Broken Collar Bone and Depressed

[velogirl]

Once you're feeling a bit more comfortable, try hiking on the trails where you normally ride. Not quite the same, but it should help lift your spirits.

[emily_in_nc]

I can't find it now, but I remember reading an article online about just this: athletes who cannot exercise (or do their preferred form of exercise) do tend to get depressed. You are normal!

Somehow I escaped the beast of depression when recovering from my pelvic fracture in 2005, but that may have been because I was being visited so often by friends and family since my injuries were significant and I was housebound. Also, it was nice not to have to go to the office for a couple of months, I got lots of reading done and had some enjoyable time during my stay at home. Cycling was not much on my mind at that point (tho I did get on the trainer when I could - 8 weeks out from my injury), just walking again was my main goal. My husband broke his collarbone (cycling accident) years ago too, but I don't remember too much about his recovery (except that I had to mow lawn for the first time in my life!!)

Good luck - the time will go faster than you realize now, looking back.

Emily

[Bikingmomof3]

Do not worry, you are normal. I am so sorry you are going through this. I liked the sugestion of hiking thew bike route. Definitely not the same as riding it, yet it should help. Healing thoughts are being sent your way.

[gobles]

Thank you for the kind words and well wishes.

[DeniseGoldberg]

I somehow managed to skip depression when I was recovering from my crash back in 2004. I couldn't ride for many reasons, but I started back on the road to recovery by walking. My initial attempts were short, but they grew to consistently getting out to walk two to three times a day. I was really itching to get back on my bike, but I waited until I was cleared by the orthopedic surgeon (from a fractured pelvic bone). I had more crash-related health issues than a broken bone to overcome though, so my return to cycling was slow. Slow and steady, that worked. Writing about my crash and recovery helped too.

Listen to your docs about when you can get back on your bike. In the meantime, realize that while the depression is normal you can work through it. Walking or some other form of non-impact exercise may help too.

Sending healing wishes your way...

--- Denise

[Cassandra_Cain]

Hi gobles...

Sorry to hear about what has been going on - both the crash and feeling down. I feel from everything you said, that it is probably a common reaction. I mean we ride and sometimes take it for granted that we can do so at almost anytime. Then it is taken away and you realize how important it is to your feeling positive and upbeat.

You'll be back on the bike soon and I suspect it will be more fun than ever after going through this experience.

Best wishes!

[Geonz]

See if you can find some way to get some exercise to balance the body chemistry.