Getting depressed

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ConsideringSuicide

i too am feeling quite depressed, if the name isn't evident enough. i'm also lucky enough to have crippling anxiety with regular attacks. though it is not chess or being bad at it that has me down and out. i actually sort of sought out chess to (or really anything that wasn't often frustrating, and could take my mind off of how bad things really are). what i'm getting at is, perhaps if you try to view chess from this perspective (as an escape), and not something you absolutely need to be great at. you might be less depressed, and if you can't do that consider another hobby. not that i would recommend anyone giving up on something they are passionate about typically but if it is unhealthy it may be  worth the loss. one thing is certain though, always seek help for depression. there is no shame in seeing a psychologist, a therapist, or even just talking with someone assuming you have someone worth opening up to. also i dont know if you have taken into account that if chess  is what is truly depressing you, then it would seem you likely have many other things in life to be happy about. focus on those things in times of dismay.

Agent_Clancy

The fact that you are even playing chess at all puts you ahead of the vast majority of a developed world that would rather absorb brainless entertainment like reality TV. Don't be so hard on yourself, you are your own worst critic. 

52yrral

Reality TV is a misnomer 😬

Vibhansh_Alok

I fall down from 1525 (blitz) months ago, still unable catch that back... you see, I'm still here I use to play chess everyday, solve tactics, sad too, I wanted to reach at least 2000, (I'm at 1720 on other chess site).

I obviously feel bad on losing like everyone else.... but I'm not done yet neither you. Have you seen the compliment written above the domination graph in a game analysis? I recently played a titled player WFM @nicecream18, I lost that game but when I read the compliment on analysing the game it was written " game slipped through your hands"..... you'll see it won't slip next time. I saw your last games, accuracy more than 95 says it all, that you've that ability. I want you to choose longer duration games ie rapids. That will do much more than a coach. Losing a game?.... good! At least you learnt something....Losing a hobby?...you literally lost something.

groobz

@ConsideringSuicide ey you play well, good in puzzle rush and 1000 blitz at only 100 odd games played.  But I agree with you, if you're sole purpose of playing chess is just to improve then eventually you will become frustrated.  You have to gain some other enjoyment out of it.

@Vibhansh_Alok no shame in loosing to @nicecream18, she's a tough cookie to crack on her worst days 😂  

ConsideringSuicide
EricFloNicole wrote:
ConsideringSuicide a écrit :

i too am feeling quite depressed, if the name isn't evident enough. i'm also lucky enough to have crippling anxiety with regular attacks. though it is not chess or being bad at it that has me down and out. i actually sort of sought out chess to (or really anything that wasn't often frustrating, and could take my mind off of how bad things really are). what i'm getting at is, perhaps if you try to view chess from this perspective (as an escape), and not something you absolutely need to be great at. you might be less depressed, and if you can't do that consider another hobby. not that i would recommend anyone giving up on something they are passionate about typically but if it is unhealthy it may be  worth the loss. one thing is certain though, always seek help for depression. there is no shame in seeing a psychologist, a therapist, or even just talking with someone assuming you have someone worth opening up to. also i dont know if you have taken into account that if chess  is what is truly depressing you, then it would seem you likely have many other things in life to be happy about. focus on those things in times of dismay.

Play slower game like 15+10 and get the habit of thinking on every move.

You will feel more in control and play less game and learn from your mistakes.

It's better to play one slow game per day and learn from it than 2 and not even look back and what you did wrong!

And do some tactical exercices even if it's only 5 per day! at your level it should help you a lot.

 

chess  is not the  cause of my depression. lol. i  was merely here to offer help. thank you kindly though

blueemu
ConfusedLoaf wrote:

So I am really taking everything super personally at this stage. I have spent the last week learning everything I can and feel like I'm getting worse. Really just want to give up on myself

I spent years teaching at chess clubs, and one thing I noticed is that when a chess player learns a lot of new stuff... tactics, strategies, techniques, whatever... their practical results will often go DOWN temporarily, until they manage to assimilate the new material into their current way of playing the game.

Then their results will go up again, to a new level.

ABC_of_EVERYTHING
blueemu wrote:
ConfusedLoaf wrote:

So I am really taking everything super personally at this stage. I have spent the last week learning everything I can and feel like I'm getting worse. Really just want to give up on myself

I spent years teaching at chess clubs, and one thing I noticed is that when a chess player learns a lot of new stuff... tactics, strategies, techniques, whatever... their practical results will often go DOWN temporarily, until they manage to assimilate the new material into their current way of playing the game.

