Rowan

I know that few here feel that venturing into the 41 (Road forum) is worthwhile, but there is a great thread over there about the effect of cycling on those with depression.

Some of you might have something worth contributing to the thread, if you or someone you know has found cycling to be a great help or adjunct to medication.

Otherwise, give it a read, anyway. I think anyone would find a level of joy in it.

Here is the link:

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...and-Depression

mapeiboy

Thanks for the link . I am glad to hear that I am not the only one in this forum who is fighting depression . I tried very hard not to go to the dark side , cycling helps a lot .

qcpmsame 

That is a good thread and discussion, I have participated in the talk. Surprisingly rational discussion without the usual rancor the 41 can have on even serious topics. If you suffer with depression and want to get some idea about riding to help you out, this is a good read. Thanks Rowan.

Bill

Bikey Mikey

Almost never spent time in 41, but from what I've heard here, I'm rather impressed with the discussion in that thread.

tom cotter

Rowen, thx for posting this. I never would have seen it as i don't go to the road cycling forum. My son suffers from depression. I turned him on to cycling about 5 or 6 years ago and now he is an avid Mountain Biker who wants to give some touring a try. I'll direct him to the thread. I'm sure he can add to the discussion.

I do have a question: Why is the road bike forum called the 41?

Dudelsack 

https://www.bikeforums.net/41-Road-Cycling

PatW

Good cross post Rowan. I have not dropped in at the road cycling forum for a long time. The discussion was quite rational and also rather sensitive to the original poster.

bigbadwullf

But is it relevant to the 220?(tic).

Been spending a lot of time in "the 41" (road forum, designated by the "41" in the url of the forum address) and quite enjoying it. Not as crazy as I first thought and a LOT less health-related topics. I come here for bike discussions, not health discussions.

qcpmsame 

If you don't want to read what is in the post, don't click on it. The 50+ had long had discussions about health issues and handled them quite well.

bill

Louis

Thanks for the link, Rowan.

Siu Blue Wind

It's not that bad venturing out into other forums on here.

Again, another thank you to Rowan for that link.

mprelaw

Are people really that thin-skinned that they can't keep the 41 in perspective? It's just a bunch of gas bags flexing computer muscles. Don't take it that seriously. You don't really believe that everyone in there knocks off sub-4 hour centuries and "dials it up to 400 watts" regularly, do you?

Hell, I haven't been around here all that long, and even I can tell who the real deals are, and who the imaginary cat 1 guys are.

qcpmsame 

It isn't the 41 some have problems with it is the fact we are discussing a health related issue here. I visit the 41 daily and have no problems what so ever there. As you said, just take it with a grain of salt.

Bill

Dudelsack 

The 41 has really calmed down lately. It used to be home to some regular flame-throwers who would routinely belittle noobs. For the most part they've either reformed or been banned. The last few months it's been a veritable love-fest over there.

People don't mind discussing their last colonoscopy or even their low T levels, but when it comes to depression folks tend to keep to themselves. The discussion on the 41 was kind of like the dam breaking, an internets catharsis in a positive way. At least I thought so.

Rowan

I didn't really intend it to be a discussion about the merits or otherwise of the 41. It's just that I know some here won't go there on principle, but it seemed a shame to have go by such a good thread dealing sensitively with a sensitive subject without referencing it for those here who might be interested.

I think we have all descended into depths of despair and depression at some time in our lives. For some of us, we've got through without outside assistance, but it's important for men in particular that there are resources that can help.

As 50+, we may well be set for many more events in our lives that might lead to similar reactions. I though it was good to know that there are others who share, and who might be ready references in the future. Plus, looking at the medication regimens might also be helpful -- reactions, counter-reactions, effect on cycling, and so on.

And the big message is -- cycling (or any other form of physical activity) can be a help.

qcpmsame 

Very well said, Rowan, I could not ever come up with that eloquent reply you have given. This seems like a really important thread to me, yes I have a stake in it as a diagnosed clinical depressive person, and it was a shock that so many people chose to come forth in the thread. A lot of stigma still attaches to depression and other mental health issues so many people just hide or internalise things so no one will know. Getting a diagnosis and some help with the medication made a difference in my life and I hope that some one here can benefit from seeing others with this problem and get help.

Bill

tom cotter

Imo, the health care threads are high value. As an example, years ago i had to go on BP meds. I resisted my doc's efforts. Reading through threads on the 50+ forum, combined with asking questions, helped me understand the various meds, their effects on me as a cyclist, and their side effects.

Here is great example: I went clothes shopping after cycling hard. Cylcing in the late morning, shower, then off to the mall. I was at a store bending over looking at something on a low shelf. AS I got up i felt very light headed, like i was going to pass out. The meds lowered my BP and the heavy exercise opened my capillaries to the point that a simple act of getting up from a stooped position left me light headed. And, sent me back to the doc's office for a med adjustment.

Again, From what i read here, instead of panicing in the store I knew exactly what was going on and what the fix was. All because some fellow 50 plussers had gone through it before me and had posted that experience here. Good stuff!!!