Football Affective Disorder

Our Writers Group prompt for January was to write about an  unusual recovery or support group. Here’s mine:

Football Affective Disorder

February is upon us, bringing with it a multitude of psychological disorders. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is one of the most publicized; however, there’s a subset of SAD which overlaps the distinctive time frame and may be a disorder in its own right: Football Affective Disorder (FAD).

OVERVIEW/ONSET:

Commencing in August, fan activities are scheduled around The Game. Many restaurants have jumped on the ball-wagon by adding multiple viewing screens in an effort to entice diners to their tables; food is essential for life, after all. This being the greatest generation of multi-taskers, football aficionados are able to add yet another facet to their dining/game experience:  A date night with a spouse or significant other, bonding with one’s offspring, or a social get-together with friends can be accomplished at the same time.

TRIGGERS:

February hosts the grand finale, the Super Bowl. For one final weekend, hoards of football fans, and those who love them, celebrate with parties to rival New Year’s festivities. The day after the Super Bowl is filled with discussion and debate anywhere people meet. This conversation may also involve ref-bashing, Monday-morning quarterbacking, and the very-popular-and-ever-pricey commercials.

CAUSE AND EFFECT:

As suddenly as January 2 arrives after New Year’s revelry and life becomes a bit blasé, in the days following the Super Bowl, FAD sufferers are tackled by the loss of their month’s long addiction to The Game. The letdown is enough to cart them off the field of day-to-day play-by-play living.

WHERE TO GET HELP:

In light of this newly-discovered syndrome, FAD support groups will be kicking off the un-football season this month with huddles of fans meeting all across the nation. To find a support group near you, type Fantasy Football into your favorite search engine.