He is not clinically depressed. If he were, he wouldn't have done mile one. He's in love. And he misses his girl. You do need to learn to be a little less dependent on her though. If not, she will own you. Thats not a good thing. Unfortunately I know first hand.

My original post wasn't a "wisecrack" response. I meant it. Ride more, whether you feel like it or not.

I've had some experience with depression. Therapy, meds, all of it - and there's no question that making yourself move whether you feel like it or not can be the best lift there is.

One pedal stroke at a time.

Beth

You're depressed because your girlfriend is only gone for 5 months? My husband and I have been maintaining a relationship from the opposite sides of the world for 3.5 years! We see each other for a month or so once or twice a year (with the exception of one 6 month stretch in there). Even now, it will be at least 7 months till we're together again.

Get on with your life ... and email each other every day, it helps. 5 months is nothing.

This too shall pass!

I wasn't trying to be sarcastic or insensitive either. I have also dealt with both depression & anxiety...took medication, did therapy & found that the best thing that worked for me was to feel the emotions and then get myself out for some exercise. The endorphins are the best mood booster. So, as I said, I feel the emotions, sleep & then force myself out of the house for some exercise.

Stop browsing WebMD. You do not have depression.

Just get off your ass and find some friends to pass the time. You'll be your old self in no time.

... of course your old self without the girl.

Spark up a bowl of some Chronic.

When I was in this situation, it involved eating lots of ice cream, then running a lot the following day, then going to the beach and falling asleep there. It kept me from getting too worked up over it. Of course the ice cream really doesn't go too well with working out, but by-god there's something in that stuff that really makes you feel less sad. Yes, I was eating straight out of the gallon carton...lol.

Needless to say, breakups suck. Is this your first girlfriend? How old are you?

I don't think he has broken up with the girl ... she's just gone away for a few months. They are now in a long distance relationship for a very brief period of time, and for some unknown reason he's having trouble dealing with that.

Of course the OP can come on and correct me on that if I'm wrong.

You've answered your own question. Clearly the next bike should be over $6,000.

That would make me feel better.

Schwag is the way to salvation.

If that's the case, you and I will do centuries in Heaven together BT.

Now that's a disturbing thought.

Uh-oh, If that's the case then there one sure way for him to fix this. Marriage.

The prospect of me being close enough to see the stubble on your face is making me want to die.

Hell, Im depressed that I cant even afford new brake levers for my old road bike. Much less a new bike.

Yes!!

Marriage is the reason I cant afford my brake levers, I was married in may of this year. lol it aint that bad, but close.

And I was married in August of this year ... quietly and very inexpensively, and of course including cycling as a theme. It was wonderful ... just the sort of ceremony we both wanted.

I can guarantee on thing to the OP - he will feel much better after riding than before. This thought alone has gotten me on the bike more times than I can count.

bike shwag porn, then some internet porn, then go ride...oh yeah and HTFU.

I get up every day and go through my life just like always.. I ride just like always.. ive just felt "off" Im hoping to break out of it, ive forced myself to get on the bike in the morning and go riding as i did before, when i was waking up at 5am full of energy.. wherenow i struggle to get out at 7 with nothing in me.

Going riding tomorrow, gonna go hit some single track and try and bleed this one outta me or at least go have some fun trying lol.



For the record, not broken up. Shes just 1/2 way across the country, Im 26. this is probably the most serious relationship ive been in, So this seperation for 5 months im taking hard.

hopefully its nothing, hopefully its just the change in the weather that has me not feeling 100% on my game.

but I know the only thing certain in my world is that the sun will rise tomorrow, so as far as I know everything is normal =)

You're emailing her every day, right? Emailing ... not texting. Long emails, telling her how you're feeling, telling her what you're doing during the day, writing to her about your opinions on news items, etc. etc.?

If you're not ... start. It's a very good way to build a relationship and make it solid. It's a good way to develop communication skills.

OP: Mastrubation Therapy (MT) may be right for you. Ask your doctor about MT.

Finally someone with a helping hand.

^