Does anyone use MTG for coping with anxiety or other mental health issues?
The Blind Eternities forum
Posted on Feb. 20, 2022, 3:22 p.m. by Kazierts
I'm not entirely sure if the Forum section is appropriate. If it isn't, I'll post in the correct one.
Anyway, I've seen people talking about less MTG related topics here and the Professor frequently talks about mental health stuff on his channel, given he himself battles with depression (or at least I remember him saying that). Well, I, myself, deal with anxiety since I was a child, and sometimes it gives me depression-like symptoms.
One of the things I normally do when I'm in the middle of a crisis/attack is to start going through Scryfall and/or my decks thinking about what I can build and/or improve. It definitely doesn't solve the problem, but I wonder where my mind would be without MTG, specially since I'm writing this on a MTG deckbuilding website. Hell, I even use Magic to help my students to learn English. It has become such an integral part of my life at this point.
On the other hand, and contradicting the title. Sometimes it gives me a ton of anxiety. If you don't know, people with anxiety tend to hyperfixate on things. Sometimes I stress too much if my decks are actually good or not, if I'm a decent deckbuilder, if I should spend money/time on cards/decks, if my "primers" are decent enough or if I should just stop doing them because I never finish them. It's a bit complicated to explain these things, but all I can say is my biggest problem has to deal with demanding too much of myself, mostly so when deckbuilding.
I know that TappedOut isn't the best place to talk about this but I don't feel like talking about it on Reddit. I even did so twice, but one of those times I posted some of my custom tokens while saying I wasn't feeling too good and a random person just told me to spare them the "sob" story. I also feel like I expose myself too much there when I post something. And because I mentioned it, I'm not writing this for people to have pity on me. I'm just venting about what I feel and I want to see if other people have similar feelings towards MTG. Thank you if you read up to this point.
If any mod sees this and this kind of post isn't allowed, I have no problem with them removing it. Really sorry in case this post isn't appropriate.
I've considered taking a break after seeing the way WOTC has been treating the game. It's weird that's even though it's just a game, it kinda hurts to see the company favoring money over quality. However, it can also hurt staying away from this amazing game.
Thank you for sharing your views, Omniscience_is_life.
February 20, 2022 3:51 p.m.
I actually really appreciate that you brought this topic up. I have OCD and one of my decks in particular (An Old-School Nightmare) has been an incredibly helpful outlet to refocus obsessive energy away from more damaging compulsions. It gives me a relatively healthy thing to hyperfixate on, which I find really invaluable.
Thank you again for bringing this up - I would love to see more discourse around mental health in relation to MTG and I’m eager to see if anyone else has had similar experiences :)
February 20, 2022 6:29 p.m.
Before anything related to mental health, I have to say I'm happy to not be the only one with huge maybeboard.
I've been trying to do the same thing as you, tough I find it difficult nowadays to pick up a primer and start writing. When I started mine, I saw them as incredible creative outlet and a fantastic way to practice English, as I'm not a native speaker and I like to use them to show my students how some words are used. Recently, my ancient has been getting the best of me and I either see the primers as a chore or don't see a reason because I'm the only one who reads it, even though I like writing them. Anxiety is a complicated crap.
Also, no need to thank me. I don't know about you, but something I struggle with is self-validation, and finding people with similar problems as mine comforts me a little. Also(2), that's another reason I put as much effort in my decks as I do. Seeing people upvoting, commenting, adding to folders and/or my decks reach top in some category does wonders for my self-esteem.
February 20, 2022 7:32 p.m.
I could definitely see mtg as being a way to work through your mind. One really nice thing about the game is that it's been around for so long and you can just kind of search through things and find card interactions that are exciting, and that's always the best feeling in the game, for me at least : ) But I can see the other side too, like you are saying. There is a lot about the game that can become a fixation trap, especially I think to the point of newer sets and how wizards is approaching their design over the last few years.
But, if it does help, then that's so awesome : ) I feel like when it comes to mental issues, anything that helps can make such a huge difference in your day to day. I guess all in all I just wanted to chime in and say that I'm really glad it's a positive for you.
The only other thing I'd really want to say is, and I'm sure you know, but I feel like most people who check out your decks aren't judging in. I know it doesn't help, when I fixate, I fixate intensely too (just not on mtg stuff oddly enough), and even if I know it's silly, still, fixation is a bugger. It's just, when I look through decks I don't even think whether someone is a great deckbuilder or not, I mostly just think, well this deck is awesome, or, well this deck isn't for me, but the person behind it is always amazing in my mind : ) So, I get it, definitely, but I hope you have an easier time with that part of the game, for sure.
