CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - National Football League team flags began to populate outside of Regional Command-East Soldiers barracks assigned to Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo as the playoff and bowl season approaches.
Establishing comradery through football is great for Soldiers’ psychological health because it fosters closeness. When people face something stressful, they are more likely to turn to others if they feel close to them; versus holding the information inside and have it develop into more serious issues.
The medical unit assigned to the post, TF MED, hosted a “Jersey Day” where all personnel were encouraged to wear their jerseys to work in honor of the season. They also started their own fantasy football league.
“I joined the Fantasy Football league because I have never been part of one and it was something to look forward to each week, stated Spc. Corey D. Robinson, 68Q, pharmacy technician. “I have enjoyed the competition of the fantasy league and am currently tied for 1st place in my division.”
Scientists have found that being a sports fan can be good for your emotional, psychological and social health.
Fans who identify with a local team have higher self-esteem and are less lonely, according to Daniel L. Wann, a psychology professor at Murray State University in Kentucky and the author of "Sports Fans: The Psychology and Social Impact of Spectators."
Being away from home and the usual comforts during this time of year can be stressful. Behavioral health wants people to be aware of risk factors and warning signs that may lead to suicidal behavior. These signs include some of the following: changes in behavior, isolation, depressed mood and talking about suicide/death.
As the season continues, Soldiers stationed on Camp Bondsteel can be seen anxiously awaiting care packages with team paraphernalia being shipped from love ones back home or from countless online retailers.
As Soldiers stroll through Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo and hear the flags flying, it’s good to know that although they may be 4,000 miles away from America, a little piece of home has traveled with them.
“I love the big plays and hits of football. You never know what will happen and that brings some excitement each week while I am deployed” noted Spc. Robinson with a grin.
Date Taken: | 12.21.2019 |
Date Posted: | 12.21.2019 03:14 |
Story ID: | 356884 |
Location: | KENTUCKY, US |
Web Views: | 77 |
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This work, Football Season Alive and Well Abroad, by MAJ Demietrice Pittman, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.