Mental health issues?

[Spankey]

I don’t think I have any mental issues. My wife would tell you differently. Now admittedly I know I can be anal, bullheaded and have my way of thinking, but I am an open person and really a likable person. Will do anything for anyone.
 

I have to agree with KOZ on  the TV, news, COVID, Ukraine, politics and social media. Not necessary. You can get yourself overwhelmed with it all. But certainly stay informed. You know there are certain things in life that you can control and there things you can’t. I like the things I can control. Fishing is something you can control. But I can see people spinning themselves into the ground these days. But stay strong and fight the BS off. 
 

I’ve said many of time that I’m not the most religious guy going. I use that fish time to make a connection. I’m out, by myself, at peace with myself and the world. My job is stressful, I have the same family issues as anyone else, I feel inflation like everyone else. Don’t let the BS eat you. Don’t let it kill you. Shake all the baggage off. Free yourself. You can do it. 
 

I’m retiring shortly. Couple months. Handful of weeks. My wife is not retiring yet. I’m going out a bit early. Anyway, my dog “Jack” died in November of 1998. I could not replace him because I didn’t want to put all the pressure on my wife to come home and check up on him/her. I work to far from home to stop in at lunch time. I’ve been telling myself for years the day I retire I’ll have a new buddy. It will happen. Animal therapy will keep any stress level down. 
 

Let’s go fishing. 

[DaubsNU1]

2 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

No coffee????!!!!!! 

 

My wife thinks I'm completely crazy!  HA! 

 

 

 

[TnRiver46]

57 minutes ago, DaubsNU1 said:

 

My wife thinks I'm completely crazy!  HA! 

 

 

 

She might be onto something, coffee is the most commonly traded product in the world

[roadwarrior]

No coffee???

 

 

                                                   

[FishTank]

I too kind of have had some issues in the past few years.  My job can be stressful, my wife has an illness,  I lost my brother, a niece, father-in-law, both my father and mother, and an old girlfriend of mine committed suicide. 

 

For me, fishing and exercise help. Talking to friends helps more. I have tried a few RXs but some made me feel worse and others made me feel nothing at all. Believe it or not, the biggest help has been testosterone shots. Not for everyone but I am not as stressed, I sleep better,  and it helps mellow me out. They have worked better than any antidepressant med they have ever given me.

[schplurg]

Yep I need to stop with the news. But I don't just read news, I've been involved with critical thinking and skepticism for a long time and I debate with people online. We discuss current events and politics, science, and other topics. Ya maybe I'm weird.

 

That place has gotten too much for me though and yes I need to stop. Too much hate, too much anger and fingerpointing. It's hard because the people there are intelligent, well not all, and I learn a lot about other perspectives. We have members around the world.

 

I don't think I need to "work on" these skills anymore after so many years. This may all sound weird but whatever. It's been great but I think it's time to move on.

 

I don't drink coffee. I do think this country is in big trouble. I won't get into details, but that's a difficult one to ignore for me I don't want to be one of the clueless, though sometimes I wish I were. Bliss and all that

 

Fishing is very therapeutic for me. A few years ago I was having financial problems and a day at the Delta levy took it all off of my mind.

 

The thing that started this thread was a guy not having the motivation to fish though, so there's that problem.

 

Anyways, good responses here. I'd love to get another dog someday. I am a bit lonely these days. I just can't have a dog right now where I live. Dang.

 

But enough about me!

[T-Billy]

I struggled with anxiety, depression, alcoholism, and drug addiction from my early teens until I was 41. A man from Nazareth cured me. Feel free to PM me if you'd like.

[schplurg]

58 minutes ago, T-Billy said:

I struggled with anxiety, depression, alcoholism, and drug addiction from my early teens until I was 41. A man from Nazareth cured me. Feel free to PM me if you'd like.

I'm not religious but I do sincerely appreciate the thought, and I'm glad it helped you. You too Koz and anyone else who has mentioned it. I kinda avoiding mentioning it before, but thanks.

 

Gonna go for a walk, maybe fish. Well heck may as well bring a rod   I called my Mom today and told her about how I went fishing the other day just to chill out. She says "You're one of the old men sitting on a bench at the park now!" LOL. I'm 54, shes 75. Very funny, Mom!

 

I just look old! I've been dealing with the ADD thing since 2nd grade. "Mike is very smart but doesn't apply himself and is easily distracted"

 

They didn't have a name for it then. My Dad saw something was off and started taking me to doctors. I think he overdid it and gave me a complex I love him for trying, especially back almost 50 years ago when nobody knew anything. He doesn't even understand it completely but he's always been there. Good man. He's still around too

 

Feels like an AA meeting (seen it on TV). Anyone else wanna share with the group?

