THE NEWS | Motorcycling + Mental Health

[@LambChopRides]

mental health is a nightmare, my wife is on anti-depressants so is my daughter so the struggles are very familiar. fantastic to hear it openly discussed, bring a sticker Weds 😁

[@sleepindragon179]

Brave of you to mention it here Chopsy. Having suffered with mental health all my life in the form of addiction. It is a killer and should be recognised like any killer disease not stigmatised. I have lost everything many times. But still I must try to keep moving forward. Even if I fall flat on my face, I'm still moving forward.🤣🤣🤣🤣 I wish the very best for your wife and daughter. Riding motorcycles, when I can is a powerful form of meditation for me that clears the mind. I cannot afford a bike at the moment, but watching this channel and yours really helps as a release for the time being. Best wishes to you sir.

[@5tevieb954]

@@sleepindragon179 hope you get a bike again soon dude

[@crimzikk]

I also have a mental health issues....I just keep thinking about riding, buying or selling motorbikes

[@gixxer_jake]

Huge respect and love Chopsy!

[@richwats9623]

Respect for being so open chops… it’s been a tough few years for many and it’s bought a lot of underlying mental health struggles to the surface for many people!

[@paulroach2548]

Great to see men discussing mental health, we need more of this and less stigma.

[@Jay-zc7iq]

Men need man hugs too 👍😂 being real low and my neighbour pops out and a hug magic chin up Chris , you far from alone x much love

[@jameshendry27]

Soft lad 👍

[@kuhndj67]

Agree, guys have to get away from the idea that having mental health issues or working on mental health is a sign of weakness. We all have issues and most of us are shit at dealing with them.

[@theavangelist]

for sure, I am in my late 30s and have had several manic episodes in my life. I've been on and off medications for managing clinical anxiety for decades and it is rough at times, good at others, but we do need to talk more about it

[@jameshendry27]

@@theavangelist pump yourself full of drugs that will make it better 🤔

[@theavangelist]

Seriously. This was needed. Thank you. I've spent the last 2 months, pretty much on my own, lost my job, trying to sell my flat and the buyers pulled out and I could feel that spiral starting, the catastrophising all the things, eating sh*t, and not wanting to go outside even though I wanted to in my head. The thing that's not to go unnoticed is Al listened. And is listening and letting Chris talk. Being a good listener is the best thing you can be for everyone you love. X

[@Baz1000r]

Hope you're OK now Andy.

[@buddysinsight9834]

I always find that you end up in a much better situation and place when big changes happen like that. See it as positives and you will crack on trust me.

[@ShiteLines]

The not wanting to go outside / face people and loss of drive seems very common in this.

[@47MasoN47]

I agree, I've been following Chris's morning walks on Instagram for a while, and just hearing other people, men in particular, come together over this makes me feel not so alone. I quit my job last month, I was waking up every morning thinking about killing myself over how miserable I was. I've struggled on and off with depression for over 20 years, been in counseling for 10 or so, and in that entire time I've met only one other guy who's had struggles like that. It just really makes you feel so alone. It certainly doesn't make me happy to know that other people are having to experience this junk, but it does bring some strength, if that makes sense. Being an autistic dude in the Southern US I just often feel like I'm so wrong for this world. Hearing others talks about it makes me think like, maybe there is a place somewhere for me.

[@ShiteLines]

@@47MasoN47 there's a place for everyone bro. 👍

[@cv5645]

It was always seen as a sign of weakness, the reality is the opposite. There's no shame in feeling down, or seeking help. Glad to hear you're on the mend Chris.

[@charleyschaubroeck6301]

Probably the “realest” episode of any of your videos mate. Great idea to share ideas and experiences with other people experiencing the same thing. You’re not alone and people should be able to talk about these moments of doubt. Taboo should go. We’re 2022 right? Take care

[@karlbratby4349]

ADD and proud, used to hide it away but now I wear it with pride and I’m owning it for the 1st time in my life… if only I had felt this way many years ago.

[@steveburn8125]

I have suffered quietly for years, using drugs to self medicate, a good friend pretty much pushed me into getting a little rescue dog, suddenly I had someone to look after, and had to get up for long early morning walks. Made a huge difference to me, walking is hugely therapeutic. Great content guys

[@conductorcammon]

Excellent

[@westers1514]

A lot of empathy from me, and agreed that walking really helps. I have a dog, so she has to go out whether I want to or not, however halfway around our normal 30 minute walk and it always tickles me how much more positive I feel, and how my mind has started to figure out how to resolve any challenges. Like you, I'm on Citalopram, have been for years, and tried coming off it many times, however I've realised life is better on it, so my only advice would be to stay on it, especially as you're going through therapy. However, I found that therapy gave me the tools, but the real work started once I'd finished it - the continual chipping away of old mental habits never ends, but I do find the old ways of thinking bubble up less and less, however that's a continual work in progress to stop thinking negatively. All the best to you.

