Streaming can be a highly rewarding but also a highly stressful experience, especially when it becomes your main source of income. As someone who has been streaming poker on Twitch for close to 5 year I can attest to the challenges that come with it.
When I first started streaming, there was no stress. It was an exciting opportunity for me to showcase my knowledge for poker especially mixed games, games I excelled at. I enjoyed the freedom that came with it – being able to play poker on my own terms, with the added bonus of having an audience. It was a fun way to connect with other players and share my knowledge and experiences with them.
However, as my stream grew and I began to rely on my stream income from sponsorship and Twitch revenue, the pressure began to mount. Suddenly, I was no longer just streaming for fun; I was streaming to make a living. And when the chat is quiet, doubts can begin to creep in.
I start to worry about whether or not my stream will be successful, if I will be able to continue to make a living off of it, and if I will be able to grow my audience. I question whether I am doing everything I can to make my stream the best it can be, and whether I am engaging with my viewers enough.
It’s a difficult situation to be in because while I know how blessed I am to be able to make a living from streaming, I am also aware of how competitive the market is. There are hundreds of other streamers out there, all vying for the same audience and sponsorship.
Despite the challenges, I continue to stream because it’s something I love to do. I remind myself that the rewards of streaming go beyond just financial gain. It’s about the connections I make with my viewers, the friendships I formed with other streamers and viewers and it has a positive affect on my mental health.
In order to combat my doubts and the stress that comes with streaming, I try to stay positive and focus on the things I can control. I work on improving my stream and engaging with my audience, and I try not to compare myself to other streamers. Instead, I focus on being the best version of myself and creating a positive environment for my viewers.
Streaming is not for everyone, but for those of us who choose to pursue it, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. While the pressures of making a living from it can be daunting, it’s important to remember why we started streaming in the first place and to continue to enjoy the process, even during the tough times.
I want to emphasize that I love streaming and the opportunity I have from ACR Stormers. the purpose of this article is not to seek sympathy or pity, but rather to shed light on the reality of living with depression and anxiety. It’s important to understand the negative impact that these mental health issues can have on our lives, including the stress and doubt that can arise when pursuing our passions.
By sharing my struggles with streaming, I hope to encourage others to be open about their own mental health experiences and to seek help when needed. It’s okay to not be okay, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, and taking care of ourselves should always be a top priority. Let’s continue to have open and honest conversations about mental health and work towards creating a more supportive and understanding society.
