Why does cheering at the World Cup cause anxiety? Expert explains
The proximity of the World Cup brings millions of Brazilians closer to one thing in common: supporting the national team. Anxiety caused by gaming is justifiable and more common than you might think, but extreme symptoms can affect the most dedicated sports enthusiasts.
The emotional rollercoaster felt by a fan during a game can range from mental to physical symptoms, leaving the heart racing, causing sweating and even changing breathing.
To CNN Brasil, Mariana Ramos, Psychology professor at Afya Centro Universitário Itaperuna, states that sport often stops being entertainment and becomes a social phenomenon, especially during a world event like the World Cup.
"When someone supports a team, they are not just following a sporting contest. There is an emotional investment in that result, which involves belonging, identity, affective memories and even self-esteem", he explains.
Collective symptom
According to the expert, brain reward mechanisms are switched on during major events. The brain begins to understand that that experience is extremely relevant, even if the fan is not on the field playing a game.
"In decisive matches, the body releases substances such as adrenaline, dopamine and cortisol, responsible for sensations of pleasure, excitement and stress. Therefore, many people present real physical reactions, such as heart acceleration, muscle tension, excessive sweating and anxiety", points out Mariana.
She continues: "Even outside the stadium, the fan subjectively lives that experience as if they were on the field. Our brain has emotional identification mechanisms that make victories and defeats felt in a very personal way."
During the World Cup, the fact that it is watched by millions of people causes a phenomenon of collective psychological amplification to occur. It is common for sensations such as tension, joy and frustration to be shared socially and in a much more intense way.
When does it become dangerous?
This euphoria stops being healthy when the physical symptoms start to become dangerous to the person's health. There are fans who deal with severe irritability, difficulty sleeping, changes in blood pressure, muscle pain and even anxiety attacks.
"Many people associate important games with moments spent with family, friends and loved ones. This makes the emotional experience even more significant", points out the psychologist.
The professional warns that a football game should function as a space for leisure, connection and entertainment, not as a source of extreme suffering or lack of emotional control. Mental health also involves learning to deal with frustrations and regulate emotions", he advises.
Finally, she states that it is necessary to avoid excessive stimulation during a team match at the World Cup. "When experienced with balance, sport has enormous positive potential. It promotes social integration, a sense of belonging, collective hope and strengthening human bonds", he concludes.
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Source: CNN