Today finds us exploring the condition of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or in this case, NHL SAD (CBJ). Finally, the disorder explained and clarified not only for the NHL fan, but specifically the Blue Jacket fan because nearly 100% of Blue Jacket fans suffer from this terrible affliction, at least sometime during the season.
Symptoms of NHL (SAD)-
This type of depression occurs at the same time every year, usually beginning a few weeks into October, as regulation play begins and increases thru the winter months, reaching a crescendo in Spring, before the symptoms subside with the passing of the cup. Since this depression is cyclical, it will begin at the same time every year, ending the same way, time after time. This is especially true if you suffer from NHL (SAD) CBJ.
Those affected with the disorder have anxiety, general feelings of hopelessness, anger management issues, uncontrollable urges to swear or yell, tendency toward destruction of property, serious sarcasm bouts (especially noted in the Blue Jacket fans), insomnia (can be exacerbated by late West coast games), some fans can experience weight-gain and crying jags. The Blue Jacket fan can suffer from mania at times, experiencing a burst of energy and run of balanced moods. This will not last and the let-down from these CBJ-Mania bouts can be severe.
*Some of those with the CBJ form of NHL (SAD) have reverse seasonal affective disorder for 2 or 3 months after regulation season starts. Symptoms include hyperactivity, persistently elevated mood, unbridled enthusiasm for chosen activity and uncontrollable urge to scream, “Leo!” after hearing the national anthem.
Causes of NHL (SAD) CBJ-
At this point, the specific causes are unknown. Every NHL fan will have times where they feel down and unhappy. But when the sadness won’t go away and you find yourself selling your season tickets or sitting at Nationwide arena with your head in your hands, you may have a problem. Some causes could be lack of cannon fire or low power play productivity. Others suggest a cumulative affect of many factors.
Treatment Of NHL (SAD) CBJ-
Treatment options vary. For extreme symptoms, one might try taking in an OSU ice hockey game, or perhaps eating buttered popcorn and watching mini mites. Mild symptoms may be relieved a bit by taking a jumbo bag of Sta-Puft marshmallows and throwing them at the TV when the CBJ play.
Preventing NHL (SAD) CBJ-
Anyone who loves hockey will suffer from SAD. This number is 100% for those deciding to follow the Blue Jackets. Find a decent support group, a rockin’ bar and choose a beverage of choice. Loving a hockey team is never easy and is a commitment of soul. Ask yourself if you’re strong enough to handle the ups and downs of the common and brutal disorders that are just part of the contract.
The best weapon against NHL (SAD) CBJ (besides a firing cannon) is energy. Find a cause. Embrace your fellow Union Blue faithful and indulge in talk therapy. Talking about this debilitating and unhappy disorder is the first step in dealing with it. There’s strength in numbers. Lastly, keep your faith. Never stop carrying that flag.
And know, that if you don’t hear as much cannon fire as you would’ve hoped, the crack of a bat will offer some reprive if only for 6 months or so.