[Closed] graeme obree speaks about depression.

The fact that you can talk about it is a good thing. I've only ever had depression due to hangovers and that's bad enough, but I've seen family members suffer and 1 suicide and the pain it causes to those closest is terrible.
There's always those willing to listen and chat- plenty good folks on here. Discussing it will be therapeutic for you mate. Getting out for a blast on the bike will help clear the head too.

Horrible illness but can be broken ..took me a long time to realize the way I felt wasn't necessarily the way things were and then challenge the negative ruminations over and over again till healthier patterns of thinking took their place .

I too have suffered...good to get it out!

WTF is teh fluffy pic about BTW?

It is a horrible illness, but it can indeed be broken - no matter how long you've been ill.

It is indeed awful, cheated me out of much of my 20's. It can indeed be broken. Obree's book took me ages to finish as some of it was so painful to read.

Also don't know much about riding in chalk but I'd probably start out with a mud x 🙂

Yeah, it's a bugger. Sometimes it gets better though, work your way through it.

I was bi-polar for many years. Didn't realise it till someone pointed it out to me. Really screws your life up. The amount of ruined relationships in my wake.... The weeks of darkness and anger, the forgotten days of mania. My dad said he'd never seen me look happy. 🙁

Work through it, it got better for me, it got better for Graeme. It can get better for you.

yep it sure aint good.
i wince at the ruined relationships bit samuri mentioned, been some wonderful partners in my life ive pushed away just because i couldnt get out of the darkness in my own head, and then i turn around and the darkness is gone, but by then they have too 🙁

There's a big push for sports personalities and celebs to be open about mental health problems at the moment. A lot of it is driven by the 'Time for Change campaign', you can add them on Facebook for regular articles and links to various news items, discussions etc. They also ask for people to share their experiences, sharing is pretty cathartic, but knowing you might be helping others to do the same is a pretty good feeling according to some of my patients who have done the same.

I was initially a bit dismissive of the initiative, the Stephen Fry bi-polar push appeared to create more celebs claiming to have it as an excuse for certain drug/alcohol induced behaviour and it seemed to glamorise it, instead of drawing attention to the problems it causes and how people can help. However seeing that the Obree thing has allowed you to feel more comfortable about discussing your experiences I'm very pleased its happening 🙂

The normal figure thrown about is 1 in 4 people experience some kind of mental health problem, however I'm of the opinion that pretty much everyone will experience it at some point in their lives if they live long enough. Relative dies leading to reactive depression, drugs or alcohol dependence, anxiety disorders and so on... eventually dementia. I believe its a normal part of the human experience and the stigma surrounding it is the most destructive thing a society can hold on to considering at some point they or somebody they love will suffer.

Sharing experiences is a good thing, the more people who learn its not abnormal to struggle with things at times the better.

Thank you everyone on this thread for doing so 🙂

raceface - sorry to hear you're still struggling. You need to take care of yourself and get into a routine. Why not plan a menu for the week and ensure that you're getting sufficient nutrients/vitamins?

As regards wet chalk, I do sympathise! Is it too far for you to ride up onto Salisbury Plain? The gravel track that skirts the Plain is anything but flat so even if you do an out-and-back, it will still be a good workout. The track is open even if there is firing taking place.

Good luck. 🙂

It took me to a very dark place once. I have no desire to return there.

For me, it was clearly situational, so once I was out of that situation (easier said than done, and haunted me for another 18 months) I could move on.

Drugs have there place.
Talking is the best thing.

Loving and being loved help melt the ice that your soul feels plunged into.

Keep going. You can get through it.

Just reading this thread is helping me,knowing it can get better 🙂

keep going - your posts always strike me as being optimistic , which makes me feel better.
you've just got to keep telling yourself to be positive - works for me , that and the biking.

😀

I have suffered for 10 years with depression the docs have been great i don't think it ever leaves you i find i can feel it coming on and i learn to manage it better.

KT1973 i'm sorry to hear that one of your family committed suicide. 🙁 thanks everyone for your replies.i definitely feel better hearing about other people who are beating it (as thegman67 said though,i think that one will always suffer with it for the rest of their life).it's just knowing how to stop it from controlling you. i haven't ridden my bike for literally a few months (apart from doing shopping e.t.c),well i plan on going out on it sometime very soon (as soon as the weather here in wiltshire perks up a bit 😉 tis a bit windy/wet.it is a great feeling to know that i can come here (to singletrack forum) and be able to talk to other people.the amount of kind people here blows me away (another post i did a while back,asking what food to buy with limited funds.some people offered to send me some money/i wasn't expecting that at all).i just want to say thanks to you all.it does mean a lot to me that there are people who will read your rants 😉 and give good advice. right i'll shut up now 😀 cinnamon_girl are you feeling better after your accident?you'll be back on your bike before you know it (if you haven't already 😉 merry xmas everyone [img] [/img]

raceface... if you ever fancy a chilled no pressure spin around swinley completely tailored to your ability (unless you're better than me in which case i might have to meet you at the end of certain sections) then let me know!

