The Loneliness Season Begins

Halloween is over, the Barbie and Ted Lasso costumes have been stowed away until next year and we now find ourselves at the cusp of what many players refer to as "The Loneliness Season." It's that rough part of the season when the realities of playing professionally abroad become abundantly clear. Now you must navigate the challenges of the holiday season in isolation.

This part of the season is marked by a distinct sense of loneliness that athletes often encounter while chasing their dreams overseas. It's not a topic that is frequently discussed, but it's a very real part of the journey. 

For many athletes, this period is marked by a profound sense of sadness. There are several factors that play a role in this 

Isolation from Familiarity  

Athletes are transplanted thousands of miles away from home, far away from family, friends, and any sort of support system. The initial excitement of playing pro overseas wears off and the overwhelming sense of isolation takes over. You and your PS5/XBox become best friends as you try to pass the off-court time with some assemblance of happiness.

Cultural Differences 

You are now an outsider. That can be a tough pill to swallow, especially as you try to maintain a strong athletic showing. Adapting to a new culture and way of life is challenging enough, but combine that with language barriers, different customs, and unfamiliar surroundings and that sense of loneliness is compounded.

Dark and Cold Days 

This depends on the location, but for most of the Northern Hemisphere, the days become shorter, and the weather gets harsh. The long, dark, cold, snowy, brushing snow off your tiny four wheel drive vehicle three times a day winter, can intensify feelings of isolation, making it difficult to stay engaged in the job you were brought over to do. This could be the opposite in the Southern Hemisphere, as homesickness may take over. Especially if you grew up in Chicago, but Christmas Day is 110 degrees and everyone wants to open presents by the pool, while you wish you were sipping on hot chocolate by a warm fire.

Limited Social Interactions 

The social scene in a foreign country may not be what you are used to back home. The club definitely hits differently overseas. This lack of social interaction can lead to loneliness and in some cases depression. This is amplified during the holidays when athletes miss out on the gatherings they enjoyed with family and friends back home.

Social Media Reliance

In the age of the internet, many athletes abroad look to social media to stay connected with their loved ones. While it provides a sense of home, it can lead to overreliance. The dependence on social media can create feelings of homesickness, as athletes constantly compare their life in isolation, to the lives they see on Instagram. The pressure to also maintain this professional athlete image can contribute to mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression.

Loneliness can take a significant emotional toll on overseas athletes. The absence of a strong support system and the challenges of navigating a foreign environment can lead to feelings of homesickness and isolation. It's important to acknowledge the loneliness season and the emotional challenges it brings. Often times players are able to persevere through this period by relying on their teammates and fellow imports, while also remembering what they are there to do. While the journey may be lonely, it provides another example of an athlete's determination and commitment to their dreams.