Mental illness and BJJ

[finalboss]

So the title explains part of it (I'm also disabled with 4 other diagnoses). The problem is when my depression is taking over and I don't go to class. There have been times I forced myself and I've had the shittiest experiences while in class having no energy and not caring about class. Even afterwards, I still didn't feel better, not feeling that good energy rush, etc. I want to go to class , but unfortunately its not making it possible. I love martial arts and I want to go, its the only thing I have in my life right now. Now I know the BJJ cultists are going to say, go and feel better, but its not happening.

I just need some serious advice from people that are or were I my position.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Daniel Fox]

So the title explains part of it (I'm also disabled with 4 other diagnoses). The problem is when my depression is taking over and I don't go to class. There have been times I forced myself and I've had the shittiest experiences while in class having no energy and not caring about class. Even afterwards, I still didn't feel better, not feeling that good energy rush, etc. I want to go to class , but unfortunately its not making it possible. I love martial arts and I want to go, its the only thing I have in my life right now. Now I know the BJJ cultists are going to say, go and feel better, but its not happening.

I just need some serious advice from people that are or were I my position.

Thank you in advance.

I would assume that BJJ wouldn't be any different than any other hobby or physical activity that one with a mental illness would participate in. I think the best advice would be to ask this question to a mental health professional, more specifically one that deals with sports psychology.

 

[finalboss]

I would assume that BJJ wouldn't be any different than any other hobby or physical activity that one with a mental illness would participate in. I think the best advice would be to ask this question to a mental health professional, more specifically one that deals with sports psychology.

Sports psychology, hmmm never thought of that. Good idea, thanks.

 

[lechien]

What belt are you?

Because it sounds like you are white belt.

 

[Phr3121]

I’ve been through PTSD and OCD after leaving the military. Are you taking medication for your situation? Therapy? Sometimes that may be all you need to give you that extra ‘push’ forward. Therapy did not do much for me. But the medication did help. You are doing the right thing by keeping busy and doing something you love. Like everything else in life, there will be good days and bad days. Something we all go through. I would also dip into reading books and watching videos to get your motivation back up and your mind off negative thoughts.

 

[1PBCE1]

Went through a terrible bout of anxiety ever Christmas and New Year and I simply couldn't think of training. It sucked but I just needed to sort myself out. Now things are getting better, slowly my enthusiasm for things are returning, including training and I've really enjoyed getting back on the mats. It's definitely speeding up the tail end of my recovery too.

 

[finalboss]

What belt are you?

Because it sounds like you are white belt.

Does it matter?

 

[finalboss]

I’ve been through PTSD and OCD after leaving the military. Are you taking medication for your situation? Therapy? Sometimes that may be all you need to give you that extra ‘push’ forward. Therapy, did not do much for me. But the medication did help. You are doing the right thing by keeping busy and doing something you love. Like everything else in life, there will be good days and bad days. Something we all go through. I would also dip into reading books and watching videos to get your motivation back up and your mind off negative thoughts.

Yeah, got PTSD and OCD among others. Taking meds (for 20 years, doesn't help), seeing a therapist twice a week, going to group 3 times a week, and of course a psychiatrist. It's not helping especially since this is a life long thing. Can't read consistently anymore, although I do watch videos albeit inconsistently. Seriously I can't think of something that would help which is why I'm here. Maybe you guys know of something that I haven't thought of. Thanks by the way.

 

[finalboss]

Went through a terrible bout of anxiety ever Christmas and New Year and I simply couldn't think of training. It sucked but I just needed to sort myself out. Now things are getting better, slowly my enthusiasm for things are returning, including training and I've really enjoyed getting back on the mats. It's definitely speeding up the tail end of my recovery too.

Glad to hear it!

 

[Phr3121]

Ok. Here is an idea that has worked for me and a lot of veterans who came back from combat. Animals. Yeah, I know some of you may laugh, but working with animals has been better than any therapy or medication I took in the past. I started working as a volunteer with dogs at the local SPCA shelter. Through a unique rescue that we did a few years back involving horses, donkeys, and pigs, I ended up taking care of the donkeys. The other volunteers, mostly women, were afraid of donkeys because they can kick and bite. Well, I got so attached to the two young donkeys (male/female) that I decided to adopt them. In a way we saved each other. I rescued and adopted 3 more young donkeys from Texas. I have a friend who was supper aggressive after returning from Iraq. Brawling all the time. He got himself a dog and has now made a 180 degree turn. He is much calmer and happier with himself. Doesn’t brawl and end up in jail anymore. Boy, he loves that dog, and if you were to fuck with it he would probably kill you. Some animals have a soothing affect in humans and are used for special needs children.

