Lifting the mood

[coffeejo]

Yes. For me there've been times when I've felt ugly and mean with this horrible illness, scared to face the world, when I've felt unable to risk the possibility of even minimal social interaction. A moment always comes though, and the bike is there as a means of escape.

Maybe I feel more in control of my environment when on a bike. It accompanies me. I can move forward, stop if I want to, breeze past if I have to or turn around whenever I like. It's both a retreat and an advance. I'm outside but I'm protected. The bad stuff starts to blow away.

I don't know whether any of this makes sense to anyone else.

Thankfully, periods of depression are now fewer and further apart than they were in the past. I believe this is quite a common way for things to go. The bike has been a great help.

Well put.

 

[pepecat]

When I'm down in the depths I can just about get
out of bed and put some clothes on, let alone go out cycling
for a couple of hours. Not going to happen.....
On a normal day I kinda enjoy the riding - though it does depend
on how I'm feeling physically. If I'm full of energy then I love it. If not, it just feels like a
grind. Either way, I don't get the endorphin rush
whatever the ride was like.

 

[gb155]

Helps me so much its untrue

 

[JohnHenry]

Many, many thanks to all for your honesty and bravery in posting your thoughts - at the very least this thread has shown me that I am not alone which sometimes (not always) helps. Take care - looking forward to much pedalling in the coming months.

 

[RedRider]

Take care - looking forward to much pedalling in the coming months.

+1 to everyone

 

[Bornagaincyclist]

I find that it really makes a difference to cycle to work rather than use a car. Everything is better when you cycle, even for only a few miles, rain or shine. Then I find that I have to find ways of doing a bit more, must do some cycle track every week, or something similar. Must be at least 60 miles a week.
I have several black dogs - only one is a Lab though.

 

[slowmotion]

It's always an absolute blast. Fantastic

Edit: I might have felt a load of pain when I was riding, but , dragging the bike through the front door, I have never regretted having done the ride. Not once.

 

[byegad]

As a long term depression sufferer, HELL YES!

I find a ride lifts my mood even if I get a visit fro the fairey and it rains while I'm repairing it.

As a mood lifter, a ride on the bike is better than almost anything else. (Use you imagination!)

 

[lulubel]

When I'm low, the best moments are either freewheeling downhill or for a double hit/rush, the satisfaction and relief of making it up a particularly horrible hill combined with it being the right shape to give my rubberlegs a rest while freewheeling down the other side.

For me, beaten by freewheeling down a steep hill with lots of bends. There's nothing quite like the combination of thrill/focus that's required to put everything else out of your mind.

When I used to cycle to work (work from home now) I remember looking at all my grumpy colleagues and winding them up with things like, "Come on, everyone, it's the beginning of a new day and it's great to be alive. Let's all be HAPPY!" The scowls I got in response made my day even better

 

[MontyVeda]

it's a yes from me... when I'm out on my bike only two things matter, pedalling and the view

 

[BrumJim]

Cycling in to work doesn't give me an Endorphine high, but not cycling in to work puts me in a rotten mood all day. Can be useful if I have a crap job to complete, though.

 

[Wardy]

When I'm in my black hole I don't enjoy doing anything, so it often requires a huge effort to get on the bike even though I'm aware of how good cycling makes me feel. I'm trying to stay off anti-depressants as much as possible as they just make me feel like a zombie, but this illness has a habit of sneaking up on you and it's usually other people (in my case my long-suffering wife) who notice it first. My ideal doctors prescription should read "Cycling twice daily with water".

 

[ebournecyclist]

On a dark, wet morning it can be a heck of a chore to get up, dressed and out on the bike. I've hit the snooze button and given in to my duvet more than once. But, every time I get myself out of the door, rain or shine, I feel all the better for it.

I make it a rule now, 15 minutes in if i'm not having fun I'll turn back. I haven't done that once yet though.

Life is better on two wheels.

 

[joanna]

It makes me happy, but I'm pretty much addicted to cycling - so it is making me completely exhausted too - so has the reverse effect. Also, it plays havoc with my social life - ie. I always put cycling first.

 

[Jacqui]

Saw a king fisher yesterday while on my bike the kingfisher was dazzling and wouldn't have seen it if not been cycling so was happy.