"When Passion Becomes a Prison: Reflecting on Football Fandom and Mental Wellbeing"

Date: Monday 28 Apr 2025

Football. For many of us, it’s more than just a game. It’s a source of identity, a shared language, and a community that binds us together. The roar of the crowd, the thrill of a last-minute goal, the camaraderie of fellow fans—it’s a feeling like no other. But as David Hillier’s article, ‘I Was Addicted to Football’, reminds us, even something as seemingly harmless as football fandom can have a darker side when it begins to consume our lives.

Hillier’s story is one that many men might find uncomfortably familiar. What starts as a love for the game—a way to connect with others and find purpose—can spiral into an obsession that takes over our time, energy, and emotional wellbeing. Spending 25 hours a week on football-related content, as Hillier did, is a stark reminder of how easy it is to lose ourselves in the pursuit of something we love. And while football fandom might not carry the same immediate risks as substance addiction, its impact on mental health can be just as profound.

The Fine Line Between Passion and Obsession

Football fandom, like any form of passion, has the potential to enrich our lives. It gives us a sense of belonging, a way to express ourselves, and a shared experience that transcends borders and backgrounds. But when that passion tips into obsession, it can start to erode the very things it once gave us. Hillier’s experience of going “cold turkey” on football highlights the disconnection that can occur when we become too consumed by the game. Instead of bringing people together, it can isolate us, turning a source of joy into a source of stress and anxiety.

This is particularly relevant for men, who often struggle to articulate their emotions and seek help when they’re feeling overwhelmed. Football can become a coping mechanism, a way to escape from the pressures of life. But as Hillier discovered, it’s important to ask ourselves whether our fandom is truly serving us—or whether it’s masking deeper issues that need to be addressed.

Recognising the Red Flags

So, how do we know when our love for football (or any other pursuit) is becoming unhealthy? Hillier’s story offers some valuable insights. If you find yourself prioritising football over other aspects of your life—relationships, work, or even your own mental health—it might be time to take a step back. Similarly, if your mood is heavily influenced by your team’s performance, or if you’re spending more time consuming football content than engaging with the people around you, these could be signs that your fandom is veering into obsession.

It’s also worth considering the role of social media and digital platforms in amplifying this obsession. As Hillier points out, the constant stream of football-related content can make it difficult to switch off, creating a cycle of consumption that’s hard to break. This is something that resonates with findings from a study on fantasy football, which revealed that heavy engagement with the game can lead to low mood, anxiety, and even functional impairment. (You can read more about this here: [Fantasy Football Can Lead to Mental Health Decline](https://brothersinarmsscotland.co.uk/information/mens-wellbeing-articles/2022/january/09/fantasy-football-can-lead-to-mental-health-decline-study-claims/).

Finding Balance and Reconnecting with Community

The good news is that it’s possible to find a healthier balance. Hillier’s decision to step away from football for six weeks allowed him to reconnect with the sport’s greatest gift: community. By shifting his focus from consuming content to engaging with others, he rediscovered the joy and connection that first drew him to the game.

For those of us who might be struggling with similar feelings, platforms like Blethr can be a valuable resource. Designed to support men’s mental wellbeing, Blethr offers a safe space to explore your emotions, connect with others, and find practical tools for managing stress and anxiety. Whether you’re looking to understand your relationship with football or simply need someone to talk to, Blethr is here to help. You can check it out here: https://bia.blethr.app/.

A Final Thought

Football is a beautiful game, but it’s just that—a game. It’s meant to bring us joy, not stress; connection, not isolation. By recognising the red flags and taking steps to find balance, we can ensure that our love for the sport enhances our lives rather than detracting from them. And in doing so, we can create a healthier, more fulfilling relationship with the game—and with ourselves.

So, what does football mean to you? And how can you ensure that your fandom remains a source of joy and connection, rather than a source of stress? Let’s keep the conversation going.

You can read David Hillier’s full article here: https://www.menshealth.com/uk/mental-strength/a64433303/is-fandom-an-addiction/

Want to know more about Blethr or addiction? Have a chat with Braveheart, our mental wellbeing co-pilot below.