 

[lechien]

Does it matter?

Yes. It does.

Lot of white belts get really anxious in training.

That anxiety should disappear after a few months depending on friendly and support your training partner are.

Either way, if it does not work. Find something else to do.

Even judo and Bjj bb get depressed and it got really bad at the end.

 

[finalboss]

Yes. It does.

Lot of white belts get really anxious in training.

That anxiety should disappear after a few months depending on friendly and support your training partner are.

Either way, if it does not work. Find something else to do.

Even judo and Bjj bb get depressed and it got really bad at the end.

My anxiety has been life long and doesn't scare me from the mat. The depression doesn't come from training, I've had it for decades. I'll say again that social security has found me disabled. This is not a one-time thing. It's basically the only thing I want to do now. I used to read and write a lot, but I can't do much anymore.

 

[finalboss]

Ok. Here is an idea that has worked for me and a lot of veterans who came back from combat. Animals. Yeah, I know some of you may laugh, but working with animals has been better than any therapy or medication I took in the past. I started working as a volunteer with dogs at the local SPCA shelter. Through a unique rescue that we did a few years back involving horses, donkeys, and pigs, I ended up taking care of the donkeys. The other volunteers, mostly women, were afraid of donkeys because they can kick and bite. Well, I got so attached to the two young donkeys (male/female) that I decided to adopt them. In a way we saved each other. I rescued and adopted 3 more young donkeys from Texas. I have a friend who was supper aggressive after returning from Iraq. Brawling all the time. He got himself a dog and has now made a 180 degree turn. He is much calmer and happier with himself. Doesn’t brawl and end up in jail anymore. Boy, he loves that dog, and if you were to fuck with it he would probably kill you. Some animals have a soothing affect in humans and are used for special needs children.

Nah, youre absolutely right man, service animals are the way to go. I would get one, but my father says we have no room (NY apt.) And he says I could get one when we move to Florida. Don't know when that is going to be. I'll talk to him again about it and more assertive. But he's wacked out too. He knows a lot of my history, but minimizes it. Hes in denial and doesn't want the world to know I'm not normal... bad for his image.

 

[Dirty Holt]

When was the last time you got laid? Serious question.

 

[lechien]

My anxiety has been life long and doesn't scare me from the mat. The depression doesn't come from training, I've had it for decades. I'll say again that social security has found me disabled. This is not a one-time thing. It's basically the only thing I want to do now. I used to read and write a lot, but I can't do much anymore.

I don't think learning to break joints and strangling people is the thing for you.

I think it will make it worst for you.

 

[Armchair Ninja]

May not be an exact correlation but my son deals with some pretty serious anxiety. He very often does not want to go train. I usually make him go sort of for the reason stated earlier in the thread that he needs to work through it. My reasoning is that the anxiety he is suffering from exists whether he is training or not. Adding regret for not taking part in something doesn't help. Applies to parties he is invited to or other similar things as well. As for how he actually feels, he takes medicine, we pray, he's lucky to have good friends and supportive coaches. I guess in short I have not seen that forcing things and going really helps but I know for sure, going into a shell and not doing things is worse. I have also asked him to tell me about one person every so often, that he inquired about their problems and has tried to show interest in their issues. I don't mean anything derogatory by this because it includes my son, but I think some of these problems can be lessened by not being so self centered and worried about one's own problems and focusing on helping others sometimes. It serves to take your mind off your problems and reminds you you aren't the only one dealing with stuff.

 

[finalboss]

When was the last time you got laid? Serious question.

Again, does it matter?

 

[xMTDx]

Ok I'll chime in. I have Bipolar so my advice with training is just keep going. Don't go with the expectation of feeling anything afterwards, such as a rush or more positive or wanting it to change your day or performing well etc.It is about ownership of your situation and sticking to a routine regardless of how you feel. Using training on the mats or in the gym to change your mood day to day is one thing, using it to provide routine and stability and knowledge that despite everything you are making a conscious choice over one aspect of your life is much more powerful than the day to day rewards.

 

[Dirty Holt]

Again, does it matter?

Yes. It has been studied and concluded that there is a strong tie between sexual habits and depression. The guy came on a forum and said he has tried everything and wanted suggestions. You dont feel taking a look at someones sexual habits could in any way play a small role in his depression?

 

[Phr3121]

It has been studied and concluded that there is a strong tie between sexual habits and depression.

Please, this is a mental issue my friend. If sex would help with depression, OCD, PTSD, etc., escorts would be making more money than doctors and pharmacists combined. Plus, there is no sex drive when you have any of the symptoms mentioned. I take it you never had any of the symptoms so you really don’t know what you are talking about.