[Glenn]

18 hours ago, schplurg said:

BTW I hope @ThatFishingGuy is still around and feeling better (fishing).

He was just here about an hour ago.

 

@ThatFishingGuy

 

 

[ThatFishingGuy]

Been lurking and looking at the responses, really appreciate the input and that I've been able to open up a discussion about mental health. I haven't been fishing yet, the new job has me stressed and beat so by the time I get off all I want is to go home and relax. Honestly, once I get home I don't have the energy to do much more than fixing up dinner, putting on some TV and going to bed. I think that'll change this weekend though, I plan on getting at least a little fishing in and just get out of the house for a while (assuming my motivation carries through).

 

I've been trying to stay off social media as well, like a bunch of people suggested. I didn't realize how often I had been "doom scrolling" and stressing myself out about headlines that I can't change.

 

I am on a prescription, but I think it's time I consider talking things out with a professional and try to get to the bottom of some issues. I'll be honest, too, I strayed from faith in recent years, but in the past it really did help me to feel better and more positive about the things I couldn't control and to recognize the good in life. I'll work on getting more in touch with that side of me as well.

 

Thanks again for the outpouring of support, it means more than you know

[schplurg]

Sounds good man, and I'm glad you started this thread. It actually takes guts to talk about this, even with "strangers" on a message board.

 

I went to the park/lake but didn't bring a rod. I really was the old man on the park bench, like my Mom said. I sent her a picture of me on a park bench haha and she laughed! I have a cool Mom.

 

Some ducks walked up to me and stared at me for a few minutes. I didn't feed them so they waddled away. They know the sound of food wrappers there that's for sure. I like the little nature things I see when I'm fishing.

 

Sometimes being too busy is good! Can't wait to work full time again, or at least more. Sounds crazy geez! But I love the place and socializing there.

[Junger]

The pandemic has really F'd my older son (12 years old). I never really faced mental health issues, nor did I really acknowledge it it until I saw it in my son. @ThatFishingGuy just know this, you're not alone. Lots of people have the daily battles you have. I've experienced it with my son for the last 2 years, we win some, we lose some. But it's a war we can win, and you can win. I've come to realize not everyday will be perfect for him, but there's tomorrow. If you are ever in the DC Metro area, you have a buddy to fish with any day of the week, just hit me up.

[Kayak Fishin]

I actually somewhat share the opinion of a few of my fellow millenials. Wow, hurts to even say that. Maybe the simple fact is we have cultivated a society and a way of life that is so far from the way human beings were meant to live. Maybe that just is what it is. Deep down, you can’t strip yourself of your nature. Seriously… jobs, smart phones, internet, 24/7 opinion news, politics, religion, health issues, our financial system, etc. Is it any wonder we love to fish??

[Boomstick]

I ran into this last year. A lot of it was caused by both getting gout at the end of the season and being unable to fish when it was still nice and my dad having an abdominal aortic aneurysm and having to take care of him. Then hockey season started and there goes all my personal time after that. Then I'm stressed about planning a wedding and an April vacation and I haven't had any time to buy supplies etc.

 

Now hockey is done for the year, I have had some interviews for some promising new positions and the ice is melting. Things are looking rather up.

 

But stress and depression generally has gotten better as I get older. In years past, I have fought with depression for years. One thing I have learned is to force yourself to go fishing and do things you normally love even when you are having a hard time doing anything even if it seems like work. There was a day last year where that didn't seem to work, but usually I feel better once I get out there.

[schplurg]

I started something new...hiking. Been tired for awhile now, will be 55 this year but that isn't so old. Is it?

 

I watched a guy on Youtube called "The Hiking Rev" and he did the 2600 plus mile Pacific Crest Trial at 67 years old. It was inspiring to me. I see beauty when I fish sometimes and I'd like to see more of it. Not 2000 miles of it though!

 

So a few days ago I did a 3 mile hike behind Calero Lake on some trails. Brought my small fishing backpack. Few hundred feet elevation change, handled it easily. I could have walked it again

 

Two days later was hike #2 and that one kicked my butt a bit. Just when I thought I was at the top...NOPE! Keep going! Was 500 foot elevation change total and kinda steep and long at the top.

 

I have a goal and that is to solo backpack camp and fish somewhere, 2 - 3 nights. I haven't set a time or place yet, but I just figure I can get in shape and maybe not be so burned out all the time.

 

I'm pricing equipment. I haven't bought any because I feel like I could change my mind, so waiting to see if I stick with what I'm doing first.

 

It felt good to complete the second hike. And the first hike set everything in motion - like now it is no longer an idea in my head, now it's real. I'm doing it.

 

This exercise should also help me with the pedal kayak!

