One day, a client walked into my office and explained feelings of despair, anger, and loss. He also couldn’t focus at work and was uninterested in the normal activities that brought him joy. After explaining these symptoms of depression, he revealed that they occurred shortly after watching his favorite hockey team lose the championship game.

I thought he was exaggerating, or being sarcastic, but he was serious. And as it turns out, experiencing the blues after a sports-related defeat, which is deemed sports fan depression, is a common experience for sports-lovers. And for some, the symptoms can be shockingly painful. Are you feeling down after a sports-related loss? Here are 5 effective tips for beating this depression:

1. Remember, it’s just a game.

The networks do a great job before a game, especially a championship game to make it sound like the most important thing that has ever happened in the history of mankind is about to go down. Of course, they never say, “And remember, it’s just a game!” This, in combination with the fact that you’re a huge fan of your team, makes the situation a very emotionally charged event. Here’s the thing: when something is emotionally charged, it looks and feels a lot bigger than it actually yes. Sure, your team lost, and that sucks. But 99.9% of your life is unaffected and unchanged. Taking a step back will give you a broader perspective to put this loss in its rightful place—one that doesn’t ruin the rest of your week.

2. Socialize.

People who feel down or depressed have a tendency to isolate themselves. Also, if the sports season is over, you might be lacking that pre-scheduled time every week or few days to get together with friends to hang out and watch this game. Social withdrawal only makes one’s mood worse. So, make an effort to keep your social life going strong, even if you don’t think you’re feeling up for it.

3. Fill the void.

If you’re a die-hard fan and the season is finished, you’re going to notice a post-season void. And it’s important you fill this mental and emotional space with something else. Find something else you’ll enjoy; a project, hobby, group, or event to get involved in. Here are a few options to consider:

• Plan a ski trip.

• Have friends over for a weekly dinner tradition.

• Pick up reading or writing again.

• Join a dart league or dance team.

• Start watching another sport.

In all honestly, it doesn’t really matter what it is that you do. Just do something, something that you enjoy.

4. Open up about your feelings.

Talking about your sports fan blues with a friend will help you to process the disappointment that you’re feeling. Commiserate with other fans who are having some of the same feelings. It can help just to know that people care (and they do) and to be reminded that you’re not alone. Pretty soon, you’ll be talking less about the loss, and more about what your team’s going to do next year (they’re going to crush it, of course).

5. Wait for it to pass.

“Sports fan depression” is probably better described as the “sports fan blues.” While the symptoms can match those of depression—and while they can be surprisingly painful and disruptive—they generally have a short “half-life.” In most cases, you’ll feel better in a few days (to be diagnosed with something like major depressive disorder, the symptoms would need to be more longstanding; or more specifically, last at least two weeks). That said, if it has been a few days and you’re not feeling better, or if your symptoms are so severe that they’re affecting your sleep, work, or relationships, you might want to consider meeting with a healthcare professional like a counseling.

The Red Sox went 86 years without getting to a World Series. People lived their entire lives and didn’t see a victory. But, if you’re in Boston, what are you going to do? Abandon the Sox and Become a New York Yankees fan? No way! Remember, you never know what’s going to happen. It seems that every year at least one team that’s favored does awful, and a team with low expectations has a record-breaking season. So stick with your team and fellow tribe (whether that’s the New England Patriots or the Los Angeles Rams), and ride out those tough losses together! And when you do start to suffer after your team loses, remember the tips above that we just went over.