(WWJ) -Celebrating the Detroit Lions’ success could have a positive impact on your mental health.
Dr. Mauran Sivananthan, a psychiatrist with Henry Ford Health, spoke with WWJ’s Tony Ortiz about the positive boost the Lions’ winning season is providing to fans.
“What you’ve seen throughout the city is a greater social connectedness,” Sivananthan said. “I think more people are out and people are socializing more in person or on social media. They’re out in restaurants and bars.”
The “optimistic, positive attitude” being seen in the area is helping to lift up everyone.
Winter can affect people negatively. Seasonal affective disorder can lead to people being isolated and having less interactions with others. Sivanathan said the community coming together to celebrate can help combat some of those negative emotions.
“You see people connecting more,” Sivananthan said. “They’re watching on TV. They’re seeing people just being happy in the stadium and that makes them feel happy. And, you know, I think our whole collective identity has been a lot more positive because of the Lions’ success.”
Sivananthan said those good feelings from watching the team can help after the game is done. People can be more patient because there are positive things that can be focused on and give them a boost.
The city has united in a new way this season.
“When Dan Campbell came and really instilled that motto of grit and being a reflection of the city, the team really bought into that,” Sivananthan said. “You can tell the fans are already passionate about the team. So it just further connected them because it’s something that they identify as personal values. They see it in the team and it’s not only words, right?”
Sivananthan pointed out both Sam Laporta and Frank Ragnow playing hurt as examples of the “grit” the team has shown.
The pride the city feels in the Lions is another way the team is able to help bring people together.
This isn’t something that is just being seen in Detroit or the state, however. People around the country are rooting for the Lions.
“Everyone loves a good underdog story,” Sivananthan said. “Before this run, the Lions’ are known for Barry Sanders, right? So every Thanksgiving, people got an introduction to the Detroit Lions. And they’re known for Barry and not much more. Of course, Calvin and Stafford in later years, but this just feels different because it’s a team.”
Sivananthan said the Lions have “galvanized” people wanting to root for the underdog.
The Detroit Lions play the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. If they win, they will head to their first Super Bowl, which is being played in Las Vegas this year.