Martin Bates

My own brush with depression

Thursday 25th Apr 2024

As I prepare for this year's DGR in Fort Collins, and work on raising funds for Movember, I have been learning more about their work. As I learn about their work, I think about the depression I've touched in my life, in other people and, wow, in myself. 

I suddenly remembered my brush with depression. I had just gone through a life's change in plans, and had just lost a friend who suddenly took his own life. After a few weeks of reestablishing myself in a new home and a new place as a single man I found myself in a strange place of not enjoying anything that I used to enjoy. Familiar events were leaving me wondering if I was just going through the motions.

My male friends, I had few, didn't really notice a change and didn't really ask me how I was doing; one female coworker would occasionally look at me as if I was supposed to say something, like she was waiting for me to say what's wrong. I didn't. Then one day I was doing business with a mental health agency and I asked the receptionist if I could make an appointment with a therapist. I don't know why I asked this, I had been talking about a whole different subject with her. She checked to make sure that was what I wanted and made an appointment.

There was no real revelation from that appointment, nor the few months of followup that ensued, but as I got into the sessions, I was playing my guitar again, enjoying music, tasting food, and enjoying simple encounters with others. 

Now as I think back on that time, I thank God, or whatever providence got me to ask for that appointment. It didn't even seem like the therapist did that much; there was no medication, just talk. But somehow that talk helped me talk with others in a deeper way maybe. Within a year of that time, I had met a person that I would share the rest of my life with. So far it's been 19 years and, thank God for her as well. 

Thanks to you, the reader, for caring about men's health. Blessings to you.

Donations

Wednesday 24th Apr 2024

I've been reading more about Movember and how they use the funds we raise. I love that they help small programs that are trying new ideas to promote men's mental health and suicide prevention. 

 

I've decided to make a grand effort to achieve my fundraising goals and so am talking to everyone I know. Thanks so much to everyone who has already helped out. And a big 👍 for those who will. Colorado has a rising suicide rate let's help turn the tide everywhere. 

I'm Riding for Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Friday 5th Apr 2024 On Sunday the 19th of May 2024, I'm riding in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember. Men die on average 6 years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons. The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that. So, before I press my tweed and polish my boots, I'm asking you to join me in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.