Mental illness and bodybuilding

[Bleeding heart]

This is a thead meant to serve as a means to open up discussion and bring awareness to the topic of mental illness and bodybuilding.

Suffering from depression, eating disorders, or other mood disorders is a VERY common theme and is often CONCEALED by many bodybuilders and fitness models or fitness enthusiasts alike, for fear of judgement or embarrassment. I'm certain here amongst us are many members whom are struggling behind the scenes in one way or another.

I believe having a thread on meso where people can go to talk and also look for support from other strong leaders in our community, can not only strengthen this community, but being us closer as a group.

If you would like to share, please go ahead...

I'll begin. Growing up as a youth I developed annorexia, bulimia, anxiety, depression, and also I'd add being ADHD to this mix. Although I have overcome annorexia and bulimia I still struggle with eating normally and still binge, or go without eating sometimes. I also still deal with anxiety and depression. I know plenty of others with a range of these, both male and female.

I have noticed when I struggle the most with my depression, I cling to bodybuilding. Because for me bodybuilding is the only thing I can control. No matter what, I'll decide how far I'll go. By clinging to bodybuilding I find an escape, and something to build towards. It provides hope. It provides a light through the darkness.

 

[Old]

First thought is find a decent counselor. That isn't meant to put you down. People seek counsel here but all the better from someone trained to help (BTW, not all are good, you have to shop around).

Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and eating disorders are psychological (and sometime neurological) problems.

BB and androgens make one feel more confident and goal oriented - which may help with the above issues. But it shouldn't be used just to distract from dealing with one's own crap - it won't go away until you face it and/or learn how to manage it. Hence the value of CBT.

It is common to BB to replace other problems, even recreation drug addition. BB is a safer even with PEDs.

Body dysmorphism is an illness and BB building may help. But in the end, it is best to learn how to make the best of your body type, be appreciative, not jealous of what others have, and enjoy life. Being social and helping others helps pull one out of excessive self-focus.


Ultimately, to say BB is a mental illness is not correct. Just because one enjoys something that most don't bother with doesn't make it strange. Just a minority. Being out-of-shape is likely a mental illness because it brings detrimental health in the future. Its just people don't think of it that way. At a minimum, it is disrespectful for the gift of life.

Of the various sports, BB has been described as 'a beauty contest for muscles'. For some it is that. But being strong is part of a healthy male identity. How is that an illness? To each their own but good health is a good thing.

 

[Bleeding heart]

First thought is find a decent counselor. That isn't meant to put you down. People seek counsel here but all the better from someone trained to help (BTW, not all are good, you have to shop around).

Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and eating disorders are psychological (and sometime neurological) problems.

BB and androgens make one feel more confident and goal oriented - which may help with the above issues. But it shouldn't be used just to distract from dealing with one's own crap - it won't go away until you face it and/or learn how to manage it. Hence the value of CBT.

It is common to BB to replace other problems, even recreation drug addition. BB is a safer even with PEDs.

Body dysmorphism is an illness and BB building may help. But in the end, it is best to learn how to make the best of your body type, be appreciative, not jealous of what others have, and enjoy life. Being social and helping others helps pull one out of excessive self-focus.


Ultimately, to say BB is a mental illness is not correct. Just because one enjoys something that most don't bother with doesn't make it strange. Just a minority. Being out-of-shape is likely a mental illness because it brings detrimental health in the future. Its just people don't think of it that way. At a minimum, it is disrespectful for the gift of life.

Of the various sports, BB has been described as 'a beauty contest for muscles'. For some it is that. But being strong is part of a healthy male identity. How is that an illness? To each their own but good health is a good thing.

No, not at all was I suggesting that bodybuilding was a mental illness. Rather, it Is a coping mechanism and a light in the darkness.

Lastly, I respect what you have said. The words you used where both kind, and enlightening. Thank you for contributing sir.

 

[Demondosage]

Bodybuilding is full of mentally sick people. If it's not some whack job who wants you to nail his wife, it's a 75 year old man in the sauna who wants to show everyone his package.