TSY, mrsconsequence and I took CG out once when she wasn't feeling too great and we made her smile, didnt even need to tickle her!

In a few days it'll be 21st December. After that the days get longer (well, stay lighter longer - you know what I mean).

I always think that's a great turning point in the year. Onwards and upwards..!

You know, there's a lot to be said for just riding around on a bike in daylight. Shopping, going nowhere, on road, off road, whatever. Sometimes, just riding along is one of the greatest remedies.

Give that a try. See how you go.

ourmaninthenorth i like your thinking 😉 philconsequence thanks for the offer 😀 .would like to take you upon that someday.the only problem is that i live in devizes wiltshire,and have no car.if you're ever around devizes,i would gladly show you round some of the local trails (especially the ridgeway/avebury) 🙂 p.s you have nothing to worry about regarding my fitness 😳

hmmmm that is a fair old drive away.... will be pretty much driving through Devizes on boxing day morning but couldn't stop for a ride as gotta get to mrsconsequences family gathering 🙁

something will be organised though, at some point, hopefully sooner rather than later 😀

philconsequence that would be great.thanks.adam 😀

Stay positive Racefacece90 & Co!

Ahhh... now I understand the Ridgeway question... Devizes Wiltshire ain't too far away Philly.

We can gate crash Auntie C_G's Xmas do... she loves Christmas even more than Elf... no not that Elf.

😀 so is that a 'yes philly, visiting raceface to go for a spin on some new terrain is a great idea'?

(even though yeti is some kinda freak riding god i can vouch for his ability to chill out and jsut enjoy a spin raceface!)

Yes indeed.

I'll go for a run in the morning or something. Or just turn up drunk.

this sounds good. 😉 the terrain isn't that taxing (well for you lot 😉 around devizes/the ridgeway.i imagine you all ride quite tech trails (wales/scotland e.t.c) but is made up by the views :-)anyone else want to come along? (what date would suit you all the best).man this is turning into a singletrack meet 😀

throw a few dates up that are good for you and we can go from there 🙂

EDIT - inclines in general are taxing for me! singlesheep or FS?

I'm off for most of Xmas. HT Phil.

to be honest anytime is fine with me(as long as i can get a couple of weeks notice/as i seriously haven't ridden my bike for a good few months 😳 oh and if it's good weather also 😉 edit will be nice to put some faces to your user names (sorry about my ugly mug though 😀

Hey - lots of support for you raceface. 8)

It doesn't seem that long ago you posted lots of really nice pics from your rides. Perhaps if you have another look at them, relive those trails and the enjoyment they gave you.

cinnamon_girl you are more than welcome to join us if you want. i have been looking at my youtube vids that i did (well got to increase the numbers somehow 😉 when i filmed some rides.it really makes me want to ride my bike again (blasted weather though/i'm a lightweight 😳 it's so annoying that the depression stops you wanting to do the things that you love (and whenever i do finally go out on my bike,i am always glad i did).

raceface - I've just PM'd you on the other Forum.

how would the friday before new years be? might bring mrsconsequence if the weather is nice and if you'd be ok/feel comfortable with that?

philconsequence that would be fine (the more the merrier 😀 i was planning on saving for a new guitar/amp,but since starting this thread,am now planning on getting some mtb clothing instead (starting with a decent waterproof jacket).where/what time would you like to meet up. is there anywhere you'd like to ride near devizes e.t.c?

here is a documentary about the great man i have just watched on youtube (part 1 of 8 )

🙂

If more the merrier, I'd be happy to slow the pace!

no preferences at all from this end 😀 mrsconsequence might moan a bit if its very hilly as she's been on the bike a while but i'm up for whatever 😀

we've both got the day off so flexible on timings but it will take us a bit of time to get down to you and it'd be nice not to wake up tooooo early.... saying that its still getting dark early so gotta keep that in mind. how long do you want to ride for? got sat nav so happy to meet wherever!

