Depression is one of the most horrible things in life. Now, at 37, i recognize signs of it way sooner than i used to do. This helps me a lot. Not enough sleep is one of my greatest triggers. I used to feel like i was the only one feeling like this. I've been to the point of writing a suicide letter, which was extremely sad. Now, the last couple of years, i got married, got twin boys and like my job. I still have to be aware, but i thank God i am still here. Keep faith and try to enjoy things in life. You are a great guy Joe! Thank you for being so honest.
Dude, I had no idea. I appreciate that anybody can have issues with mental health, but it’s very easy to make assumptions, especially of people that document lots of what they do and seem to have it all together. Fleeting feelings of depression can be alienating, and it often feels like I’m the only one. It feels a bit sordid to say, but it’s reassuring to know I’m not. Cheers man 👊
I never talked about it back in the day, but feel it's really important and self heeling to share my feelings with friends and family, that naturally includes my RU-vid family ♥
@@JoeAchilles1 mate, it’s self healing for you and instantly reassuring for me. We don’t know one another, but that commonality; that many of us struggle from time to time no matter what we’ve got going on 👊 I’m sure I’m not the only one watching that took solace! ❤️
my motorbike heals me, I think it's because you're concentrating so much it focuses the mind. Looking at the comments there are a lot of guys out there with similar issues, I wish everyone well
Listening you talk about mental health and depression was like hearing my own voice. It’s me. I’ve recently just gone back to mark after a huge crisis post my mums huge stroke. I’m better now but you’re so right. Depression doesn’t care about who you are and what you have. It’s just grim. I’m here with ya buddy. Your stuff as with others keeps me going and helps distract me when I need it. 👊🏻👊🏻
I don't ride but I have the same thing with my car, in specific circumstances at least. If I have a lot or too much on my mind, I often take my car out in the middle of the night on an unlit and deserted part of the highway and I just drive, until I run into a lit stretch of the highway, at which point I turn around or drive to a different unlit and deserted stretch. It often happens that, without me realizing, three to four hours pass while driving like that, in a blink. That induces that same zen, calming and therapeutic feeling in my case. A sort of trance even, which clears my head and allows me to put my ducks in a row. It is a divine feeling at those times when my head needs a breather. In short, I can relate even without a bike license, at least I think so
Hey Joe, I'm suffering from depression nearly 10 years now and I take medication which definitly helps me. But sometimes when I reduce the medication or quit it, it starts again after a few weeks or months. It is really hard but as you did I learned to live with it as well. I find it very brave of you to speak so openly about it! It helps people like me and many others to except the condition and keep on fighting. We are not alone. Thanks for your videos and the time you put in it to entertain us. Much love ❤
Great to see more men openly talk about mental health, the stigma is getting less by the year 💯. Mental health is horrible I suffer myself badly, couldn't agree more on getting outdoors fishing for me does the trick when times are hard. Also mental health support is awful in england treated poorly, lets hope it gets more funding as its just as important as physical health.
At 66 years old I’ve been dealing with depression since my 20’s. Most of the time I’m okay, however there are times I really get down. I’ve all the toys money can buy, no family or financial issues whatsoever. My therapy is hoping on my RT. I feel more relaxed and at peace riding my BMW then I do behind the wheel of my Audi RS. Great video.👍
Mental health is something we should all be aware of. Never be afraid to be open about how you are feeling, we have support networks of friends and family wherever and whenever we need them. ❤❤❤❤
Literally every word you said about your recent episode with mental health, and not being able to comprehend why you aren’t happy when everything is great, I completely resonate with. I’ve been suffering with depression massively over the last 2-3 years, and like you say, sometimes you are fine - then completely unrelated to life, you feel like shit. And explaining that to anyone who hasn’t felt it themselves is so difficult. I also got my bike licence a year or so ago when going through my worst, never felt so free from my brain - there is something about it. Maybe it’s the lack of any other distraction, you are forced to be in the moment. It’s great. Keep up the motorbike content - I enjoy both! And also, keep spreading the word about mental health, you will be helping more people than you realise - not all hero’s wear a uniform 👏
Mate, I don't know about your "traction" with your car videos but your traction with motorbike videos is quite nice! Keep them coming. Cheers and ride safe!