February 20, 2022 8:07 p.m.
WOTC pumping new sets like crazy does take a toll. People tend to downplay it but product fatigue is real.
Regarding your words, thank you. Of course there isn't a single person who can magically say a few words and cure any mind stuff, but I honestly feel glad to hear not everyone judges everything every time, even though I know it's impossible for it too happen. It does give some relief. So, truly thank you, Niko9.
February 20, 2022 8:15 p.m.
Ha, yep product fatigue is legit. Actually, come to think of it, I don't think I know any players who keep up on every every set. My playgroup definitely gave up one by one and now we just play casual : )
But it's cool. They will just print super powered monkeys that sell sets and then get banned. Super, super cool...
It's still a fun game, don't get me wrong. But they definitely add that layer of, they know and print cards to push the power levels, and then you have a window of time to get them before their prices go nuts, which I find very stressful. Anything that feels like a timer is a huge turn off for me. I guess all in all I find what they've done with the game so interesting and fun, but I also find what they are doing with the game so fatiguing.
February 20, 2022 8:28 p.m.
I really wish WOTC would go back to the 3 set block. In my ideal world, releases would be like this (in a year):
- Only three standard legal sets a year. To use this year as an example, it would Neon Dynasty 1, Neon Dynasty 2 and Neon Dynasty 3. It would develop the world much more and get people excited for stuff we wouldn't see in a single set (looking at you, Kaldheim).
- Only one set for eternal format that isn't a reprint set. Stuff like Battlebond, Commander Legends, Modern Horizons and etc. Those are cool but I like them in small doses (and we really don't need a lot Horizon sets)
- As many reprint sets as people want. Since these don't introduce new cards, I honestly don't care how many there are. Lowering card prices are always something positive in my mind.
The worst part of pumping products like crazy is I don't have time to digest the new cards and Brainstorm new decks because a new set is just up ahead. At least after Crimson Vow things seem to have slowed a bit. Let's see how things will shape with the releases this year.
February 20, 2022 8:45 p.m.
I totally agree with product fatigue being a very real problem for a lot of folks. I kind of side-stepped the issue by just focusing on exploring old cards that came out way before I was playing. Since those are the cards that I find a lot of joy in anyways, I only very casually look at new set lists now. Most of my time is spent looking for little treasures in pits of old-border jank :) I was never a competitive player though; I feel like WOTC’s new business model is especially frustrating for non-casual players where there is tremendous pressure to keep up-to-date with all new cards relevant in their respected formats.
And I also must agree with Niko9 regarding deck building. I personally love finding decks with a lot of heart and creativity but I also appreciate the grind for those who build with a more strict competitive edge. I just like seeing what other people make and the uniqueness that each deck builder brings with them <3 That being said, it makes sense to feel anxious about someone else’s opinion on your deck though. After all, it’s essentially a creative project that you put time, energy, and personality into; it’s only natural to want others to like what you have made :)
February 20, 2022 10:39 p.m.
plakjekaas says... #11
Maybe not that much of a mental health issue, but before I started playing Magic intensively, I was a particularly sore loser. I was the one who cried and screamed and tossed the board around the room when the monopoly dice sent me to the most expensive streets with no money left.
RNG still does not agree with me at all, but magic helped me tremendously with controlling my temper in situations of adverse luck. I still get a little salty, but not maniacal at all anymore. There hasn't been any other game that I was cool enough with playing enough to get exposed to losing as much as magic.
February 21, 2022 3:53 a.m.
GoldenAgeBatman says... #12
I use Magic as a form of controlled anxiety/stress to test my faculties under extreme pressure. Knowing that, win or lose, I was able to face my fears and do the best I can under the circumstances helps me in both gaming and non-gaming situations. As someone who manages anxiety/depression this has been invaluable to my mental health.
February 21, 2022 9:40 a.m.
Magic the Gathering and getting a dog practically saved my life.
I joined the military shortly after high school and married my high school sweetheart... moved her and myself away from home... got deployed... recieved divorce papers as my only care package from her... came back from deployment and developed a terrible drinking habit... and finished my enlistment as just a garbage human being filled with anger and depression and homesickness.
