Talking is good.

[Yasmin]

This forum is a refreshing place to visit. I feel we can say it as it is here. Lets us talk about cycling & life issues. Freely. Cycling is a panacea for all sorts of things. It helps physically & emotionally. Many people have mentioned how it's helped physically. I've mentioned how I have struggled with (reactive, not bipolar) depression in the past & cycling, running & swimming have helped me with this as well as physical injuries. Cycling takes top place for me because I can do it for longer than running & I don't have to visit a venue or wait for a free lane like with swimming. Has anyone else experienced this...or have I done a " faux pas" by mentioning the word depression?

[Irulan]

nope,

there's a whole huge thread on it that hasn't been bumped (acive post recently) lately. I bet it's not too hard to find.

[Trek420]

you mean this one?

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ght=Depression

you will find there's is not much that's OT here

[Yasmin]

you mean this one?

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ght=Depression

you will find there's is not much that's OT here

Thankyou for the site. I have read & downloaded most of it. My heart goes out to so many of you who struggle with the demon, depression. I can see that I'm not alone.

[Lise]

Has anyone else experienced this...or have I done a " faux pas" by mentioning the word depression?

Yasmin,

I mentioned how I got off two anti-depressants and also got free of chronic pelvic pain by become more active. I started by hanging out with new friends, and then trying things they did. We still play volleyball once a week together, but I am far and away the most athletic of the bunch, which is pretty funny. Two of the guys are personal trainers. I'm just the one who does more things, rides more, runs more. I'm the one saying, "Hey, guys, let's do this race together!" Because I like how I feel when I do it.

I've been depressed most of my life, and thought it was pretty much how things would be. Well, I'm not depressed any more. It's not just the athletics, but that's a huge part of it. When I can ride like the wind, I feel like a superhero. I feel like the strong, beautiful woman I always wanted to be. The country rides some of you write about sound so beautiful. But there's also a beauty in being a smart and savvy city rider, getting there even faster than the cars.

I'll bet few people appreciate the biking quite the way someone who used to be paralysed by depression can appreciate it.

All best wishes! Lise

[Yasmin]

Thankyou girls..and what a relief! I thought for a horrible moment I'd alienated you all after belonging to this site for only a short while. Boy I'm glad I found this place. Your support is so positive. Thankyou.

[CorsairMac]

Thankyou girls..and what a relief! I thought for a horrible moment I'd alienated you all after belonging to this site for only a short while. Boy I'm glad I found this place. Your support is so positive. Thankyou.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{yasim}}}}}}}}}}} I can't think of anything right off the top of my head that would alienate us! Sometimes we may not all agree on something, but it sure hasn't stopped us! I'm so glad you felt welcomed and comfortable enough to share with us! that takes a lot of courage - even with online (re: unseen) friends!

[Yasmin]

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{yasim}}}}}}}}}}} I can't think of anything right off the top of my head that would alienate us! Sometimes we may not all agree on something, but it sure hasn't stopped us! I'm so glad you felt welcomed and comfortable enough to share with us! that takes a lot of courage - even with online (re: unseen) friends!

Thanks CorsairMac (or Kathie...which do you prefer?). You & the girls are just fantastic!!!I do feel like I've found a bunch of close girlfriends with whom I can discuss anything. This has added such a positive dimension to my life. You're absolutely wonderful. Hugs & kisses, Yasmin.

[Irulan]

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{yasim}}}}}}}}}}} I can't think of anything right off the top of my head that would alienate us!

oh, c'mon now, a good catfight would be just the thing, haven't had one of those in ages now...

[CorsairMac]

Thanks CorsairMac (or Kathie...which do you prefer?). You & the girls are just fantastic!!!I do feel like I've found a bunch of close girlfriends with whom I can discuss anything. This has added such a positive dimension to my life. You're absolutely wonderful. Hugs & kisses, Yasmin.

ya'll can call me anything ya want - as long as ya don't call me late for a meal..............or a ride!!

oh, c'mon now, a good catfight would be just the thing, haven't had one of those in ages now...

ROFLMAO....Gods love ya Irulan!! I read this just as we got some walk-in visitors......wish you could've seen me trying NOT to laugh hilariously! Thanks for making my day my friend!

[Bustertb]

When you exercise, your brain releases a chemical called endorphins which may make you feel happier. I am much happier when I am able to work out.

This is a great place to come and discuss biking and other things.

Keep those endorphins up!

[pkq]

I didn't post to this one thinking you might post on the other one.

I don't think I have any taboo topics. I am pretty open to discussion on all kinds of things. Like CorsairMac, I may not agree with all viewpoints but it doesn't stop me from liking and respecting people. I hope people think and feel the same about me.

I've had depression in the past but the doctor said it was situational depression because I was spending too much time alone. Business travel was too heavy and the hours were too long. The doctor wanted me to expose myself to as many social situations as possible to meet people and hopefully find a fella' to date. Well, that didn't happen but I did meet some really nice cycling folks, who let me pal around with them. I am in the same situation with the new job in a new area. I may have to be more open about this issue at work to see who's single and looking for pals. It ain't fun, for sure.

[bikerHen]

[QUOTE=Bustertb]When you exercise, your brain releases a chemical called endorphins which may make you feel happier. I am much happier when I am able to work out.

And speaking of endorphins . . . yesterday was a real crapfest !!!!! I went to spinning class last night, sweated out all my frustrations and came out a much happier person! So here is my vote for endorphins! BikerHen

[crazycanuck]

I've never lived (sitting here wondering what the right adjective is..) with serious depression or been on meds for it. However i do have an overactive thyroid meaning that if i don't exercise for say a week, i start to get very very sleepy, grumpy, lethargic & hungry etc...Perhaps that's why i stick to me meds & do as much physical exercise as possible....I love mr & mrs endorphin...!!!

In regards to depression, i can see why exercise would be a/one choice over meds...but then again i've never been there and can't say...

c

[Yasmin]

I've never lived (sitting here wondering what the right adjective is..) with serious depression or been on meds for it. However i do have an overactive thyroid meaning that if i don't exercise for say a week, i start to get very very sleepy, grumpy, lethargic & hungry etc...Perhaps that's why i stick to me meds & do as much physical exercise as possible....I love mr & mrs endorphin...!!!

In regards to depression, i can see why exercise would be a/one choice over meds...but then again i've never been there and can't say...

c

I guess it's a very rare person who doesn't have some type of cross to bear. Glad to hear your managing your thyroid condition so well. Cheers & take care,
Y.