Racing and mental health

I am going to say it outright – blogging about racing is good for my mental health.

Let me explain. This blog will have a little different tone to it than others in that it won't focus on the actual action on the track. Some might ask what prompted me to even write this type of blog.

It’s because mental health needs to be talked about. Stigmas need to be removed. We have too many people suffering in silence, and we've had too many people fight that battle and lose.

I get asked by non-race friends quite a bit, why I write this blog. I answer that I like racing and I like to write about it – the people and the action on the track. But there is another reason.

It helps my mental health and helps me feel better about life as a whole.

I’ve shared some in the past on Facebook about my mental health issues. I have battled depression, and I have an anxiety disorder, and battle a form of OCD that at times can be difficult. I have been doing better in recent years, thankfully but there have been some very tough, isolating times in the past. There are still some bad days but nothing like I’ve dealt with previously. I won't go into detail but know it's an everyday battle.

Racing, and blogging about it, has helped for a few reasons. One, it keeps my mind focused on something I enjoy. Two, for an introvert and loner like me, it’s getting out and meeting people and talking to people. That is difficult for me, especially approaching people I don’t know well. Some nights are better than others. Third, I think being at the track and being outdoors in the warm sun (when it eventually gets here) has an effect, too.

Meeting people and visiting with folks has been a bonus of this blog. I am closing in on 300 drivers interviewed for feature stories, and if you count the dozens of others I used to video interview after features, that’s probably close to 400. Not to mention the other drivers I’ve stopped and talked to here and there. A large majority of the folks I’ve met in racing are good people, and I’ve made some good friends in the process.

I’ve even had a few check in on me now and again when I’ve been struggling. And I make this offer to my racing friends who face mental health issues -- if you need a person to vent to sometime, send me a FB message. I am a better listener than talker.

There are several folks in the racing community who battle mental health issues, too. Some are open about those struggles, and I admire those who are willing to stick their necks out to talk about such a serious personal issue. It’s damn hard to talk about for me, and sometimes I feel like I am imposing on folks.

While there are more conversations about mental health, there needs to be more in our world. Too many folks suffer in silence, afraid to appear “weak” or “crazy” because of the issues they face. Mental health can be such an internal struggle, one that others may never understand or face.

Everyone needs some kind of outlet in their life, a stress reliever or an escape. It can be running, hunting, fishing, golfing, tennis, working on cars…you name it. For many of us, our outlet is racing, whether it’s as a driver, or in my case, as a fan and blogger.

I am grateful to have that kind of outlet.