For whatever reason, from time to time we are unable to engage in the art and practice we all love: the sword. Whether due to injury, busyness in life, illness, or required isolation, it is inevitable that sometimes we are simply prevented from practicing.
At first glance this may not seem significant (one can get exercise other ways, and so forth), but the effects may be deeper and farther-reaching than they appear. There can be a vague sense of depression, lethargy, lack of motivation, anxiety, physical, and even behavioral symptoms. Sufferers may feel an excess of unfocused energy, irritability, and an internal pressure to bring sword practice and related material into discussion and activity whenever possible.
Based on the observation and experience of this writer, Insufficient-Sword Affective Disorder (I-SAD) appears to be affecting more and more HEMA practitioners every day (including myself). It is my hope that this article will help us acknowledge the problem and begin to develop ways to address—and hopefully alleviate—this distress.
What I-SAD looks like
I-SAD often overlaps with other depressive or anxious conditions.
- Depressive-type symptoms: lethargy; lack of motivation, enjoyment, or interest in most activities.
- Anxious/irritable features: obsessive thinking, insomnia, irritability.
- Distinctive behaviors: lack of interest in non-sword topics; changes in dreaming; consistently steering conversation to sword matters; excessive viewing of sword videos; attempts to engage non-practitioners in sword drills or activities.
- Physical symptoms: joint/muscular aches; sharp or nagging pains; either a lack or an excess of energy; over time, loss of muscle tone and a dulling of one’s “edge.”
How it compares to SAD
The symptoms of I-SAD resemble those of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a depressive condition that tends to flare during darker winter months and is widely attributed to reduced sunlight (and secondarily, reduced outdoor activity). Treatment for SAD is famously straightforward: even minimal exposure to light—preferably natural, but also artificial—often provides relief.
Treatment for I-SAD may sound just as simple (“where is your sword right now?”), but relief is not so direct. In short, just holding your sword helps—but it isn’t enough.
Why treatment isn’t straightforward
The cause of I-SAD is easy to name: lack of sword. But what relieves it is trickier. Does watching sword videos ease or worsen I-SAD? Do reading and solo drilling help, or do they frustrate?
Part of the ambiguity is a lack of data. But a significant part seems tied to a basic reality of our practice: sword work needs another person, and one in relatively close proximity. There is a distinct difference between practicing with someone versus reading, watching, or drilling alone.
More information is needed to determine how much these supplemental activities help. I ask for feedback from you, dear readers. It is my hope to offer at least small guidelines for relief to those experiencing I-SAD—and, at the very least, to communicate to fellow sufferers that you are not alone.
A note from the author
As a relatively new swordswoman, I can remember a time (roughly two years ago) when I might have scoffed at the idea of I-SAD. At present, I can only hope others share my experience and are willing to share theirs. In the next article—if it’s desired—I will outline more detailed activities that may provide relief, and I hope to gain ideas and inspiration from our community at large.
please note this is just for fun. It’s not real science
Thank you for reading.
Dr. J, PsyD