Mental health and bikes
The human mind isn’t as easy to repair as a bike, but it can be done, with the right tools and understanding. And you, your bikes, and riding pals can play an important part in getting anyone better
The last two years have been difficult for just about everyone. From social isolation in the COVID-19 pandemic, to the drastic shift in global economics, the war in Ukraine, and political instability here in the UK. The rug has been pulled out from under a great number of people through no fault of their own, leading to spikes in depression and anxiety.
Suicide rates in men are at their highest in the 45-64 age bracket according to the Office for National Statistics.
It’s generally accepted that the historical stigma around mental health, and the persistent notion that men must be strong and supportive figureheads in the family, and not show ‘weakness’, are factors in these mental health issues. Issues that can often escalate – with tragic consequences.
Not that these are exclusively male problems: women experience some similar, some different concerns, and while progress has been made with the LGBTQ+ community, prejudice and discrimination is common, leading to mental health problems for both ‘out’ and closeted individuals.
Figures from 2020 show more than 6% of the UK population (and rising) identify as non-heterosexual, yet this isn’t openly seen in the motorcycling community. The number of individuals comfortable enough to reveal their true selves in the biking world is tiny.
We have a way to go in terms of acceptance and support for fellow riders in many areas. The intention here is to help accelerate that for those who’ve not yet faced their problems, for those in an ongoing battle with their demons, and for those supporting a friend or loved one going through a tough time. And to better inform many of us who are undereducated on matters of mental health: increased awareness leads to more people supporting themselves or others, and the stigma of mental health breaking down.
Three PS readers at various stages of their own battles were kind (and brave) enough to tell us their stories. As well as through recognised support mechanisms, they have also found both riding and spannering useful in recovery, and wanted to tell their story to help raise awareness and understanding.
Mike Diboll (64)
Two seemingly unconnected graphic incidents nearly drove well-educated, successful family man Mike to the brink. Now he’s enjoying time on the tools, in