Great video. I do not ride a motor bike. Like the idea of car spotting in London, Smith and Sniff used to do this pre pandemic. They were interested in a broad cross section cars. Mental health I think is something we men become more aware of as we get older. I have experienced and still experience Churchills Black Dog. You cannot say way things are like they are, how it started or how to feel better. People, doing things, living the moment , life experiences help bring me out of the malaise. It gets to a point where I have a word with myself, thinking it through and push myself to move on.
Fantastic episode, very enjoyable to watch, especially comments aboul JLR and aston, that is a different side of you, that viewers may be keen to explore a bit more:) keep up the good work
Just watched this again, I'm going through a very rough time and knowing you've struggled before, hearing you talk about mental stuff comforts me in a way, thanks Joe, don't stop being you
You hit the nail on the head about depression, I had to retire from a job I loved because of it. However my motorbike and my mates have been my saviour. I've also ordered a bike similar to yours to replace my 4 Yr old ktm and looking forward to adventure
I lost my brother to mental health problems a few years ago. 20 odd years of manic depression and some of the craziest stories of long hospitalisations/sections in mental wards he affectionately called "the laughing factory" drugs and booze played a large part and eventually he was self medicating so much he died in a house fire. So I know how it feels from an outside and personal point of view. On a more positive note. I did the opposite to you Joe regarding bikes and cars. I spent 30 years on mad fast bikes was a bike courier too. currently have a Honda Blackbird..twice crashed and rebuilt. Then relatively recently started driving more cars from about 2014. Now have a tuned M140i after watching a few of your videos from way back. Best advice I can give you regarding bikes is ride as much and as many bikes as you can. The faster the better and your road sense will be ninja like in no time. Sorry for the long one. All the best mate.
Yeah man had a tough time 3 weeks ago, but feeling better now. You raise a great point to schedule some time to release any stress or any feelings of bad/negative mental health!
Could not stop laughing when you were behind the Range Rover. We ride mostly off road. The therapeutic effect is fantastic . You just have to focus enough not to think about the” little” things in life.After a 3 day trip, you feel recharged to face life. Great video, keep it up!( You have 2 minutes to open the fuel cap, after the bike is switched off).
Hey Joe, enjoyed your onboard bike vlog and ramble,As a biker and cyclist you really cant beat the freedom it gives you love cars but bikes just make you feel different! Would be good to see you test a few bikes in the future on the channel. I hope the mental issues stuff improves, your a honest and likeable guy so keep the content coming!
A good honest chat. MH is prevalent and more so these days given what we all have been through over the last couple of years. Anxiety was a new beast to me in recent times , if things get on top it’s essential to take time out and refocus. Also never compare your life with others you see on instagram etc.
Wow this takes me back. You LITERALLY drove the route towards where i went to Medical School in the intro. I remeber that roundabout so well. And used that Shell station every week. Enjoyed the video and discussion about mental health.
Our favourite curry house in the first few seconds of the video! Bravo for tackling the mental health issue on camera, not an easy thing for anyone. I’m fortunate not to suffer, but I know plenty of folks that do and they all say the same thing about it striking when things are going well and you should be fine on paper.
Great video! Love all the random stuff, really expresses how bike riding differs from driving a car. Right down to those, "yup i've got plenty of time to get across this roundabout" moments :)
Very honest vlog, I have been riding bikes for 45 years and has been great for me and my wife's mental health. Remember when you drive in a car it's like watching a movie, when on a bike it's like being in the movie !.
Been dealing with a lot of personal troubles myself, and the subsequent daily battle of the mental health rollercoaster. My Bike has saved my life, no doubt about it, getting the knees in the breeze and within 2 minutes you can feel it clearing your head. Happy riding Joe!
