Video: Using Trail Therapy for Mental Health Recovery
Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) has been rolling out its Trail Therapy mental health program over the last year, and it's been on my radar as one of the most interesting things happening in mountain biking organizations. As research accumulates that validates what many of us know anecdotally - that mountain biking can work wonders for mental health - the program, backed by the Edinburgh Napier University and Scottish Cycling, has picked up momentum and released a short documentary about its efforts so far.
Trail Therapy is an intervention program that combines traditional therapy methods with mountain biking to support those with diagnosed mental health illnesses. As mentioned in the film, the program focuses on research around the four components of DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) as they relate to mountain biking and other sports that merge intense focus with intentional movement - something I hope to dive into more in future articles.
The program is based heavily on the understanding that mental and physical health are intrinsically linked, and the best way to approach mental health issues is in a holistic way that addresses the physical body, too.
Based on the program's success so far, we hope to see more support for similar initiatives in the future.
 | Recovery - We, Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS), are breaking new ground by delivering a holistic approach to positive health outcomes through an innovative Mountain Bike Trail Therapy programme. We wanted Scotland to be a place where everybody thrives. We want to reset how Scotland thinks about wellbeing and health. Our Trail Therapy programme is something we are exceptionally proud of and have worked hard to secure funding to be able to pilot, then roll out in South Lanarkshire and Tayside. Recovery is our film about the programme. The film focuses on the journey of James, a participant on our Trail Therapy programme, who has used mountain biking to accelerate and sustain his recovery from mental ill-health. The film interviews and captures the feelings of the participant, a mental health professional and Paul our Trail Therapy leader, who continue to help support James's recovery journey. Our hope is that this stunning film by Joe Norledge and Reuben Bakker-Dyos, and supported by Trek Bicycles, will promote the benefits of the programme far and wide and attract donations which will help us (DMBinS) unlock the potential for it to be rolled out nationwide. Learn more, and if you can, please consider donating to this programme so we can roll it out across Scotland. Film by Joe Norledge and Reuben Bakker-Dyos |
Those in crisis can find a directory of mental health resources here.
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My buddy and I were just talking about this the other day... our theory is the trifecta of
1. whatever normal exercise hormones
2. the extra stuff that comes with flow and excitement of going fast and smooth
3. and then all the extra stuff that comes with being in a more natural environment
*bonus for riding with people you enjoy being around
It's all very scientific
I've had depression and anxiety for a decade or two -- the depression extremely serious at times. While riding used to help a lot in my early-to-mid twenties, nowadays, when I'm down, it's a coin toss as to whether a ride will leave me feeling better, and sometimes I feel worse. I actually find riding far more uplifting when I'm already feeling OK
This is perhaps largely location-based. Winter in the UK is grim, so that's when depression hits me more often. And it's also when riding is much less rewarding, because it involes a s**tload of cleaning and additional maintainance (my bike lives in the flat), requires a drive to get to trails if I don't wanna deal with loads of walking-pace bog-hopping, and requires time off work if I don't want to be restricted to the weekends and I want some actual daylight
As uninspiring as it is, I've learnt that an hour in the gym is typically a much more effective remedy. It requires so little investment of time and logistical energy, and I can do it the morning I need that release, rather than having to wait a couple of days until I have the time and motivation to go ride. And within 20 mins and can be pouring with sweat with my heart rate soaring, all that gloomy mental fog lifting, knowing that a quick shower is all I need before I'm back to my day
Obviously that's never going to replace the highs of riding, but for me, relying too heavily on riding for moderating my mental health has been a mistake. And may be that's the real problem; I got too reliant
Depending on the mood riding can make me feel better or just worse, and I can't often say which way things will go. Especially if the ride starts with a steep climb I tend to pack up halfway up the mountain and go home, feeling garbage all day.
Same with the winters, winter is rough regardless and having to put on 200 layers and take a ridiculous amount of supplies is not super fun.
What I usually do is similar to you (except it also invovles a bike). I built myself something more xc-orientated and I just go for a quick run to the neighbouring village to get myself cream tea. It's more along the lines of light exercise, nothing to feel too dramatic about, and it's on tarmac which means less dirt. Gym's not an option for me (I get scared of people)
But in the end everyone gotta find their own way. It's just good to hear different people's approaches from time to time, especially when a lot of people tell you 'oh, do exercise, it'll make you feel better'.
And I totally agree, the 'just go exersice that'll fix everything' crowd bring their own brand of toxicity to a lot of people
I actually bought an old Pompino single speed to do similar to you: just grab a quick hour ride in whatever weather and with minimal faff. After 6 months I counted I'd been on one ride, aside from just getting around... That's when I bought the gym pass
At least the Pomp rides damn nicely for a commuter :-)
A good buddy of mine told me, "hey, you might need mountains to snowboard, but you don't need mountains to mountain bike." The more I got into mtb, the more I learned he was right. Riding mtb is rad because you get that adrenaline shot, and it connects you with nature. But it's more than just the act of mountain biking that provides happiness. It's wrenching on them in the long, cold winters, planning upgrades, planning trips, watching youtube tutorials for improving riding technique or maintenance skills, planning trips with friends, geeking out on tech articles. Something to look forward to and be stoked on. Something to take care of my body for, go to bed early for, and drink less beers for. It also connects me with a social network of buddies with the same interests as me... which I was surprised to learn making new friends isn't easy when you transplant yourself in your 30s.
Is my mountain biking habit a giant money pit? Yes! But the intangible value cannot be expressed in dollars and cents. I'm not going to be all dramatic and say that it saved my life, but who knows. Perhaps it helped save my marriage (along with my awesome therapist), and it definitely helped me through one of my toughest periods, and continues to do so. So again, cheers to this program and I hope it helps get people started toward being the best version of themselves.
A similar thing happens with fighters of various backgrounds, getting old or injured (mileage ages you) means not sparring with the killers, or the dudes trying to take names.
Anyhow, hope it makes sense to you and all the best.
For my personal perspective riding alone a bike, also road bike is my safe zone.
I should add biking (or whatever activity) is nearly always not an either/or way to address mental health. It’s a compliment and can help in ways other methods can’t.
Big picture: environmental changes are as critical as DNA, chemical, and social factors. Our brains can literally revise their wiring—esp once multidimensional factors are assessed and taken into account (genetic, cognitive, social, environmental…). This is what the NIH’s research domain criteria is about (as opposed to symptom based DSM-x model). Better understanding the mix of factors = better ways of tailoring what works for each person.
Lastly, if you need help now, you can text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.