Depression. It's back.

[Bigtallfatbloke]

but also to get back out there in the big bad world and start socialising with people again

..this is my next bridge to cross. Well i already started because on tour i met lot's of great people, including several like minded maniac cyclists!

People used to avoid me, now I am finding they like talking to me (well some do anyway!)...it's probably because I am less of a miserable git these days....I am learning that a simple smile and the word 'Hi' open up many doors. I am off to a bike club evening on Wednesday...I wangled my way into a mechanics maintenance course/evening for free....I may join the club as well just for the social thing. Do you have a local cycle club? Maybe go along on a 'novice ride' or even jus thelp out with marshalling or something...just a thought.

...

 

[purplemoon]

..this is my next bridge to cross. Well i already started because on tour i met lot's of great people, including several like minded maniac cyclists!

Now that surprises me considering some of the journeys you've undertaken this year, although I am aware that there's a huge difference in being around people and actually speaking and socialising with them

People used to avoid me, now I am finding they like talking to me (well some do anyway!)...it's probably because I am less of a miserable git these days....I am learning that a simple smile and the word 'Hi' open up many doors. I am off to a bike club evening on Wednesday...I wangled my way into a mechanics maintenance course/evening for free....I may join the club as well just for the social thing. Do you have a local cycle club? Maybe go along on a 'novice ride' or even jus thelp out with marshalling or something...just a thought.

...

I haven't yet investigated whether there are any cycle groups local to me, other than the organised activities I read about in Thetford Forest yesterday, but I should imagine that if any do exist they will be some distance away as I live in a very small rural village miles from civilisation

And besides, I'm not sure whether I'm ready for that level of social contact yet

 

[Bigtallfatbloke]

...I remember making it through the cold august rain last 'summer' to Grimes graves in Thetford. I was the only nutter out on a bike that day!

One reason I got into touring rather than joining a club etc is that it is a solitary affir for the most part...it's very easy to avoid humanity on a solo bike tour if you so choose. It's also not in anyway competitive (no time trials and progress charts and targets etc)...I like it, I can talk if I wan tto and be a miserable anti social git if I want to as well

 

[ComedyPilot]

I've even had one guy on the phone this morning say to me: "If you're above a size 14/16 then you're obviously too fat to be on a bike!"

I'm not going to let him put me off, although I am feeling rather depressed about it and think my only option is going to be to order stuff from the US and to hell with the cost

I was almost 18 stone when I seriously got my ass into gear. I rode alone, i wore lycra and baggy t-shirts. Now almost 3 stone less I feel a lot better, and want no more than to offer you support and tell you the people trying to ridicule you are only doing it cos they haven't got the balls to admit how well you are doing. Keep it up. As much admiration I have for really fit people, I hold the most respect for people starting out and working through all the piss taking and losing the weight in a society that you a damned if you're overweight, and you're damned if you do something about it. Being fit and slim is easy, getting there is the hard bit, physically and mentally.

 

[trio25]

Purplemoon contact minx
http://www.minx-girl.com/
she'll give you good advice and have clothes in your size.

 

[Bigtallfatbloke]

...I would be tempted to use a more direct reply along thine lines of F*** Off you ignorant F*** faced piece of Dogs S***

...I now it's wrong but it would make me feel better

 

[Charlotte_C+ :-)]

Not having a very good day today if im honest. Havn`t been on the bike for a while either, which probably isnt helping me much.

Sorry to have a moan though, just feel very tearfull

 

[Dayvo]

Don't bottle it up, Charlotte!

If you want to confide here in us, go ahead. You'll get a lot of support and words of encouragement. Someone might even make you laugh!

This time of year isn't the best for me either (I suffer from SAD) but I try and plan to have something to look forward to; e.g. a holiday, visiting friends and family, planning trips etc., or just staying home with a good book and lots of brandy hot chocolate!

You'll be OK!

 

[Charlotte_C+ :-)]

Thank you Dayvo, it means a lot!.

Just going for a little walk to see if it helps clear my head

 

[piedwagtail91]

Not having a very good day today if im honest. Havn`t been on the bike for a while either, which probably isnt helping me much.

Sorry to have a moan though, just feel very tearfull

it's not moaning,don't feel bad about saying how you feel, if you need to talk there's enough people on here understand how you feel. i felt the same today after a good day yesterday.i went out for a walk this morning and it helped, hope yours does.
mick

 

[purplemoon]

Not having a very good day today if im honest. Havn`t been on the bike for a while either, which probably isnt helping me much.

Sorry to have a moan though, just feel very tearfull

Hi Charlotte,

I know we haven't "met" yet but wanted to offer a few words of support as I felt pretty much like you yesterday. I'd loaded up my bike in the car and drove over to my son's looking forward to doing another cycle ride around the Thetford Forest trails, only to find when I got there that he'd injured himself whilst tackling the tricky black trail a couple of days ago so wasn't really up to going out again

I didn't realise how much the lack of getting out there had affected me until I drove home (in the dark, which I hate doing anyway) feeling very despondant and lethargic, which was in total contrast to how I felt last weekend, so as soon as I got home I got the bike out of the car and went straight out on a half hour ride around the village and immediately felt a whole lot better!

When I was in the depths of depression previously I never believed those who would tell you that exercise could make you feel a whole lot better, but now I do!

If you can manage to get out there, even if just for a short ride, I guarantee it will help lift your mood and make you feel a whole lot better. I know it's easier said than done at times but if I can do it, having suffered with severe depression and agoraphobia for the last few years, then anyone can

Go for it girl!!!!

 

[trio25]

Hi Charlotte, hope things are feeling a little better. Please don't feel like you are moaning, we want to listen and help if we can.

 

[Bigtallfatbloke]

..I havent been able to ride for two days now...due to a fractured wrist which is strapped up in a split jobby, I feel like carp today..all itching to ride, can tkeep still etc. I hate sitting around putting the weight back on.

Time to start planning the next tour methinks...

...carp passes, good things always follow.

 

[Kirstie]

Purplemoon I just noticed your post about your size, and what that guy on the phone said to you. My friend who I train with every week, and just rode lejog with, tour with, and have raced with (even won the odd thing), is between a size 14 and 16, but is nearer 14 nowadays. She has plenty of cycle clothing from oakley and cannondale, which work well. She's also as strong as an ox and quicker than a lot of blokes I know. So size doesn't matter. What matters is that you are out there riding.

 

[bagpuss]

Following my earlier posts on this topic,after pondering about a further reply etc .
Give your self a real goal. I had my first long bout of clincal depression in about 1998 . 5 months off work, total wreck. forward to the year 2000. AUK member at the time.2000SR ride series completed .If you ride audax you will know what it involves.Became totally focused, eased back after. Had further bouts since.Each time same goal "Just get me back on my bike" Bollocks to everything else. Exercise raises the bodies endorphines level.
Going part time at work by choice in a week .The open road is calling again ,and I am chomping at the bit.
To any fellow sufferer .You will bounce back in your own time and in your own way.