 

It may not be Mt. Everest but it's a start. Bad photo from GoPro vid. Two minutes after this I realized I still had to go up the hill some more...this fork wasn't the one I thought it was!

 

[jbsoonerfan]

@schplurg That's awesome! Congrats on your new journey and best of luck to you!!!!

[Luke Barnes]

On 3/19/2022 at 5:27 PM, ThatFishingGuy said:

I can't be the only one on this site that suffers from mental health issues. I currently take medicine to manage my depression and anxiety, and for the most part they really work, but sometimes the low days hang around longer than I'd wish. Lately I've been feeling very disinterested in my hobbies, including fishing - the weather has been beautiful and I feel like I should want to go fish and take my kayak out, but I just can't find the motivation. It seems like too much effort to be worth it. 

 

For those that sometimes feel similarly, do you have any tips? I did recently start a new job, which might explain the stress and worsening mental health, but I'd be very glad to hear what some of the people here do when they're feeling this way. Do you have any fixes that work for you? Ways to change your mindset and overcome these feelings?

I just made a thread about me dealing with depression. It's real and it sucks. I totally understand what you are going through because ive been going through it for 12 years now. I'm going through it today. 

 

I wish I had some good advice to give you because it genuinely makes me happy to help other people, but I don't have anything enlightening that someone else hasnt already covered. 

 

I will say this though, if you ever need to talk or vent DM me any time. 

[N Florida Mike]

On 3/25/2022 at 7:24 PM, T-Billy said:

I struggled with anxiety, depression, alcoholism, and drug addiction from my early teens until I was 41. A man from Nazareth cured me. Feel free to PM me if you'd like.

Same! Except I was 22.

[schplurg]

Just wanna say I've continued with the hikes. I've gone 5 times and already notice big improvements!

 

Today I redid the very first hike I did and it was a breeze this time! It's nice to have results. Mainly my cardio, not breathing as hard. And I feel great when I'm done, like I deserve to be tired now and do nothing haha.

 

Extra bonuses of hiking:

- I see and say hi to a lot of women on the trails hiking or running, many of which are already in pretty good shape, and within my age range. I got a couple of enthusiastic "Hellos" said to me and was like hmmmm...this could be interesting! Meet women that are in shape! And I'm obviously getting in shape so that's a plus (yes I'm single).

 

- Some young gal walked up to me freaked out because she saw a rattlesnake with some babies on the trail. It was cute.

 

- Found some new places to fish.

 

- Did I mention the women?  

 

I feel better, I'm away from the news more, and I just feel like I'm opening a bunch of new opportunities in my life. It feels right.

 

On 5/1/2022 at 10:08 AM, Luke Barnes said:

I will say this though, if you ever need to talk or vent DM me any time. 

 

That goes for me too, anyone here, anytime.

[schplurg]

Maybe I needed the change. Since I started hiking I haven't fished one time. That is weird. The fishing is tough and discouraging around here but that doesn't usually stop me.

 

I'm excited to hike and to fish as I do though. I have all the gear now, tent, pack, sleeping bag, pad, compass heh. It's challenging for me and I push myself. My calves are like rocks already. Was putting on sunscreen and I'm like "Whoa!" I mean I bank fish a lot but still, this is waaaay different. 

 

At work one day I noticed I felt lighter as I walked. Maybe I was just trippin, but it makes sense. I think it's helping with my lower back too.

 

I am extremely motivated. I set up my new tent today in the front yard. I just need more miles before I do my first overnighter. That'll be a trip for me, alone out there I mean.

 

This has helped my mind a lot. I feel great when I complete a tough hike. It motivates me when I can see improvement so quickly. I have something to focus on. Plus my body is getting stronger and healthier, and I'm enjoying nature along the way.

 

The trails I hike for "practice" are local, just a mile or so from my house.

 

But I need to hike more often. I'm still "me", I like to sleep, fart around...it's no quickie cure. My belly is still here, maybe it's smaller, maybe not.

 

I wish I had some words of wisdom to end this with. I just always like fishing in beautiful places when I can, or I appreciate it when I do. Maybe Thoreau was right? I always thought he just sucked at fishing and was making excuses  

[TnRiver46]

50 minutes ago, schplurg said:

Maybe I needed the change. Since I started hiking I haven't fished one time. That is weird. The fishing is tough and discouraging around here but that doesn't usually stop me.

 

I'm excited to hike and to fish as I do though. I have all the gear now, tent, pack, sleeping bag, pad, compass heh. It's challenging for me and I push myself. My calves are like rocks already. Was putting on sunscreen and I'm like "Whoa!" I mean I bank fish a lot but still, this is waaaay different. 

 

At work one day I noticed I felt lighter as I walked. Maybe I was just trippin, but it makes sense. I think it's helping with my lower back too.

