Keeping the “Black Dog” at Bay: Cycling and Depression.

[ripvanrando]

Riding my bike has always alleviated stress and anxiety for me but physical issues have interfered with my riding medicine.

So, based on what I thought needed training, I sought a therapist out with those skills/expertise and waited for an opening. 4 months into it, therapy is helping. Initially, I thought 2 months and I'd be cured. Then, I realized that sort of improvement would be like someone 100 pounds overweight hiring a coach and asking, "Hey coach, will I be at 4 W/Kg for the summer races?" When I shared that analogy with her, she laughed and agreed. I would say that step was the hardest thing in my life to do but hopefully sharing that might give someone else the courage to take a similar leap.

Yes, professionals are not free and for whatever reasons, they like to be paid cash and you deal with your insurance. So, maybe they charge $150-200 for 45-50 minutes, your insurance might cover half that and you pay the rest or you might be on the hook for all of it. A real limitation. Some cost much higher than that.

[Hilltopwalters]

The number of people I hear express how frustrated they get when they're not "cured" in two to four months is pretty large. In my experience it took about five years to get a place where I felt "cured". But the nature of depression, sadness, ennui, deep-seated crisis/trauma is an evolving one. For me, much of the help came from a lot of well-executed and extensively well researched psychedelic drug taking. It was actually in these experiences where I found cycling which in turn helped stave off different kinds of depression.

[witcombusa]

Originally Posted by XXtwindad

I appreciate the physical benefits that cycling confers, but it’s the mental health aspect of cycling that matters more to me. I have low-grade chronic depression. I hesitate to use the word “suffer” because many people endure a much more debilitating strain than myself. But still, depression is like a ubiquitous cloud that you just can’t quite shake.

Unless I’m on my bike. Nothing chases away the blues more handily than steadily pacing myself up a huge hill. It’s mentally liberating. Nothing to think about but reaching the crest.

Not a lot of research on nuerotransmitters (seratonin and dopamine) and cycling but there’s bound to be some correlation. It’s the same phenomenon that results in a “runners high.”

I hope that there’s a large contingency of people who’ve experienced the mental relief that cycling provides, particularly during the Pandemic. For my money, it’s the best anti-depressant out there. Bar none.

A recent article I read that promoted the thread:
https://www.cyclist.co.uk/in-depth/5...ome-depression

”Cycling also puts you into a meditative state without you having to make a conscious decision to sit down and meditate. It’s rhythmic, but you need enough focus on what you’re doing to block out your worries.”

Yes, cycling is a 'great escape' to be sure. I also find dirtbike riding does the same thing, a bit differently. Well actually, downhill skiing also promotes a good mental outlook too!!!

I guess it just must be an activity that commands you full attention... or else!

[dddd]

Originally Posted by tv_vt

Low-grade depression has a name: dysthymia. You can have it your whole life. Or just temporarily. Either way, it can affect your life in harmful ways.

Don't ignore it. And don't think just because you ride a bike, you can beat it. Talk to your doctor about it. A good therapist can be helpful, too, but bottom line is that your body has a chemical issue. It's not your fault.

True, dat, especially as medical conditions manifesting as "depressive" symptoms can be highly varied.

With regard to medications, I myself found myself frequently "under-medicated" on the cortico-steroid (prednisone) I was taking for an auto-immune condition (one symptom of which is hypo-adrenalism, which mimics depression or could perhaps even be described as one form of it).
So my fear of that drug's side effects may have bitten me in some ways at various times (although the "relaxing" effect of reduced adrenal function also seems to benefit some aspects of my memory and logic).
Adding that such depressive effects can be particularly sneaky, so that self-adjustments of one's medication dosage may not track one's needs well at all in real time (although my rheumatologist has long been ok with my setting of my own minimal dosage).

For sure, everything medical, chemical and physical are highly intertwined at the individual patient level, and too much intensity during exercise (as when attacking climbs competitively) can itself perhaps be a source of metabolic and mood instability between racing and training events.

One thing I've noticed over many years is the way that doctors seem to treat the patient who is in "athletic condition" (with great BP and cholesterol #'s, and low body fat). A frequent response to my questions too often seems to reduce to something along the lines of "keep doing what you're doing", even as I am there for some specific problem.
Thank goodness then for the education that I can get online pertaining to any (of the very many) conditions that might afflict me as I continue to age, as seemingly it is too much to ask for the average GP to do much more than perhaps refer me to a specialist(?).

[dddd]

Originally Posted by retropean

Fellow depression sufferer here. Great reads in this thread.

In high school I got introduced to antidepressant medicines, and the doctors never mentioned anything about fitness or health. I was spending most of my waking time in front of a computer and eating candy daily. Then one day I borrowed my Dad's bike for a spin and the rest is history.

