Finding Joy in Unexpected Places: A Journey with the Adelaide 36ers

Original: My doctor said joy can be found in unexpected places. For me it was the Adelaide 36ers | Olivia De Zilva

The Guardian•Apr 3, 20265 min

In a Nutshell

Olivia De Zilva shares her transformative experience of discovering joy and community through attending Adelaide 36ers National Basketball League (NBL) games. Struggling with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), she found solace and connection in the excitement of basketball, illustrating how unexpected passions can foster healing.

Key Points

01Olivia De Zilva struggled with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) after moving back to Adelaide.
02Her psychiatrist suggested various therapies, but she found joy in attending Adelaide 36ers basketball games.
03The shared experience of sports created a sense of community and connection for her.
04De Zilva describes the emotional highs and lows of basketball as reflective of her own struggles.
05She concludes that home is not a physical place but a feeling of belonging.

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Full Summary

Olivia De Zilva recounts her journey of self-discovery after moving back to Adelaide, Australia, where she struggled with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). Despite her psychiatrist's suggestions of yoga and journaling, it was attending Adelaide 36ers National Basketball League (NBL) games that brought her unexpected joy. Initially skeptical of sports, she found herself captivated by the energy of the crowd and the thrill of the game. Each quarter of the match mirrored her emotional journey, with moments of despair and exhilaration. As she engaged with the game and the community around her, De Zilva realized that the connection she felt with strangers in the stadium helped her heal. Ultimately, she discovered that home is not merely a physical location but a profound sense of belonging and connection to others.

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Why It Matters

Olivia's experience highlights the importance of community and shared experiences in mental health recovery, particularly through sports.

Who is affected

Individuals dealing with mental health challenges, sports fans, and the local community in Adelaide.

What to know

People struggling with mental health should seek supportive communities and explore activities that bring joy.

FAQ

CPTSD is a mental health condition that can occur after experiencing prolonged trauma, often leading to emotional dysregulation, anxiety, and difficulties in relationships.

Basketball provided her with a sense of community, joy, and a shared purpose, helping her cope with her emotional struggles and find connection.

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