fingers crossed on the weather 🙂

what about 11am - 12 pm meet up time (but honestly what suits you,as you are making the effort to drive up to meet me.much appreciated i must add 😀 i have a few routes in mind (depending on weather on the day e.t.c),but if anyone else,who wants to join us has any routes they'd like to do/suggest,will be more than happy to do them instead (as to be honest am not the greatest at route finding 😳 the route i was thinking of would take us from devizes to roundway hill.we then come out by a golf club onto main road.we then cut off-road again and cycle up to cherhill monument.from there we continue to avebury (i know a route that will keep us all off the main beckhampton/avebury road).from there we cycle to the ridgeway (i reckon 8-9 miles at this point to get to avebury). from there i can tailor it to how everyone is feeling (was thinking of cycling to barbury castle near swindon/not an actual castle there anymore,just the hill where it used to be) then we return the way we came.total distance around 30 miles (i will try and do a map of the route so you can all see it).the only problem about the route is,as it's chalk/clay.if it has rained heavily then it does get very gloopy.a backup plan for that situation is to cycle to salisbury plain instead (and to westbury white horse and back again).that route is a lot better in wet weather.the only downside(s) is there is more road riding to get there (i cycle to red horn hill from devizes via a country back road),also it isn't as interesting (mostly) to ride (views e.t.c) i reckon that route will be around the same distance all in (30 miles).i will try and do a map of that route also (will use one of the google type terrain programs).as i said though am happy to go where you all would like to see/ride (your map route finding skills are a lot better than mine 😉 p.s Kiril you are most welcome to join us.any route suggestions are most welcome 😉

Hi, I know that area well. I rode the avebury/Barbary castle route a couple of months ago and the hard chalk was like ice. I'm not sure if any of the plain will be open at this time but that might be worth a thought.

i know yeti will be happy with 30miles, i'd be willing to give it a go (think longest off road ride I've done is about 18-19miles but that might completely kill mrsconsequence half way :S she's probably going to struggle with whatever we do and i think her maximum might be about 12-15 in the cold and having not been out on a bike for a loooong time.

now i feel bad for being hassly!

thought i would put up a couple of my videos so anyone who hasn't been to the places before,can get some idea (plus i need all the viewing figures i can get tbh 🙂 p.s excuse the multiple postings (i do not know how to do multi video posts on 1 post 😕

and salisbury plain

feel the gnarr 😀

philconsequence just read your post 😳 believe me,i am happy to do whatever distances are comfortable for everyone (i am very unfit at present tbh 😳 tbh i don't think i could ride 30 miles at the moment 😉 devizes to avebury will be within that distance (via cherhill monument).the route does have a few hills,but was thinking that we could stop off at the red lion for a squash/sustinance e.t.c. nearly all of it will be offroad so no worries about traffic.i also know a farm track back from beckhampton that is easier to cycle if anyone feels tired on the way back (we also connect to k & a canal towpath for the last part back to devizes).

😀 really enjoying the videos, the running commentary is surprisingly entertaining! if its the kind of terrain in the vids then i reckon we could stretch 18-20miles out of mrsconsequence as long as we dont tell her first 😆

might need to have a few stops for liquid and letting her get her breath back 😀

EDIT - crossed posts there, sounds perfect... pub stop to warm the hands and feet will make mrsconsequence a very happy lady!

should take us about 1.5-2hours to get down to you depending on traffic, meeting at 12 to faff about putting bikes together and get spinning sounds spot on 🙂

here's the route i'm on about (excuse the bad picture/am not too good with these google maps (total distance around 21 miles) 😳 [IMG] [/IMG] there is some climbing (but i have managed to climb all the hills/admittedly at 0.005mph 😀 it's not too bad (hopefully the rain will hold off)there are some nice views also (and a wooded bit where we can get some rad air off a tree stump (exhibit a 😉 [IMG] [/IMG]

that does look like some GNARLY air, might need to break out the FS, body armour and fullface 😈

looking at the videos it seems rain wont be too much of an issue for the terrain if its bridleways, gravel and tarmac etc most of the way... fingers crossed on the weather for the day 😀

was just wondering,if anyone would mind if i put this ride up on the setting a scene mtb forum http://www.settingascene.com/ to see if any of the locals wanted to join us.have only ridden with a few of them,but they are a good bunch 🙂 (the pic of me getting HUGE! air 😉 was taken by divedaz from the forum 🙂

its your ride dude! reads like even just organising it is helping your mood a little and dare i say it making you excited about riding again?

well i wouldn't even be thinking about riding my bike if it wasn't for you guys 😳 (blows nose) 😀 i am planning on cycling to bath (when the weather is half decent 😉 to buy myself an endura stealth jacket (as they sound jum dandy from what people here have said about them/reviews).also will have to put some miles in (preparation) for riding with you guys :-).well either that or buying some spd pedals/shoes 🙂 [img] [/img]

i only ride flats because of all the air i get off of curbs and pebbles.