[@arpharsed]

Permission to Torque, what a brilliant idea. I'm welling up and genuinely touched by your compassion, thank you.

[@neevesybikes]

Brilliant show, as always…but thought provoking and inspiring, too. You never know what people might be going through internally, even when they’re holding it together on the outside.

[@carlmayer691]

Missed the rant on the traffic incident w/the farmer...a box of roofing nail flung down Farmer Prick's driveway over night can cause quite a bit of aggravation ...

[@ChasingTenths]

My mate’s cousin jumped in front of a train last week in London & passed away and all week I have been trying to find answers & reasons, and this mental health talk has really answered many things. Thank you so much

[@chrissyp7433]

Very sad news sorry pal.

[@ChasingTenths]

@@chrissyp7433 thank you mate

[@Jordwm]

Same happend 3 weeks ago in Chichester West Sussex , my girlfriend witnessed the entire thing waiting at the gates . Poor guy was released from the local mental hospital night before . In his early 20’s . Messed up

[@theyracemesohard]

Lol

[@jodiewebber8512]

I’ve struggled with depression since I was around 18, I’m now 49 and have a better handle on it but I know it’s something that will never truly go away. I’d love to put one of your stickers on my road bike in Australia. Thankyou for talking about this topic openly, far too many people feel ashamed for the way they feel.

[@foxtrot.tango.whisky]

Chris, mate, you MASSIVELY underestimated the absolute genius behind your "Permission To Torque" stickers idea! I immediately went to the 44T website and because I live in Spain (and because I am fortunate enough to own multiple bikes, even if that means I cannot afford a van or a car because I refuse to sell them to buy one because they are the only things I have found to be immensely therapeutic and alleviating of the crushing weight that mental illnesses impose upon / burden you with), I thought fuck it, I've never bought anything other than a mask in terms of 44T merch, I want to support the channel because I'm not a 44T channel member, and I massively endorse and wholeheartedly support the "Permission To Torque" idea, so I will go buy myself keyrings for the bikes, a few tees, a hood, neck warmer, and because the stock number was listing only 16 units for Permission To Torque stickers I thought I will just add 1 rather than the 4 I wanted, and my subtotal before shipping was almost 200 quid but because there aren't any of the stickers left that drove me to the merch side of the site I've decided to wait until you restock them to place my order (hopefully the items I was ordering that had very low single digit items in stock will still be there or their stock replenished come the time the PTT stickers are back in stock)! Chris, it is a fucking genius idea mate! I ain't gonna sit here and write a 300 page essay on just how radically my life changed after a near death accident I had in 2011 falling off a fourth floor balcony rendering me in a coma & mutiple months in ICU and then HDU after obliterating & requiring multiple surgeries to fix the bones in all limbs except for left arm and a severe Traumatic Brain Injury resulting from a subdural haematoma, to mention but a couple of the injuries sustained. Anyway, long story short, if you met me or were to have a conversation with me you would never know anything was wrong with me. It is both a blessing and a curse that I am still able to walk, talk, and communicate just as well as the next person. My injuries and the subsequent mental illnesses from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to Post Intensive Care Syndrome to chronic anxiety & depression etc etc etc are all entirely invisible and just like you said, we become "experts at masking" such things, we become masters of putting on the socially acceptable mask in order to just be able to navigate our day to day mundane tasks outside the house, forcing a smile when people casually ask "how ya doing" / "how are you" - to which the response is one of these forced smiles and an untrue statement replied. The "socially acceptable mask" is on and doing its job but the wearing of such a mask isn't free by any means, there is a huge debt that builds up for every minute of the day that the mask is worn and that debt is in the form of exacerbating the fatigue that one suffers from when battling depression and myriad other forms of mental illness, as well as PTSD & anxiety getting cranked up to 11 as soon as you hang that mask up on the coat rack as you enter back into the sanctuary of home. It's a cruel and unjust debt that accumulates just for doing the necessary things to be able to interact with people you invariably have to have interactions with daily, but unfortunately it is the price to be paid in order to just fit in. So without doubt this is merely one of the reasons I believe that the PTT stickers have the potential to be a catalyst for something far greater than the sum of its parts (and there are hundreds, if not thousands of other, equally valid reasons too). Mental health issues, especially amongst men, are a major problem as I am sure you know. The fact that suicide in the UK is the leading cause of death in men under age 45 (www.bps.org.uk/blogs/dr-funke-baffour/male-suicide-silent-epidemic) is a clear sign that there needs to be far more effort placed into raising awareness and I firmly believe that "Permission To Torque" is a massive step in that direction and I truly believe that it has the potential to become something far greater than you could have ever envisioned! I have great respect and admiration for you having the balls to open up on 44Teeth and essentially telling the world just how rough of a time you've had recently and how you continue to struggle to overcome the depths of depression, as that is not an easy thing to do and it takes a special kind of being to be able to dissolve the ego and hold your hands up and be forthcoming about your battles with depression and anxiety! My hat comes off to you for that mate, it was an act of integrity and courage. What I cannot wait for is to see how the "Permission To Torque" concept takes off and fully becomes something entirely of its own. Much respect and a huge thank you for following through and bringing this campaign of awareness to fruition! Now I just think you're gonna need to get one million more Permission To Torque stickers on order to satisfy demand, not even joking either, this is something that is so real and so pervasive across so many countries & cultures that a million stickers wouldn't even satisfy the demand in the UK, let alone continental Europe, the USA, and let's face it - worldwide! ✊️✌️

