Life Advice

As of late I have not been having much fun with chess because I haven't improved in years and I see others the same age or younger (I'm 22) rise while I fall behind. I have played since age 8 and I don't find joy in chess like I used to. I think I have a serious case of depression and it's been going on for weeks and chess doesn't make me feel better like it used to. I don't want to quit because I've sunk so much time playing blitz on the internet, tournaments, books, etc.

The question I ask is how long of a break should I take? I have never taken more than 4 or 5 days break from chess before and I'm not sure how long of a break I should take. Has anyone else experienced something similar?

Thanks in advance.

You say that you have been playing for 15 years but you've only been a member here since August and have played only 158 mostly blitz games.  There are people here who play that many blitz games in a day.

Many people here will tell you that blitz games will not lead to improvement.  When was the last time that you seriously studied chess? Worked with a coach? Studied some books?  

At any rate, if you are depressed and chess brings you no joy, then by all means, take a break and find something else to do.

Many of us have found that life forced us to take breaks. If you have nothing forcing you out (family commitments, jobs, etc.),  you can safely take a break until something comes along that reminds you of the game.

By then, chess.com should have V3 sorted out, so it will be a great time to come back.

Have fun.