If its not a recovered heroin addict or alcoholic it's someone who likes sniffing underwear. Bodybuilding attracts weirdos. Some of the best bodies are the most insecure, u can't even talk to them they're so fucked up

 

[Old]

Bodybuilding is full of mentally sick people. If it's not some whack job who wants you to nail his wife, it's a 75 year old man in the sauna who wants to show everyone his package.

If its not a recovered heroin addict or alcoholic it's someone who likes sniffing underwear. Bodybuilding attracts weirdos. Some of the best bodies are the most insecure, u can't even talk to them they're so fucked up

Wow! ... and they say androgens are dangerous. You've make me glad I keep BB quiet - just a cage in the basement (barbell, not S&M). Only my wife knows.

 

[EarlHickey]

Took SSRI's for years, I've replaced them with bodybuilding. I feel better this way for what it's worth and that's all that matters to me.

 

[Bleeding heart]

Took SSRI's for years, I've replaced them with bodybuilding. I feel better this way for what it's worth and that's all that matters to me.

Thank you for sharing, would u mind talking a little bit about your depression?

 

[EarlHickey]

Thank you for sharing, would u mind talking a little bit about your depression?

Of course. Feel free to ask anything.

 

[MisterSuperGod]

How ironic that Bullet Train started a mental illness thread.
Hope he's getting his act together and not hiding behind another handle around here.

 

[x11]

I had anger issues I transformed into going at big weights like a crazy mofo.

So BB was therapy in that sense, now physically and mentally healthier and no victims resulted.

Is that good?

Also everything in life is coping, read Schopenhauer.

 

[Ozzy619]

I used to be gay until I got into BBing

 

[x11]

That's weird I used to be BB'ing until I got into gay.

 

[Kakarot]

I used to be gay until I got into BBing

^^^Its true guys @Ozzy619 used to smoke 12 poles a day but after gettin on my program he only smokes one large one a day

 

[x11]

Your avi is gayer than his.

 

[Kakarot]

Your avi is gayer than his.

Here kitty kitty kitty

 

[x11]

Whatevs.

 

[~Jd~]

Its hard to actually admit this especially with societies stigma, but I have suffered from severe depression. I havevfound anti depressents have not helped and have suffered my whole life from low self esteem. The gym helps, and when I'm hitting PRs it helps but I never feel good enough. I dont really have any friends. Im in a pretty high paying job and career but feel outcasted by most coworkers. I have a girlfriend but she does not like my hobbies of lifting, the aas, and makes remarks about my depression like a real man wouldnt feel like that or wouldnt be so concerned with vanity. Honestly the test injections have helped immensely and picked me up a lot. But the gf might lose her immigration status soon, so there's a lot of stress there.

 

[MindlessWork]

Its hard to actually admit this especially with societies stigma, but I have suffered from severe depression. I havevfound anti depressents have not helped and have suffered my whole life from low self esteem. The gym helps, and when I'm hitting PRs it helps but I never feel good enough. I dont really have any friends. Im in a pretty high paying job and career but feel outcasted by most coworkers. I have a girlfriend but she does not like my hobbies of lifting, the aas, and makes remarks about my depression like a real man wouldnt feel like that or wouldnt be so concerned with vanity. Honestly the test injections have helped immensely and picked me up a lot. But the gf might lose her immigration status soon, so there's a lot of stress there.

That’s rough a life you lead and suffering from depression but props to going to the gym to help chase the blues away. Sucks to hear about the gf but hopefully things will workout for you and her. Focus on the things that matter and keep making the gains!

 

[x11]

@~Jd~


This women gets deported is a blessing in disguise, she not good for you man.

You sound at risk of being codependent on her emotionally.

The ability for the modern generation to develop long term meaningful relationships at work or in personal life is at a historical low.

You just have to acknowledge it and keep trying.

 

[~Jd~]

Its hard to determine if its chemical vs situational. Im in a state that has a very different culture than how I was raised and I dont understand the ppl (from italian family in CT, live in WI). Stuck here as i have 50/50 placement of my son. Also have some legal history that hangs over my head, so most of that is my own doing. The gym offers me an outlet.