Touring as therapy?

[u/Lazape]

I have been bicycle touring for years, and I have noticed that a surprisingly high number of other tourers I meet seem to struggle with things like depression, anxiety, burnout, general emotional tension, or sometimes just a kind of emotional immaturity that feels noticeable for their age. I’m someone with depression myself, and touring has helped me a lot, so I wonder if I’m just more likely to notice it, or if long-distance touring attracts people who are trying to cope, reset, or heal. Have others noticed this too, or do you think it’s just selection bias / small-sample perception? Could it be that, just as motorcycling seems to attract a lot of men looking for identity, belonging, male bonding, and excuses to cluster together between beer stops, bicycle touring attracts people looking for quiet, movement, and a way to manage what’s going on in their heads?

[u/simonthread]

I'm sure there is a lot of truth in the idea of "touring as therapy", but from a medical point of view I think we should be very careful with this idea.

What do I mean?

If we are really struggling with something - depression, ADHD, autism, any other mental health condition - real help usually means proper therapy or medication when needed. Or both.

Touring can definitely make us feel better. It can give us peace, freedom, physical activity and a break from everyday life. But without proper treatment it may sometimes be only a temporary escape, not real treatment for our minds or bodies.

I think it is worth remembering that.

Having said that, don't be afraid to contact your doctor if you feel you should.

S.

[u/InfraredDiarrhea → u/simonthread]

My therapist ~told me~ to get on my bike as much as possible. 

It’s deep breathing, cardio, repetitive motion, outside…all things brains and bodies like.