchers have found that esports players faced 51 different stress factors including communication problems and concerns with competing in front of live audiences. Such stress is similar to the mental condition experienced by pro athletes including footballers and rugby stars in high profile tournaments.

Teenagers who were once playing in their bedroom for fun are when thrown in front of the crowd criticizing the young chaps, it becomes intolerable and they land up becoming a victim of mental illness.

Tips to improve Mental Health in Esports

Unplugging

To cut off from all sources of technological stimulation. In simple words, to keep a distance from the phone, computer, Netflix, etc. Professional sports players spend the majority of his time “plugged in”. When PUBG came out people would play it the entire night and had trouble sleeping. Unplugging creates a wave of ideas within you. Innovation starts to run in your nerve and it helps you prepare for the next big match.

Forest Bathing

This practice originated in Japan and South Korea. Unlike the word, it does not involve bathing in the forest but it literally means so spend some time alone in the forest once in a week or two and take a break from your busy life. It helps to reduce blood pressure, anxiety, aggression. It increases your RBC count and makes you happy. Forest Bathing is a natural therapy developed with the intention of improving one’s physical and mental health.

Sleep

It is the best medicine available naturally to a human being that can help cure any disease be it mental or physical but to our dismay, we do not realize the potential it carries. REM(Rapid Eye Movement) sleep improves our learning and memory and is important for our mental health. Getting adequate sleep (around 6-7 hours a day) is the success mantra. The sooner you realize it the better. Sleep is an essential part for any player’s Esports Mental Health.

Exercise

Physical fitness is crucial to support mental health. Exercise releases endorphins and powerful chemicals that help uplift moods and keeps you happy all day. The simple slogan “Fit body Fit mind” has a lot of truth. Please read more about Fitness and Esports here.

Teamwork and Support

In South Korea, the age-old idea of Team Houses is still prevalent where player lives, eat and play together. They share a room together and get to know each other. This improves directly or indirectly their teamwork and coordination. They understand each other well because team spirit is all that is required to win any match.

Every sporting athlete has to face one or other mental disorders once in their life. It depends on the person how they react to it and deals with it. The most disturbing thing about mental illness is that diagnosing it an early stage becomes difficult. The patient is not ready to talk about it. And the problems remain confined within the patient that frustrated and disturbs him.

Mental Health in Esports has become a serious issue especially for an athlete whose career is dependent on it. To remain focused throughout the game and to get along without making a mistake is not everyone’s cup of tea but it isn’t impossible either. The simple solution is to think positively and try to be optimistic because it is said that ” Nothing in the world can torment you as much as your own thoughts”