Can Extreme Sports Help Alleviate Anxiety And Depression?

Many athletes have achieved incredible fame thanks to exceptional performances in extreme sports. A few of those daredevil athletes have even earned huge sums of money through parlaying their extreme sports fame into lucrative product endorsements. Not everyone who engages in extreme sports garner great notoriety and financial rewards. Hobbyists discover something more valuable can be gained. The psychological pain associated with both anxiety and depression may be alleviated through slower-paced participation in a favored extreme sport.

Extreme Sports and Psychological Benefits

A Seattle-based therapist named Brandon Stogsdill once found himself very attracted to high-risk behavior. This led him into trouble with the law as a young person. In time, Stogsdill discovered extreme sports offered a way to better fill a need to engage in challenging and stimulating endeavors. The lesson here is that sports such as skateboarding, surfing, or motocross allow for channeling energy into much more positive pursuits. Doing so may contribute to overcoming feelings of anxiety and depression.

Taking part in extreme sports and realizing a sense of personal satisfaction could lead to two positive benefits:

• Attaining a Better Sense of Self-Worth

One of the unfortunate side effects of feeling depressed is the feeling of being worthless. Self-esteem suffers when such an attitude is embodied. Venturing into the world of extreme sports has the means of delivering a sense of self-worth through accomplishing what may have previously been thought impossible.

• Focusing on Personal Goals to Feel Accomplished

Setting personal sportive goals and achieving them has its rewards. A sense of accomplishment brings with it positive feelings that aid in alleviating a difficult psychological state. Avoiding a competitive attitude helps with this goal. Rather than trying to win competitions, engage in the much more positive endeavor of performing at one's personal best.

Enroll in Extreme Sport Lessons

It is worth pointing out here that beginners can take things slowly when starting out in extreme sports. Going "all in" is ill-advised. Extreme sports can be performed at an easy, safe pace and still be exciting. Additionally, newbies are strongly advised to seek out formal training to ensure maximum safety. Participating in group lessons and guided excursions presents a better environment for beginners turns the event into a bonding activity. The group bonding may cut down the loneliness a person suffering from depression may feel.

Discuss Extreme Sports with a Psychologist

Consider it advisable to first discuss a plan of "extreme sports therapy" with a psychologist in a formal counseling session before taking part in any activities. The psychologist can provide opinions on how to best approach these adventures from a therapeutic perspective.

Speak with services like Carewright Clinical Services for more information.