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That Bowl Is Super!




Ah, the Super Bowl—the grand, gluttonous gladiator match of our modern era. It’s a time when America collectively decides to drown itself in queso and high-stakes bets, all while yelling at their TVs as if their screams could influence the trajectory of a football. For some, it’s a cherished tradition; for others, it’s a yearly reminder of how much money you can lose in a single night. And if you’re like me, it’s a mix of both, with a side of existential dread.

The 2007 Super Bowl? That was my peak. I had just turned 21, and the Giants’ victory felt like it was tailor-made for me. It wasn’t just a win; it was a moment. I was guzzling beers like they were the cure for life’s problems (spoiler: they weren’t), and for one glorious night, I was on top of the world. Fast-forward to 2011—another Giants victory, another night of unbridled celebration—but with the faint whisper of “Maybe you’re overdoing it” starting to creep in. By then, my drinking had gone from “fun” to “functional” to “please stop embarrassing yourself at Buffalo Wild Wings.”

After that, most Super Bowls became a blur of wings, losing bets, and the kind of overeating that’s less “indulgent” and more “personal cry for help.” Gambling, thankfully, has always been my one semi-controlled vice. But that’s a different blog post.

Now, let’s talk about this fantastic article from 988 Oklahoma, “How the Super Bowl Impacts Your Mental Health,” which tackles the emotional rollercoaster that is Super Bowl Sunday. The piece is a goldmine of insights, explaining how “sports fandom can create a sense of community and belonging” but also warning about the potential pitfalls: “The extreme highs and lows of the game, combined with the social pressures to indulge, can take a toll on mental health.” Basically, the Super Bowl is like a toxic ex—exhilarating one minute, devastating the next, and always leaving you questioning your life choices.

The article also dives into the science of it all, pointing out that the Super Bowl is more than just a game; it’s a cultural event. “For many, it’s a ritual that brings comfort and excitement,” it says, which is a polite way of describing the unholy trifecta of beer, Buffalo sauce, and screaming about blown calls. But it also highlights the darker side: “High stakes and intense emotions can exacerbate feelings of anxiety or depression, particularly for those prone to these conditions.” Translation: If you’re already on shaky ground, the Super Bowl can feel less like a celebration and more like a minefield.

That hit me hard because, looking back, the Super Bowl often mirrored where I was mentally. At my best, it was a jubilant celebration—a shared experience with friends, family, and an irresponsible amount of nachos. At my worst, it was a distraction—an excuse to numb myself with booze and bad bets. The article’s advice to “be mindful of your emotional state and set boundaries” might sound like common sense, but it’s the kind of wisdom you only appreciate after you’ve ignored it.

Now, in sobriety, the Super Bowl has taken on a new meaning. I’ve learned to enjoy the game for what it is—a spectacle—without using it as a crutch or a coping mechanism. And as the article wisely points out, it’s okay to “take a step back and focus on your well-being” if the chaos becomes too much. In other words, it’s perfectly fine to watch the halftime show and skip the existential crisis.

So, what’s the takeaway here? The Super Bowl, like life, is a mixed bag. It’s a celebration of triumph and community, but it’s also a reminder to check in with yourself. Whether you’re rooting for the underdog, gorging on guac, or just watching for the commercials, remember: you don’t need to lose yourself to enjoy the game.

And hey, speaking of triumphs, my books are out there in the world, too. If you’re looking for a good read (and maybe a little inspiration), check them out. You’ll find the links somewhere on this blog or over on my Instagram @millpwrites. Trust me, they’re worth it—unlike that $50 you blew on a terrible parlay.

Read the full 988 Oklahoma article here: Super Bowl Impacts Your Mental Health


 

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