Benefits of sport on the psyche

Edited by Dr. Gianfranco De Angelis

There are many scientific studies that show that physical activity has a very effective antidepressant effect, to the point of being able to consider it a real antidepressant drug. This action is very evident in "neurotic" depressions from which none of us are completely free. For psychotic depressions, things change, as they are very serious illnesses for which the work of the specialist is required.

So let's go back to our discussion: physical activity acts as an antidepressant, strengthens self-esteem, relaxes and cancels the effects of stress: it is the best antidote for psychosomatic illnesses.

All this is true, however, when the training is not directed towards the opponent or the victory, but towards oneself, towards one's body, therefore practiced for one's own well-being. In this way, possible psychopathological effects are avoided, such as the pre-competitive syndrome and the post-competitive syndrome, in addition to the various forms of stardom. So, psychologists say, mass sport yes, as long as the goal of this sport is fitness, not overcoming the opponent, since competitive spirit pushed to the extreme can do a lot of harm to the psyche. Personally I believe that the "competitive spirit, when the athlete aims to overcome himself, is also good for the mind, because it becomes an extra motivation to live, and in this" era without authentic values ​​in which we see young people who are demotivated and mixed up, setting competitive limits means getting out of this existential laziness and living life intensely and in good health.