'I went to the doctor to talk about it and just burst into tears': What you need to know about depression and cycling

Rates of depression have risen dramatically since the pandemic –and cyclists aren’t immune, as Chris Marshall-Bell finds out

Rates of depression have risen dramatically since the pandemic – and cyclists aren’t immune
(Image credit: Future)

“Depression, for me, is having no energy to do anything, despite wanting to,” says Matt Gibson, a top domestic racer who currently rides for Continental team Saint Piran.

“You feel helpless, worthless, powerless to your own body, and just generally sh*t. You’ll train and try to hit your numbers, but you can’t. You’re lethargic, weak. More than sadness, it’s a feeling of numbness.” The 27-year-old has competed and won bike races around the world, but accompanying most of his accomplishments has been an invisible illness, one affecting 280 million people worldwide.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1