Really enjoyed that video Joe (funny enough I’m not even interested in motorbikes! 🤣🙏) I’ve watched a lot of your car videos and I enjoy them too, but I thought the laid back more vulnerable theme of this video was very relatable. I don’t suffer with mental health problems myself, but my Dad does quite badly, having nearly taken his own life back in October last year. The more brave people like yourself who speak about their struggles, the better people will understand the seriousness of mental health problems. The help on offer in this country falls short by a long long way sadly. Keep the videos coming, and take care of yourself too mate 👍🙏
Fantastic video Joe, you should definitely do more bike vids. It’s kind of like Ped and his dog walk vids. It really resonated with me re the depression. I’ve never been diagnosed or anything and as I’ve got older I am able to understand when I’m depressed and can tell myself that it won’t last for long. It is exactly as you say though, as in most situations there’s no reason for it and things can actually be going pretty well. It’s more of a perception thing and I even find myself perceiving good things in a negative light when I’m feeling like that. I don’t know about you, but strangely I also get the opposite, where I feel strangely happy about everything (almost euphoric) at times, even if things may not be going particularly well. The mad thing is that it can be just like flicking a switch. Anyway rambling now. Great video mate 👍
Hey buddy, I know exactly what you mean! I believe some people are born fairly level headed, no massive ups or downs, others are like you and I, BIG ups and BIG lows.... Talking is great though, I love doing it and reading other peoples stories like yours! Take it easy 👊
@@JoeAchilles1 exactly mate, everything in life is a balance and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Without the downs we can’t have the highs. The good thing is that you learn from experience and I know these days, that even if everything may seem pointless one day, it will likely seem a lot better the next. I reckon alcohol can be a big factor as that kind of just magnifies the mood and the day after can double the down.
Great addition to the channel and a serious issue to discuss thank you for sharing, just back on the bikes edz all in one base layers are great to stop you sticking to leather clothing when its hot, Motorrad rallye textile clothing is great for 3 seasons biking. The bmw gs is pretty much the best continent crusher going get that euro trip booked (Aix-Les-Bains in the Alps an epic little stop over for a night) , at the risk of pelters the GS are a bit kitchen appliance, and lack a bit of charisma, as a petrol head you may soon come to realise that, they are however just incredibly good at what they were designed for, doing distance in comfort!
Followed you since your first video on the M135i, and loving that you’ve moved onto two wheels. I’ve been there for 22 years and regardless of what car I’ve had my bike has always been my passion. Enjoy the 1200 sir !!!
Loved this one Joe! A lovely relaxing and humbling video☺️ I can agree with what you said in terms of being young and dealing with mental health for the first time. It was awful to experience and really hard to understand. One thing of the things I learnt from it was to seek help and talk. It’s one of things I regret the most; not seeking proper help. I’m very lucky that I have got amazing friends and family who supported me through it, and continue to do so when times get tough. I still get depressed on and off but I haven’t been dealing with mental health for very long and I’m still battling my way through it. But hearing someone else’s experiences, especially with how well you worded it, was a real eye opener. The most important thing to take from it all is the fact that you are never alone❤️ As always looking forward to the next video!
Lots of people suffer in silence, I can’t help but appreciate what the world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury have done on the subject, made it more acceptable to ask for help, because if he needed help, then anyone might need it. It’s to do what helps.👍🏼 By the way, Joe, totally agree with you about roundabouts, when people learn to drive today the instructors do not teach them how to filter at roundabouts about, they basically stop at the roundabout whether there’s anything on it or not.😂
You need to do a Euro tour.. solo or in a group, it’s a great life affirming experience. Just got back from a couple of days in the Isle of Man which was epic and now vowed to go back during a race week. Enjoy your motorcycling and stay safe 👍
'a little person in a really big car' - I LOVE IT! I see that all the time here in the US...little person rolling down the highway in their 'tank' SUV, all by themself.
Really enjoyed your video Joe, it was refreshing to hear you talk openly about sensitive subjects that most people experience at some point but often too afraid or ashamed to talk about. I feel it's even more relatable coming from someone like yourself who naturally appears to be living the dream and people can often mistake this for someone who doesn't have any worries or mental health issues. thanks for highlight this, Just shows the audience what a genuinely nice guy you are, Having met you just confirms my original thoughts.
Very nicely said Joe. We all struggle from time to time for no apparent reason - good health, good job, everything is okay, yet our mind tells us something is not what it should be. Maybe it’s just our body/brain just saying take some deep-rest. I am liking the biking content so from me more please. Might you purchase your own bike to do some long trips on and maybe take Lou with you if she’s happy to ride pillion.
