Depression
 

anyone suffer

intermittent.

Riding can help a lot, or I can spend a whole ride fighting with myself. In general, enough exercise, enough rest (when I can sleep) meditation and using all the best tools I have learned to reject the wrong thoughts, eventually gets me out of it.

I figure I have been practicing so long, it is only sensible that I get good at it as time goes by. I might actually be happy all day, every day ... for the couple days right before I die. :D

In the meantime .... talk about it here if none of your friends will listen.

Yeah, I can relate to all that. It doesn't seem like I have nearly the intensity of negative/depressive thoughts while I'm riding. I have learned that cycling (and other exercise, preferably outside) helps keep crazy at bay.

I heard an estimate yesterday that one third of the population has or currently is suffering from depression. You are far from alone. Rather than giving into self-medicating, I would recommend seeing a counselor. Best wishes

Are we talking real 'clinical depression' or just the occasional 'blahs'? I was probably somewhere on the spectrum between the two and was pretty sure it was being caused by new management at my job that seemed to insult and belittle me as often as they could (I was the oldest person there, so it might have been age-related). I finally just retired a little earlier than I had planned to do and life has been a whole lot better. I've gotten a few phone calls from the old job but just ignore them all.

Sounds like you need a lawyer, not a therapist. What they did to you is highly illegal.

Probably, but nothing I had evidence for. I quit/retired on fairly short notice (3 weeks), HR and payroll didn't have a problem, and the department didn't have any questions (no 'knowledge transfer' for continuity purposes). But I'm pretty sure there's some 'bad karma' coming their way from a few industrial clients who used a lot of chemicals (I'll leave it at that). I was the only one who understood their operations and some of those folks may find another consultant if I'm not there.

Depression might come along with aging. I know I've lost most of my family, my wife has lost most of hers also. Lots of new neighbors, many from houses vacant from neighbors passing. If you watch the news, that doesn't help. I'm lucky, I'm healthy, active, lots of positives in my life. But I still get hit with "blahs" on occasion. I then try to focus on how many positive things are in my life and it helps--a LOT. If it is a constant and redirecting your thinking toward the positive, or engaging in an activity that doesn't make you focus on that activity doesn't help, see someone--doc or counseling. I already see some positives--you posted here, so you can afford internet, most likely were able to afford a bike and ride. You are literate, so you have been educated. Got to be some positives-maybe try writing them down and look at them occasionally, especially if you're "down". Don't ignore depression it if it's a constant in your life.

Being that your speaking to the over 50 crowd, I'll give 2 cents and change.

People who struggle with depression suffer.

People who indulge in depression put the suffering on everyone around them.

My favorite Christians always ask God for the strength to chose happiness.

Personally I work with the Buddhist interpretations,

and the theory that a level of discontent comes with not being an idiot.

Sounds like they may have regretted losing you. Leaning heavily on an individual at work is the easiest and cheapest way to get rid of them without paynig compo.

I suffered in a bad way, 16 years ago. And again 10 years ago...last time was a blast...
Now i'am a clinical psychologist, hoping to start a clinic a soon as possible by myself.
One precious advice i can give you all, never understimate the pathology or as i did you are going to burn years of your own life.
Just, don't think and go for help...

Find someone near your city. Take an appointment and talk. In the first day you will talk and then the psychologist will tell you if you need to schedule more appointments.

Me, depression?
yes, intermittently over the years, usually not too bad
Pandemic stress accumulated has certainly contributed to my current state.

I thought everybody knew that aerobic exercise was a proven mood elevator.

fat biker

P.S. Shoud have mentioned, I need a new therapist, my previous one retired, and I miss her.

I've dealt with severe depression for almost thirty years. Took a long time to find the right mix of medications to keep it at bay. The meds are also a large part of my weight problem, so there's that, too. I figure it's a valid trade-off to keep the squirrels at bay.

Everyone's different...your mileage may vary.