Wanna Play Catch?

Depressed.

Disconnected.

Alone.

I think those three words describe a significant portion of the adult male population of the United States.

And, whether it’s because of the biology of our brains or sociocultural influences, too often, we don’t talk about it until it’s too late.

I recently read that in Greene County, more than half of the adult men have had suicidal thoughts in the last 12 months.

What if men had a weekly opportunity where they could have healthy conversations about what’s going on in their lives?

What if we met to play catch?

What if men could go to a place and play catch with other guys, connecting with them through throwing a ball and the natural conversations that come with that activity?

As we grow older, we forget the importance of taking and making time to play, and our brains pay the price.

“Depression and anxiety can be caused by ‘play deficit,’ in adults as much as in children. Just as sleep deprivation leads to ill health, so play deficiency can lead to mental illness.”[1]

Developmental psychologist Brian Sutton-Smith bluntly stated, “The opposite of play is not work, it is depression.”[2]

Playing catch is an activity that’s biggest goal is to keep on playing. It’s not a competition or about being better than others. It’s not about how hard you can throw or how far you can throw.

Playing catch is a simple exercise that teaches us and helps us become better humans.

I feel compelled to create opportunities for men to get together for the sole purpose of playing catch and having meaningful conversations.