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Anxiety and Soccer

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 10/20/2016 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,
I'm Lucy and have been playing soccer since I can remember, and I'm quite good I've been told. I'm currently playing on my high school soccer team and it's been hard. Before games, you can see me running to the bathroom to vomit as my anxiety gets so bad. Some background on this is that when I was young my parents put a lot of pressure on me as a child to do well, which caused me a lot of stress and pressure to build. My parents don't do that anymore but I still feel the weight of failure if I don't have a good game.
Now I would also like to say that quitting to me is not an option. I really do like soccer! But these last few years, soccer has been very stressful.
I've talked to therapists about it but it hasn't really helped and I'm on an antidepressant. If anyone has an suggestions as to what I should do please let me know.
Thank you so much,
Lucy
Posted 10/21/2016 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Lucy,

I'm so sorry you're feeling such anxiety when playing soccer. I'm sure that's really difficult being pulled in two directions.

Have any of your therapists taught you any relaxation or coping skills to deal with stressors? I think that could be helpful for you.

I might also suggestion working through this online help program called The Mood Gym. It teaches you to identify "warped thinking" and helps train your brain to think more positively. It's free and all online.
https://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome

You could also talk to your doctor about the medication if it is not working well for you. They can make adjustments to the amount or type of drug.

I wish you best of luck, and feel free to come back here and post any time! Lots of supportive folks around.
Posted 10/21/2016 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
LW,

How is your self talk? The words we have going around in our heads have the power for good...or for feeding the anxiety!

If your mind's chatter is negative, full of doubt and pessimistic statements...then the anxiety grows, and of course you feel overwhelmed.

However, if the words you allow in your head are positive...that goes along way in ensuring a good experience!

Even if you don't believe all the statements you repeat to yourself at first...keep up the practice, and it will start to make a difference!

Try some of these:

"I will play my best, and that is more than enough."

"I don't need to prove anything to anyone...I am here to work my skills, get exercise and have a good time!"

...and come up with some of your own of course...

Everytime you have a fearful/negative thought...counter it with the positive ones to neutralize the bad thoughts.:)

Please give this a try. ..it will work!

S.C.
Posted 10/21/2016 7:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum.

Sorry to hear you are dealing with anxiety.

Look into Mindfulness Meditation as it works wonders on anxiety and it is something which you could easily do before your soccer. We have some good links in our resources thread so take a look.

Hibee
Posted 10/21/2016 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi
Some good advice above,

Im using the positive self talk, and mindful app on my phone so that its with me all the time.
I do look a bit odd sat with my head phones on at my age lol but i dont care it helps until im confident that i can do really positive self talk.

Good luck and give anything , Everything a try xx
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