The best things I've found to ease my depression and anxiety are to bike in the morning, lift weights in the evening, and eat properly in between. At least 8 hours of sleep, more is better. Limit social media. It's not foolproof and it helps to allow myself days where I'm going to be in a funk, but all said it's way better than where I started.

Testify!

Things like dietary control and social activity level can hugely affect one's "stability" and "balance" in life, improving motivation during the day and improving sleep at night.

If only I could control the weather!

[climbgdh]

Cycling certainly helped me get through a really rough period of time during my divorce 14 years ago. My doc diagnosed "situational" depression (or at least that's what I think she called it). I was on medication for a period mostly to help me sleep but there may have been other things I took... don't really remember. Regardless..... for a couple of years the only times i was truly happy and content was on my bike or in the winter ski touring. I rode A LOT during those couple of years & ski toured A LOT and those 2 activities undoubtedly helped get me through that dark tunnel. Physical activity has always been important to me but at that time it was as essential as the air I was breathing. It certainly gave me an appreciation for people that suffer their entire lives with depression.

14 years later.... I'm happy, content, have a fantastic partner in my life and seriously looking forward to retirement in 12-16 months.

[bironi]

Originally Posted by Clean39T

https://www.bicycling.com/rides/a200...bike-in-japan/

"Descending in the rain terrifies some people. But I’ve had some of my most spiritual experiences while guiding a bike down a wet road. Brazilian racecar driver Ayrton Senna once said that he “saw God” while racing in the rain. On this long descent to our hotel I, too, feel guided by forces larger than myself, as if I have a supernatural intuition for my limits. I tuck my head to keep the rain out of my eyes, but my shoulders are relaxed. I have the sense that I know exactly what to do. Despite the chill, I arrive in Uwajima feeling elated."

Or you might feel elevated!

[RWL2222]

This thead’s enough to make me go n+1, so I did. Picking up a rim brake stigmata Tue.

[XXtwindad]

Originally Posted by RWL2222

This thead’s enough to make me go n+1, so I did. Picking up a rim brake stigmata Tue.

Oh, the irony. My "Blue Periods" coincided with major bike purchases. Go figure.

[fiamme red]

I feel exhilarated and happy after doing a long, hard ride, but the next day, if I'm not out riding again (especially if I'm at work), I'm usually listless and depressed.

[XXtwindad]

Originally Posted by fiamme red

I feel exhilarated and happy after doing a long, hard ride, but the next day, if I'm not out riding again (especially if I'm at work), I'm usually listless and depressed.

Ain't that the truth? It's always disheartening to know that so many people don't move for the sheer pleasure of moving.

When people comment on how difficult it must be to prepare for a long "exercise" regimen, I say "I'm not exercising. I'm riding."

Although, truth be told, I really enjoy getting on the stationary bike as well. All about the endorphins.

[jasonification]

Therapist here.

Depression is a funny thing. Symptoms are often antithetical to what makes us better, including anhedonia (loss of pleasure in usually enjoyable hobbies), fatigue, and isolation. Sometimes it's about distancing oneself from the depression and doing an opposite action.

Personally, I love the rhythm of the bicycle. I often find that being attentive to the pedal strokes allow my thoughts (both depressive and anxious) to play out in my head without taking center stage. This often lets me feel sorted out by the end of the ride.

[fourflys]

this thread was just pointed out to me (I think I was away from the forum when this was happening). I look forward to reading through it, thanks!!

I think it's so important that we normalize mental health issues, as bit or as small as they seem..

[Hilltopwalters]

Something tells me that the activity of this particular thread will probably pick up now that the seasons are changing. For myself, I was actually thinking of this particular thread in the last few days as October saw me hit the skids and barely touch the bike after a very active year of riding (and probably my best year so far). A combination of not cycling, my final semester in college, and the changing weather (despite how bad I've wanted a seasonal change) has definitely got me in a "downbeat".

[XXtwindad]

Originally Posted by Hilltopwalters

Something tells me that the activity of this particular thread will probably pick up now that the seasons are changing. For myself, I was actually thinking of this particular thread in the last few days as October saw me hit the skids and barely touch the bike after a very active year of riding (and probably my best year so far). A combination of not cycling, my final semester in college, and the changing weather (despite how bad I've wanted a seasonal change) has definitely got me in a "downbeat".

You are not alone, Brother. The expression “Winter Blues” exists for a reason.

The only thing I’ll say after reading your post is don’t give up the exercise. That’s easy for me to say living here on the West Coast with all the nice weather. And my schedule is more flexible than most. But movement has just as much mental benefits as it does physical benefits. It’s truly the best drug there is. Even cranking away on a stationary bike gives me a dopamine high.