Have you heard of Seasonal Affective\u00a0Disorder? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons, typically starting in the late fall and early winter and going away during the spring and summer.<\/p>\n
I am convinced I have FAD, also known as Football Affective Disorder. It occurs when your football team is finished playing for the season. I first noticed it when I was coaching football; I would become depressed for about a month after the season as I readjusted back into non-football life. And now that FBS football is done for the season, I am feeling the effects of FAD, again. So, I am curious if others suffer from this same disease.<\/p>\n
Football Affective Disorder (FAD) fans experience depression coinciding with the post-football season. Bowl season is over.\u00a0 The playoffs are over.\u00a0 We are still in a pandemic so we do not know what is going to happen with Spring football.\u00a0 Teams are still making moves with new coaches trying to get their staff hired.\u00a0 So, that is always some fun drama to watch.\u00a0 Right now South Carolina cannot seem to hang on to any assistant coaches.\u00a0 Auburn has snagged more than one of its assistants away.\u00a0 As your school makes staff changes take time to google and find out more about your new staff.<\/p>\n
Attributes that may increase your risk of FAD include:<\/p>\n
There are FIVE major types of treatment for FAD:<\/p>\n
These may be used alone or in combination.<\/p>\n
You know you have the past season saved on your DVR. As well as the last several seasons.\u00a0 Watch as many games as possible. Have them on in the background as you do stuff around the house. The sounds of your team playing will help soothe you.\u00a0 Those games will start to fill the emptiness you are feeling. Only watch the games your team WON. This will help fill the void faster.<\/p>\n
Now is the time to invest in the sports package with your tv provider if you haven’t already. The ACC, SEC, Big Ten, Pac-12, and The Longhorns all have their own networks.\u00a0 There is a multitude of old games on that you can watch, DVR, and rewatch.\u00a0 This will help you survive FAD.\u00a0 You will even get to watch Spring football games *fingers crossed* we get Spring football games.<\/p>\n
With the invention of smartphones, there is an app for everything. There are several countdown apps. Pick your favorite and start a countdown to kick-off for the first game next season. Also, start a countdown to spring football. This will be a guesstimate, but start a countdown until your team announces their Spring schedule. You can readjust as needed. It is very satisfying to watch the day’s countdown.<\/p>\n
With 2020 being such a weird year.\u00a0 The Big Ten and Pac-12 canceling football then ultimately deciding to play.\u00a0 The FCS\u00a0 season has moved to this Spring.\u00a0 You have a chance to see a whole new set of teams and hop on some bandwagons.\u00a0 Might be fun to have Spring football games. Read more about the Spring FCS season HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n Don’t forget to follow your team’s new players on Twitter and Instagram. Watch their highlight reels on Hudl. You can overanalyze where you think they will make the biggest impact on your team in the 2021 season. This is a godsend for fans who suffer from FAD.<\/p>\n If you are experiencing any one or a combination of these symptoms, you could be suffering from FAD. Although it is not a life-threatening disease, it is a serious disorder that affects your life. Your friends may or may not understand your depression. They might laugh at you as you work through your FAD treatments. You have to keep pushing through. Read up on the FCS schedule.\u00a0 Check out your new head and assistant coaches.\u00a0 Be sure to get to know your new signees.\u00a0 You survived the 2020 season.\u00a0 You can handle anything.<\/p>\nRecruiting<\/h4>\n
Keep Your Head Up<\/h3>\n