I am not into medical stream, nevertheless, I want to know how Chess influences Depression? I not talking about one or two games, but numerous games over months/years.

Why?

Playing chess every day professionally wrecks one's nervous system.

first, what an honor to have a WGM reply here!

yet her reply is good for proessional players, playing with your heart&soul,is always a risk!

second, im no Medical or Psychologist professional, but for me chess is a pure mental excercise , and like all mental excercises it should have effects on your mind.

and depression can come as a side effect, but the most obviuse effect is a more fit , clear thinking , fast,mind.

personaly I believe I bring chess to my everyday life!

so all an all, I believe chess can realy help in your personal life!

I developed social anxiety and moderate depression in my early teens, and I feel chess helped me get back on my feet. Everyone at the club is really friendly, and my self-confidence has gone way up (both from improving at the game, and from being able to fit in).

So it has been the exact opposite for me.

Why on earth would chess increase depression if you enjoyed playing it?

maybe if you stay in all the time playing that can depression . exercising and just being outside walking about can stop depression in it tracks .So yes it can (especially if you keep losing ) :)

Is it true that Chess increases Depression?

Where did you read/hear this nugget of wisdom? Please post a source.

I take medicine for chronic depression and chess helps if you allow yourself to enjoy the game weather you win or lose.

I am asking this just out of curiosity. There is no official source. I feel over the years Chess becomes monotonic, even if you change your play from one opening to the other. For others, they may become apt to read other player's mind through Chess and play naturally.

I am talking about people who are depressed, not necessarily in Chess.

I don't think anybody would keep playing if it did.

Yes, specially when you are playing while drinking on the rocks.

say that to the one that lost the game:)

OP uses chess analogies to find ET. Then OP's boredom with the game became so great that depression is settling in. I am eagerly awaiting the upcoming post: "Why play chess when you can commit suicide?"

fixed.

fixed.

I love it! Why can't you commit suicide, manavendra?

I never thought I would live long enough to ask that question!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmHkC2JM53c&feature=related   Which would you rather have happen, lose a silly chess game or have this guy's experience?

Truly harrowing.

It increases depression to have people like Rich on this good chess website. In general chess only makes one depressed when you have nothing else to do. Chess is just a hobby for me and i don't care about if i win or lose.