When I got out of the military I got a puppy and became obsessed with Magic... rather than dwell and let my mind think about bad/sad thoughts I spent a lot of time homebrewing and just generally learning the game and community... and if I wasn't playing or thinking about magic I was out with my dog and he genuinely made me feel happy and I was able to sober up and start picking my life back up.
I'm not saying Magic was exactly a cure for my mental health issues but it has definitely served me well as a healthy distraction/hobby... even was an early activity that me and my new wife were able to enjoy together and talk about.
February 21, 2022 10:31 a.m.
Peoyogon, I still have to learn how to not care so seriously about new releases. I've made two lists on Scryfall of jank cards that people literally forgot about. I want to make decks for as many of them as I can. But even when I make those decks, such as my Stoic Angel deck, I end up going back to paying attention to new releases since there's almost always at least a single card I want to consider for the deck. It's definitely something I need to work on.
I've never been a Spike myself, and there's a single deck I want to turn competitive, that being my Monoblack Infect. Otherwise I mainly want to build janky stuff to play with my friends on the kitchen table. Despite this, I still tend to demand too much o myself when brewing. Thanks for your words again.
plakjekaas, if MTG has helped you in any way then that's good! That's the kind of experience I wanted to see people sharing here. As for myself, I had the same experience as you. Whenever I lost, I would fume like crazy, specially when playing videogames. Today it's much better. I've learned to take a break and calm down myself if any game os stressing me because I'm not winning. Thanks for sharing your experience.
February 21, 2022 12:01 p.m.
GoldenAgeBatman, I have to learn how to do that. I normally just give into what I'm feeling while playing and end making misplays.
Icbrgr, man, maybe that's what's missing for me. I've had dogs for a very long time until, maybe, five years ago, when my last one passed away. MTG has been a great thing to focus my mind and creativity, but it can give me the company of a dog. Hope you and you wife continue to have a thriving relationship. Also, please pet the pupper for me, preferably a lot
Thanks to both of you sharing. Sorry it took longer for me to answer than the other people. Day's been kinda busy and didn't have a lot of time to reply.
February 21, 2022 5:07 p.m.
TypicalTimmy says... #16
For years, brewing MTG was my only release. Eventually I realized it doesn't matter how many decks I make, if I can't afford them then it's all pointless. Even if I could, or proxy them, without people to play with, it once again became pointless.
What "saved" me was work. Working 80+ hours a week, even getting two jobs and working 100+ hours a week. It gave me something "to do" with my time.
Now, I'm buying a home and planning renovations. I'm going to blow out a pantry to expand the kitchen, redo the hardwood floors, install a fireplace, finish the basement, finish the attic, etc.
I suspect MTG, for many, is the same thing... It's a release from yourself. It gives you something to focus on and a community to engage with.
I'm practically done with Magic. I don't really get any enjoyment from it anymore and I'm not going to spend hundreds, or even thousands, on a single deck that likely won't win at an LGS.
But, it's the same principal. Whether it's focusing on a home, a job, a game, a hobby, a musical instrument, whatever... It's about distancing yourself from what ales you, so you can relax, reset and unwind. And if Magic does that for you, then it's working and you should keep at it.
But, if it ever becomes daunting and taxing, it's time to let it go. The worst thing you can do is force enjoyment out of something that gives you misery.
And yes, that goes for friends, family and relationships also.
February 21, 2022 7:35 p.m. Edited.
TypicalTimmy Dang TT, a person after my own heart :) I'm similar: A family guy, who renovated a gazebo into a poker/magic room. My difference is that MtG is mostly my monthly (if I'm lucky) escape from a high stress job & constant family stuff, though there has been too much chase cards & whale market stuff for me for it to be a worthwhile monthly diversion for the $$ they expect, there is NO CONTEST for me if the price range for cardboard is reaching the price range to build a new bar. Used to be in the late 90's I could have an almost "Neverending Storyesque" moment of wonder where I would find so many gems sprawled in a bin & now that wonder has been bottled & monetized hard.
Regarding the mental health aspect... For me that comes in pitting my atypical strategies against a large group of buddies in a social setting while drinking a Mint Julep & watching some MST3K :) I have an autistic son, so I've found some insight into perseverating personalities with MtG - I usually find a way to enjoy or utilize them, because that hardcore attention to detail helps rain in my game a bit & pay attention to the details when I am there more for the social aspect than the winning & accounting per-se
February 22, 2022 12:14 a.m.