 

I am extremely motivated. I set up my new tent today in the front yard. I just need more miles before I do my first overnighter. That'll be a trip for me, alone out there I mean.

 

This has helped my mind a lot. I feel great when I complete a tough hike. It motivates me when I can see improvement so quickly. I have something to focus on. Plus my body is getting stronger and healthier, and I'm enjoying nature along the way.

 

The trails I hike for "practice" are local, just a mile or so from my house.

 

But I need to hike more often. I'm still "me", I like to sleep, fart around...it's no quickie cure. My belly is still here, maybe it's smaller, maybe not.

 

I wish I had some words of wisdom to end this with. I just always like fishing in beautiful places when I can, or I appreciate it when I do. Maybe Thoreau was right? I always thought he just sucked at fishing and was making excuses  

Keep up the good work! I thought about your posts when I was hiking not long ago. We had a group of 5 couples but I saw lots of ladies hiking together in small groups and thought "that's what schplurg was talking about!" hahaha. 

[SWVABass]

@ThatFishingGuy man first off just want to say I hear you, and it takes a lot to just put yourself out there like that. I feel for you. I personally don’t have to manage the thoughts and feelings you do. I have been a supervisor and close friend to two individuals who struggled with depression, ptsd, bi polar and other issues. Your post brings it to the forefront again for me.

 

All I can say is find a close support group, talk with them and your Dr. Don’t try to be “manly” and bury this away. I’ve lost two close co-workers now because it overtook them. They would not see a Dr or support group to help them cope and I wish they had. I hear you and if you ever need to say something send a personal message man. I wish you the best in your journey.

[schplurg]

Just one more thing, and this has been happening for awhile now. Every day when I first wake up my thoughts are negative. "You won't use that camping gear you just bought, you'll flake, you don't wanna hike today. And the kayak too, just sitting there. Maybe you should return the gear? You're kidding yourself"

 

Then once I'm out of bed that stuff goes away, every time. I don't know why this is, but it's every stinkin day. Again, I know it's just my mind screwin with me. I'll hike today just to prove me wrong LOL!

 

Maybe these are the same thoughts that have always stopped me from trying new things and I'm finally realizing it and battling against it? Hmmm. Maybe these thoughts aren't new at all, but my defying them is. Maybe I'm winning now? That just suddenly came to me. Dude!

 

What I started out trying to say is that trying to be "Totally Fit Hiking Man" doesn't mean I'm super positive all the time and smiling and everything is hunky dory. I'm not suddenly That Guy. More-so than before maybe, but it takes work and I sometimes make myself do it. I'm still the same old me.

 

I can't put what I'm trying to say into words. Just because I'm climbing hills and pushing myself doesn't mean I've changed. I'm just trying to make it happen. I'm not special in that sense, I'm just doing the best I can and trying to redefine what is "my best". I guess.

 

I'm not trying to make this about me, just sharing my thoughts and hoping it will help or motivate someone.

[TnRiver46]

29 minutes ago, schplurg said:

Just one more thing, and this has been happening for awhile now. Every day when I first wake up my thoughts are negative. "You won't use that camping gear you just bought, you'll flake, you don't wanna hike today. And the kayak too, just sitting there. Maybe you should return the gear? You're kidding yourself"

 

Then once I'm out of bed that stuff goes away, every time. I don't know why this is, but it's every stinkin day. Again, I know it's just my mind screwin with me. I'll hike today just to prove me wrong LOL!

 

Maybe these are the same thoughts that have always stopped me from trying new things and I'm finally realizing it and battling against it? Hmmm. Maybe these thoughts aren't new at all, but my defying them is. Maybe I'm winning now? That just suddenly came to me. Dude!

 

What I started out trying to say is that trying to be "Totally Fit Hiking Man" doesn't mean I'm super positive all the time and smiling and everything is hunky dory. I'm not suddenly That Guy. More-so than before maybe, but it takes work and I sometimes make myself do it. I'm still the same old me.

 

I can't put what I'm trying to say into words. Just because I'm climbing hills and pushing myself doesn't mean I've changed. I'm just trying to make it happen. I'm not special in that sense, I'm just doing the best I can and trying to redefine what is "my best". I guess.

 

I'm not trying to make this about me, just sharing my thoughts and hoping it will help or motivate someone.

I smell what you’re stepping in. Just wait til you’ve been hiking for years and people start talking about this gear and that gear. The hiking monkey is as bad as the bait monkey! Especially for women hahahahah. My wife has to have all the special stuff, and of course makes me tote it all 

[throttleplate]

7 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

 My wife has to have all the special stuff, and of course makes me tote it all 

Not picking on you but i thought i seen you last summer when i was out east.