Thanks for taking us along on the ride. 👍. That’s the thing with mental health. It catches you when you least expect it. Videos like yours and car stuff generally are my escape. It’s also incredible how many guys suffer in silence. Keep up the good work 👍
Joe so thrilled to see you on a GS. I have a 2022 R 1250 GS 40th Anniversary! It’s absolutely amazing!!! I also have a G80 and the GS is in my opinion way more fun. Take your time. Look into the additional Denali Brake light with CanBus and additional yellow fogs. You’re on the M3 of Adventure bikes. The GS is the standard in the class! The bike will definitely help you just enjoy the ride. Tons of accessories for this bike! This time of year I’m on my GS not in my G80.
Revit and Ixon do excellent ventilated gear for Summer. Here in and around Lyon I ride every day in all seasons. And always modify my gear for the weather. Up to 35°C is possible. Above that it starts to get really toasty. In the Winter, my ATAS and Pan European both have heated grips. Down to -5°C is doable. Chilly, but doable. Only snow and ice sends me hunting for my car keys.
Thanks for opening up about mental health Joe. It is very reassuring to know that so many folk have serious ups and downs. It is very difficult to understand how depression hits you without any apparent reason. Some days you just feel crappy without knowing why. I do certainly despite being happy with life. Love your videos Joe, keep looking forward and upward, and be safe, well, and happy!
Fair play to you for being so open and honest Joe. I've only ever experienced real depression once in my life, a few weeks after the death of my mum. It was only a for few days and I've never felt it again, thank god. Can't begin to imagine what it's like to live with on a regular basis
Really enjoyed that drive & talk. Never knew about your mental health- appreciate you sharing. Reassuring to many that that an interesting, successful guy like you can suffer from it. You should do more of these. Keep up the great work.
Joe, I really appreciated this video. 1. Thank you for your bravery in speaking about mental health and struggles. Please know how proud I (and the community I'm sure) are of you and the success you've attained in these last years. You've gone from strength to strength, and long may that continue. 2. U enjoy the bike content as well as the normal car content. Please keep it coming. 3. On a lighter note, did you go for that ice cream? I think you should consider doing something like an ice cream equivalent to the coffee run in a hot car, but with a motorbike. Like, "Morning Gelato Run in a Hayabusa!" Could get some clicks with that. Anyway, once again, thanks for everything you do, and keep up the great work. 👍🏼
Usually men are very good at giving the impression they are doing great, and it can make others think they are the only ones that struggle. I think sometimes when you are doing well by any metric of society, it almost gives you more to beat yourself up with, Why am I not happy when I have all this…. I do find that there is certainly a chemical component to it, having some beers at the weekends with mates, and you are then more prone to feeling low in the week after. Where as if you hadn’t had the beers and had got out for that hike/cycle/run/gym you will feel better the week after comparatively. My set of friends are all 40 or nearly 40 and all have had some mental issues to work through/ are still working through. I tnink videos like this are really important to make guys realise that nearly all of us struggle at certain times through life. Much love to anyone working through the struggle 🙏
Well done,Joe. It’s not easy talking about your struggles and getting it out into the open. Having the helmet on and feeling like you’re out of the camera has helped you massively I feel. It has allowed you to just get into your own flow and chat freely about your personal life. Mental health discussions help you understand that it’s ok to be sad sometimes and that it’s ok to feel limited in terms of motivation, and I’m glad you’re in a better place at the moment. Content is great by the way, this new style of video gives people who don’t ride a nice perspective of being respectful on your bike. Thank you
I drive purely for personal pleasure so when I do get the opportunity to go out I do and for no other reason than for fun, it sometimes helps clear my head and I do some of my better thinking. Unfortunately I've been unable to drive in my car for a month or even go out as I'm awaiting an operation on my eyes. I can tell you this, its doing my head right in. I'm almost pleased the weather here has been so poor. This lockdown can't end soon enough 😞
Love the bike content. Just passed my CBT at 44 and looking forward to my DAS after the theory test next week. I used to ride when younger and forgot how you can just have time to decompress when it is just you and the road with no distractions.
Yep a four wheel nut very much like you and taken back to the two wheel freedom and exhilarating power… it helps my mind and keeps the real life worry away for sure! My worlds upside down Dads recent massive stroke and my sons diagnosed last week with a Anaplastic ependymoma brain tumour just about taken my depression to another level! Ride Free and Safe life is too precious to bottle it all up…👍🏻
A lovely video something totally different. Loved how clear the audio was. I also like that most of the car people I enjoy watching also like mountain biking.