Whoops rein in .... See? one of those individuals would correct me in real time :)
February 22, 2022 12:16 a.m.
TypicalTimmy, I actually made this thread inspired by you. I remember seeing a thread of yours where you explained what happened to your health thanks to your job and that you would slow down with MTG stuff. I understand it can feel frustating to build decks that you can buy into, but I'm happy to see you making quite a lot of custom cards. You normally create some quite interesting designs.
I appreciate you taking your time to write here, given I based myself on you. Hope you're doing better now and you can renovate your house.
Gleeock, aside from few decks, I try to make my decks as budget as possible, since I normally play kitchen table with my friends. There are some janky old rares that you can build around for really cheap. I'm probably am just keeping 2 or 3 decks pimped/expensive because I also cannot keep with WOTC pumping so much whaley stuff.
I happy MTG has given you a way to help better understand your son. Hope he grows up to be a planeswalker as well.
February 22, 2022 2:28 p.m.
Kazierts He is already showing a Nature... My daughter on the other hand is through-&-through, she even has hair which makes absolutely no sense with either of our lineages.
On the topic, I remember playing alot of people on spelltable that had pretty apparent social developmental delays or disorders or anxiety; so I think there must be some virtue to the game as an outlet or I probably would not have experienced that as much. There were several of these players that were constantly worried about our judgements of them, but I think there was some hope for people with this hardfelt social pressure as they got smoother & smoother with repeat games (as long as we didn't get a total tightwad in the group - nothing closes off someone with anxiety like affirming their fear that they are doing something wrong even when they aren't). I think the worst thing I occasionally would see is a player trying to gang-shame & rush a player for taking a long turn in an incredibly complex game... Which is a nasty thing to do to someone with social anxiety & in-fact will not help them go any quicker (probably the opposite). But, I think there are alot of people out there with understanding & empathy too from what I've seen.
February 22, 2022 3:39 p.m.
I think a few people touched on it, but it's really true that having a few hobbies or things that you enjoy can make a huge difference in how you see all of them. When I was younger I used to be a musician and that was all I ever did, and honestly, it drove me a little nuts after a while. Just having that one thing drove me to a level for sure, but it also made me feel like I had to make that one thing work. These days I just play for me and I have a lot of other hobbies like writing, reading, mtg, and I enjoy every second of it. I just feel like if there's that the one thing that you put everything into, it will always lead to stress, whether it's mtg or anything else. Balance is good in all things, I suppose : )
Also, and sorry to go on, but hobbies like mtg or writing books and things really help me in general because I have a very physical job day to day, and just having something where my mind can be active really helps keep the old gears greased. I could definitely just come home and plop down and watch tv, but I know that I overall always feel better and more healthy if I keep things working in my mind. So, I don't know what you'd call that, but it's a definite benefit : )
February 22, 2022 7:36 p.m.
Gleeock, make sure your children are on the correct path. They must have a personality before they reach puberty. Your is daughter already close to it, but make sure your son drops .
Jokes aside, and talking about what you mentioned about spelltable, I believe games, or any "geeky/nerdy" thing, tends to attract people with more introverted characteristics. This is just my opinion, of course. I've always been an introvert myself and these medias are basically my comfort zone. Whenever I was at an anime convention or playing MTG with new people it became much easier to socialize with anyone.
Niko9, I guess that's something I should consider. Right now, I have very few hobbies. Maybe beggining a new hobby would aleviate a bit of the anxiety I get from deckbuilding and make me less self-conscious about my decks. Also, no need to be sorry. This is a place for anyone to talk as much as they like.
Sorry it took me so long to answer both of you. Life has been quite busy the last few days.
February 26, 2022 6:01 p.m.
Haha. I think the ASD will make it impossible for little Mr. to ever drop the :) The autism makes him grasp at ritualistic & extremely organized behaviors to a fault. Head in the clouds, yet with a need to plan/organize, that is him. I love how different he is from me, but the apple definitely falls far from the tree in that regard :)
Omniscience_is_life says... #2
We live in a world where all talk of mental health is stigmatized and censored--that shouldn't be the case!
I can definitely emphasize with using Magic as a calming mechanism, though I myself don't have issues with depression/anxiety. I can also completely understand how hard it can be to pry oneself away from the game... all too well. I'm currently considering taking a break from Magic just because of how much time it takes to be invested in the game.
Stay well as you can, friend.
February 20, 2022 3:48 p.m.