Table tennis and mental health

[dnelsen]

This got mentioned in another thread, and I felt like it deserved more attention.

I recently got back into table tennis after about 12 years off, and it's been really great for my mental health. I've had big problems with anxiety throughout my life, and table tennis has been a big help.

Any exercise of course is well understood as being great for mental health, but there is something really special about table tennis. The way it focuses my mind, and clears away my racing thoughts, is really powerful. The feeling I get from being able to control how that little white ball flies through the air is nothing short of amazing. And a good long session of playing, even if I lose every match, leaves me buzzing with adrenaline and great feelings for hours and even days afterwards.

And being part of a community. Big shout out to the Rhode Island Table Tennis Association. Such a great crew of people. Serious about playing, but so friendly. The sportsmanship and camaraderie is just awesome. So happy to be a part of this crew.

The modern world is crazy and overwhelming. Suicide rates, particularly amongst 40+ men (I'm in my early 50's), is really frightening. It's rough out there, and it's important to engage in activities that get us lots of exercise and positive interactions with people. It's just amazing how the game of ping pong, that I loved when I was 8 years old, has re-entered my life as a really important part of maintaining good mental health.

Please share your thoughts. Thanks.

 

[KounaTaPodiaSou]

Well, I couldn't have put it better myself. I used to play when I was young and then I stopped. I had exams, University, etc. I also developed something like depression and was like that for a long time. More than 4 years. I didn't want to leave my bed, cook, clean, see my friends etc. I also had a sense like something bad was about to happen all the time. I went to see a psychiatrist and I was prescribed antidepressant medication. A month after starting the meds I became productive again, started hanging out, etc. But the anxiety remained. I had a talk with a friend I used to play table tennis with and we decided to start playing again, at different cities though. For some reason, my anxiety left me, I feel exactly like you describe. I am still on the meds but I feel even more alive and well. Starting table tennis again has probably been one of the best decisions I have ever made.

 

[Draycott old man]

A subject close to my heart as I've been suffering almost all my life, I've had to give up everything I've ever enjoyed as I couldn't cope with any hobby where I could fail,I'm getting the right help now and I'm really enjoying coaching my girlfriend and helping her through her first season in the league, hopefully soon I'll be able to play again soon myself!!! Table Tennis is the best sport in the world!! I'm learning to not take it or myself to seriously 😳 😳 😳

 

[dnelsen]

I've had to give up everything I've ever enjoyed as I couldn't cope with any hobby where I could fail

Bingo. I've really suffered with this as well. Skateboarding, archery, table tennis, you name it. As I progress in the sport, I get too competitive with it... particularly with myself. If I don't play well, I get really frustrated and I quit. Hopefully it's different this time. I'm playing for the joy of the game, teaching my girlfriend and my son how to play. They have caught the love, and it's awesome to watch them progress. This joy is what it's all about.

 

[Draycott old man]

Bingo. I've really suffered with this as well. Skateboarding, archery, table tennis, you name it. As I progress in the sport, I get too competitive with it... particularly with myself. If I don't play well, I get really frustrated and I quit. Hopefully it's different this time. I'm playing for the joy of the game, teaching my girlfriend and my son how to play. They have caught the love, and it's awesome to watch them progress. This joy is what it's all about.

I feel I'm living my life and table tennis through my girlfriend,when she improves I'm more excited than she is lol 😉 😉 but it's helping me get my life back so it's all good!!!