I might be uo for this. I'm in Swindon so will probably cut off at Barbury hill if we go that way but can also meet up with Mrs DM at her mum's in Westbury if we go the other way. Did anyone mention a starting point yet?

we'll be starting from devizes around midday (place and time tbc) we'll be cycling to avebury (via roundway hill/cherhill monument).stop off at the red lion pub for a squash/snacks,then back to devizes.nothing epic tbh around 22 miles in total (so everyone can enjoy it/am unfit at present 😳 everyone who wants to join us is more than welcome 😀

Can I suggest the cafe at caen hill locks as a starting point? Nice home made cake and it's right on the tow path, only downside is it's a pay and display car park.

How are we all for Friday? 🙂

apologies (haven't been online until now 😳 i'm still fine for friday (heard the weather might be rainy though 🙁 i was going to ask where you all wanted to meet in devizes/what time on friday? i was thinking the wharf car park (right near to wadworth's brewery).it's pretty central to devizes (unfortunately i think it's a pay & display car park/i think just about all of them are in town now).i hope everyone had a great christmas by the way 🙂

p.s i should have added that someone sent me an e-mail,asking if they could join us on the ride.also joec1 from setting a scene forum is hopefully going to join us too 🙂 obviously will let them know time/place (if they can make it or not) the thread i put up on setting a scene forum link http://forum.settingascene.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1562 🙂

Still hoping to make this. 🙂

Hi folks I can't make this due to family stuff, hope you have a great ride

Steve

As long as there's a postcode and a time to meet we're happy with whatever 🙂 I'll keep yeti updated by text message if he doesn't check the thread. It'd be good to make sure we've got a realistic chance of finishing riding before it gets dark so I'm gunna suggest 12:30 as a start time?

i'm going to have to make a big apology to everyone,but i won't be able to go on the ride tomorrow 😳 i could come up with some decent excuse,but i don't want to lie to you good people.it's a mixture of my depression/lack of motivation,suffering with my sinus problem (my nose just blocks up at this time of year),suffering with the dreaded jeremies 😳 and seeing the weather report for tomorrow http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/sn10 .i really hate myself for doing this (especially as you philconsequence and mrs consequence) are willing to drive over 2 hours to ride with me especially.the truth is that i did ride my bike on tuesday (the first bike ride that i have done in all honesty,since starting this thread)just visiting the bike shop/around 18 miles in total on canal towpath.unfortunately the shop was shut 😳 i did enjoy the ride (saw a few kingfishers/alpacas/canada geese e.t.c).i really was riding slow though/and i really didn't have any real motivation to riding 🙁 i just had to be honest with you all (i just have no desire to ride my bike at the moment 🙁 i'm sorry to mess you all around 😳 and i do understand if you are rightfully pissed off with me 😳 i just had to be truthful to you all. i would like to finish by saying that i don't plan on giving up cycling/my bike,as i will get my desire back to ride (especially when the weather is better 😉

Hey raceface - it's OK, we understand. I can sympathise with sinus problems as it can get very painful.

Your bike will always be there for you and ready to go when you are. This grim weather doesn't help plus all the cleaning afterwards is a hassle. The shortest day has passed and Spring really isn't that too far away!

You know I'm not that far from you so please give me a shout if you fancy meeting up. Am only doing little pootles but the fresh air does make such a difference.

Take it easy and hope to see you soon.

C_G

No need to apologise dude, would still be great to meet up for a ride at some point but when you're ready for it 🙂 don't beat yourself up about it! Drove past Devizes on boxing day and it looks a beautiful place to ride so we're more than happy to make the trip down... Glad you got out on the bike earlier this week 🙂

thanks everybody for the kind words 😀 philconsequence i would love to go riding with you when the weather is better/i feel my biking mojo come back again (it will 😉 (and you too cinnamon_girl 😉 i must admit that i have just come back from swindon/after buying myself a new axe (guitar) 😉 (on the bus) and it was quite windy/was raining on/off).thank you all for being so understanding and i wish each and everyone of you a very happy new year 😀

Awww shucks... ne'ermind... there will be better weather in the coming months so it's probably a good call 🙂

The Southern Yeti i'm sorry 😳 i really do want to go riding with you all.when the weather is nice around the routes here,you cannot beat it 😉 i plan on starting again when the weather is better,and then putting up another ride shout out to you guys (if you still wanted to ride with a slow git 😉 we could do a longer route (had a 30 odd miler in mind,would be ideal when the days are longer/as i'm slow 😉

@ rf - there will be other, better days. Thanks for making the effort: another time, for sure, we'll contest slow bragging rights.