It's not uncommon for depression and anxiety to affect various aspects of a person's life, including their level of competitiveness. Several factors may contribute to the changes you've experienced:
Psychological impact: Depression and anxiety can take a toll on your self-esteem and self-confidence. When you're dealing with these conditions, it's natural for your motivation and drive, including competitiveness, to decrease.
Energy and focus: Depression and anxiety often lead to fatigue and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can make it challenging to stay focused on goals and maintain the same level of competitiveness as before.
Shift in priorities: Dealing with mental health issues can cause a shift in priorities. You might find that certain things that used to be very important, like winning or being the best, no longer hold the same significance for you.
Fear of failure: Depression and anxiety can amplify the fear of failure and make you hesitant to take risks. Being competitive often involves putting yourself in challenging situations where success is not guaranteed, which can be daunting when struggling with mental health issues.
Loss of interest: Depression can lead to a loss of interest in activities that you once enjoyed, including competitive endeavors. This decrease in interest can be mistaken for a decline in competitiveness.
Negative thought patterns: Depressive and anxious thoughts can be self-critical and self-defeating, leading you to believe that you're not good enough to compete or that it's not worth trying.
Medication effects: If you're taking medication for depression or anxiety, some drugs may cause side effects like fatigue or reduced motivation, which can impact your competitiveness.
Lifestyle changes: Depression and anxiety may have led to changes in your daily routines and lifestyle, affecting your engagement in competitive activities.
It's essential to recognize that changes in competitiveness can be a natural response to mental health challenges. However, it's also crucial to address and manage your depression and anxiety effectively. Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can be beneficial in understanding the underlying causes and developing coping strategies.
Additionally, as you work on your mental health, you may find that your competitive drive gradually returns. Be patient with yourself and remember that healing from mental health issues takes time. Focus on self-compassion, self-care, and taking small steps toward your goals as you rebuild your competitive spirit.