A nice relaxing watch! Driving through some very familiar territory in Buckingham and Aylesbury. I used to do a bit of work down there in a former life. Look forward to seeing more bike content. On the depression thing, it's an important topic and I'm glad you're shedding light on it too! 👍
Need to get some textile clothing and summer gloves Joe. Lots of vents keep you cool. Nothing like biking to escape the hum drum of daily life and lift your spirits. Definitely recommend a tour down through France along the Pyrenees and maybe back via ferry from Santander. Only problem its addictive.😊😊 Enjoying all the content. Cheers!!
Enjoying the bike content. Its a new undiscovered world for me too getting back to it in later life. I saw in your M3, recognised the plate, coming through Buckingham in the awful rain last Saturday. I was coming the other way in my 996 GT3 on AR1’s 😂. Not the best tyre for that weather. Get the bike down to France and or Spain and enjoy the relatively traffic free roads when you can.
Excellent 👍 really enjoyed buzzing thru Buckinghamshire. I dont live far from there either. Great discussion about mental health, can really sympathise with you Joe. Know that feeling only too well. Brilliant to chat it helps so much 👍🙏🙏
A very real and honest video. Love your work Joe. I don’t know you (even thou it feels like it after subscribing for years and years 😉) but i’m fully convinced you are an absolute great person to have as a friend. Your friendships is often the most important anchor when drifting away in depression. Hope you will be safe and sound. Huge fan from Denmark. Best regards Morten Berg 🇩🇰
I like your videos a lot Joe. Like many others I bought an M 140i in large part due to your early vids and been a fan ever since. Being more of a bike lover than I am car lover I welcome the bike content. One note though, if you don't like the direction the car industry is going, maybe use your platform to help fight it. The vast majority of your viewers would be with you.
Joe, your not wrong about the car industry it’s looking a bit bleak, let’s hope some good cars come out before it’s all change over to EV. Glad to hear you speak about mens mental health! A lot of the time in life men have to hide away and bear the brunt of everyone else’s emotions and ups n downs..when we end up walking life’s path alone.
Very much enjoyed the ride and learning the bike with you, Joe. The GS is the obvious next bike for me and I’ll be very interested in how you get on with it.
God bless! I have the GSA1250 and I call it Serotonin One. The GTL1600 is Serotonin Two. I ride 10,000 miles a year for leisure and meditation. In my fast paced life, it grounds me, it allows me to process everything that is going on in my life and in that process little gems of wisdom pop in my head that I record on my voice recorder. Keep riding!
I stopped riding in 2021 after suffering an injury, fast forward 20 months and now I'm back on the bike, it does help with mental health but it also gives a sense of freedom. Will I get back out on the bike again? Absolutely.
Enjoyed listening to you waffle on! It was very tranquil, sort of the opposite you expect from a motorbike. I did my cbt just after lockdown and can see what you mean. I didn’t take it any further as parents hate the things and couldn’t be chewed with upsetting them even at the age of 43!
Love the bike content, Joe. I did my license earlier this year and it’s the most fun I’ve ever had. Hopefully get myself one of these superb machines one day!
The way I see things is that we don't necessarily have a Mental Health problem, we have an a-hole problem! If people would only show kindness and respect towards one another, it would make things a little easier to deal with our life trials. But no, people are cruel and their behavior is disgusting... I always look forward to your videos. Especially your M2 content. Keep them coming. Wish you all the best, Joe!
Welcome to bikes joe looking forward to bike videos. Bikes certainly give you a new perspective on car drivers but you can make it a little easier with bike placement on road . Ride safe mate
Brilliant Joe. How brave of you to open up. I applaud your honest words. Have you ever considered Paramotoring or/and paragliding? I find both of these sports soo therapeutic. Please look into them. And please keep your brilliant content coming.
As great Amerikuhn humourist Fran Lebowitz wrote last century (during Prozac Nation), "Depression is how you know you're alive." Joe, life gives us EVERYTHING & then takes it away, that's DEPRESSING & I won't even mention grievous loss. I'm going to go watch your M3 Passenger Response vid., SUCH a mood elevator. Whatever lows you feel you also experience the highs. Enjoy the ride(s) as long as you can, JA. Was that depressing? BMWs also mood elevators (but pricier than Prozac). Race car driver engineer friend autocrossed his Lotus Super 7 right up until cancer took him. "Another little person in a big car"? HYUK!
