Here's how the Detroit Lions' historic season affected your mental health

detroit – A feeling of “they came so close” spread throughout the city. detroit lions Fans continued to process Sunday night's loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

But some doctors believe the connections many fans make over the football season can benefit our mental health.

“At first we were like, 'Okay, we want to build off of last season,' and then it was like, oh my god, we really have a chance,” Gaitan said.

It's been quite the journey for the Lions, from their exciting start to the season to their devastating blowout on Sunday (January 28) night.

“If they had kicked that field goal, they would have made it,” Tyrone Hopkins said.

Fans said the team's run in the playoffs was impressive. This experience had a pretty positive impact on the team's supporters and the city of Detroit as a whole.

“They're not 'the same Old Lions,'” said a fan named Mary.

For many fans worried about not being able to watch the Lions play in the Super Bowl, the game has now become personal.

Some people pit feelings of pride against the reality of disappointment.

“I think we all have human emotions, and it's normal to feel depressed after a loss,” said Moran, a psychiatrist at Henry Ford Health who also works with the Lions. Dr Sivananthan said.

Dr. Sivananthan said he believes the team's season and historic playoff run should have a positive impact on our collective mental health.

“One of the important things we learned against the Lions is that we all want connection,” Dr. Sivananthan said. “It just so happens that the Lions have connected us, but win or lose, it's going to end someday, right? It should be a reminder that potential connections are all around us.”

The community watched as the connection brought strangers together. It created a sense of excitement around the city of Detroit and some residents.

“I think everything is on this upward trajectory,” Gaitan said.

There's no doubt that sports are great connections. Inspiring that positive feeling may be all about mindset and perspective.

“The framework you have for a situation is the reality you live in,” Dr. Sivananthan said. “In sports, the best team doesn't always win.”

According to the doctor, there is a certain sense of unity that comes from identifying with the team and its values. That also applies to recognizing your team's good and bad times.