Then their results will go up again, to a new level.

And then forgets if he left the club without training and never shows up again.

52yrral

🤣

MinecraftProGamer-1

help pls https://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/how-can-i-improve-my-raeting

Oliver_Prescott

I am depression

blueemu
December_TwentyNine wrote:
ABC_of_EVERYTHING wrote:
 

And then forgets if he left the club without training and never shows up again.

What's worse? That, or these guys that drag their wives to the chess club? I've seen it multiple times, the woman is just absolutely bored out of her mind!!!

That was a long, LONG time ago - I got kicked out because I talk too much.

One day, now mind you this was many years ago. It's another quiet night at the chess club, with nothing but the sounds of footsteps of the players that go outside for a smoke, and the click of the clocks. Suddenly, a ruckus broke out. It was the game exactly right next to me. It was an argument over a blunder - a player had seemingly retracted his move after seeing that he was losing his Queen. Voices were raised - then finally, another player from across the room said out loud "Can you guys take that outside? I'm trying to finish my game here!!!"

True story!

So hopefully this will help the OP cheer up a little.

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/weird-scenes-at-the-canadian-open

Muisuitglijder
SirPaladin schreef:

People Love You!

No they don't

groobz

I think chess can be a lonely game if you just playing in pool against nameless people.  It can be sad especially if your loosing.  Playing some variant games against friends might cheer you up. happy.png

lfPatriotGames

My guess is you are playing too much chess. If someone is depressed about something that's not family or friend related, it's probably coming from something else. Take a bit of time off, go hiking or fishing or golfing. Diversify your hobbies and recreation. Focus more on your close friends and family. Then go back and play some chess with your friends (not online). You might get a new perspective on what's really important and end up enjoying chess more, regardless of what some rating number is. 

TKLW

Rapid is a good tip
the_chess_zebra

Chess is a game that evolves over time.  It's like learnging to ride a horse.  You can read all the books you want to, but it's not until you set down in the saddle and pick up the reins that you feel the horse.  Suddenly, everything has changed - you have this living breathing creature to communicate with and just getting your seat correct - back straight, shoulders level, elbows bent and tucked in, butt relaxed, heels down in the stirrups, even weight on both sides, looking straight forward between the horse's ears, hands in proper position, grip on the reins firm and still soft... and you haven't even asked the horse to take a step forward yet.  It's enough to make a beginner go beserk.  Can you ride a horse after 6 lessons - probably a little bit.  But you won't be ready to enter the showring for at least a year. 

So far, you've played 50 games.  After you play 500, let me know how you're doing.  Because chess is not just about YOU.   There's the opponent to consider - just like a rider has to consider the horse.  Some opponents play a straight forward book game, some have no strategy at all, others focus on nabbing your queen or just start marching down pawns in a thorny fence, and some are trying new things. 

The benefits of chess outweigh all the inconveniences, struggles, losses, confusion, frustration, anxiety and disappointments.  Over time, you will gain confidence, make some smart moves, feel good about that last checkmate, make some friends here at chess.com, and become part of a great community.

Finally, keep in mind that the great chess masters had to learn chess the hard way just like you - except YOU have a PC, you can play people from all over the world, you can choose the ratings of your opponents, and you can even play the computer!  It's all good.  There's no race to victory.   Best to be like tortoise, be patient, persist, and the rewards will be yours. 

 

TheReturn16

I am only here for my friend SirPaladin!

SeniorPatzer

The lockdown from the coronavirus has really affected a lot of people's mental health.  If it's anxiety or depression, it's perfectly fine to seek help.  Reaching out for assistance is the wise thing to do.   

 

If can, get sound sleep, exercise or at least take a 20 minute brisk walk, socialize with others or help others, and praying is often helpful too.  

 

TheReturn16
SeniorPatzer wrote:

The lockdown from the coronavirus has really affected a lot of people's mental health.  If it's anxiety or depression, it's perfectly fine to seek help.  Reaching out for assistance is the wise thing to do.   

 

If can, get sound sleep, exercise or at least take a 20 minute brisk walk, socialize with others or help others, and praying is often helpful too.  

 

Your avatar is as ugly as sin!