[@smgw15]

Well done guys, its ok not to be ok. Thank you

[@LickyDischarge]

I spent days weeks and months fantasising about suicide and how I’d do it. Somehow I came out the other end of it and I’m still here. So this episode of The News hit me hard. You’re not alone Chris.

[@kyndrydspyryt3867]

Take care my friend

[@WeAreTheTrueMedia]

Hey gents. 2 subjects that control my entire life 👌🏼 Crazy world we live in but thankfully more people are finally questioning it.

[@markdavis3171]

Thank you guys so much for talking about mental health. I've been struggling myself with depression after having 2 bouts of cancer. It's been bloody scary dealing with crazy thoughts, emotional outbursts and feeling useless. With the use of medication and like you said talking, I can see some light.. Stickers are a great idea 👍👍

[@justincork3838]

Well done Chris on being able to talk about your mental health. In 2003 I left the army with a PTSD diagnosis and I struggled with civvy street. I hid my issues for years, threw myself into working 80 odd hours a week. Then lockdown happened and I lost my job at which point my mental health started to decline as I was left with my thoughts. This culminated one day in me waking up, throwing my stuff in the car and driving halfway across Europe leaving my wife and kids a note. To my wife’s credit, when we spoke she understood my issues and came with me to get help. I still have down days, but finally opening up after 17 years of putting a front on for the world has taken such a weight off my shoulders. I now feel I can be open about my problems. Take care mate.

[@greggbrassett6989]

Good on ya Chris. I’ve been through it, and probably will be going through it for at least another 14 years. I’ve felt like a bit of a one man army for ages trying to tell people what can and does happen to, and affect us, and it feels like it just falls on deaf ears. And it can feel like once you start feeling a bit better, the world finds out, and ups it’s game at bringing you back down. I’m with ya mate. Thanks and well done for talking about it.

[@zenmoto369]

Thank you for making this video, you have our support and love! I am batteling with anxiety disorder and maybe couple of more things which are yet to be confirmed from a specialist. I've being having shit time for the past 3 years, last 2 it got really bad. At first I thought, well that's life it is shit something, then it got really bad, I couldn't work, I could not even leave the house. This is when I realised how serious the situation is. I've self referred to IAPT, after 7 months waiting I have been appoited CBT therapy. It was worth the waiting, my therapiest is amazing, the sessions are helping a lot, I reccomend it, it is a long wait, bear that in mind. My GP offered me medication, but I've refused it. In my opinion CBT + mindfulness, meditation and relaxing walk, can make a magic. I've always heard people talking about mental health awareness, but until now I didn't realised how important actually is. If you told me 4 years ago, that this would happen to me, I probably would not believe it. Folks, be strong , be brave, cocks up, rev your engines and everything would aline itself, because you are amazing! Love and peace

[@nigelcooper6017]

Well done lads for sharing one of the best KZbin videos I’ve ever watched. I live in Australia, I’m a biker, also a teacher and I’m also a mental health ambassador. Like you Chris I have gone through the challenges you have experienced. I didn’t take medication but just like you with walking I focused on my triathlons which helped so much with my mental health. Like you said, one of the hardest parts is to get going and once you are out then everything clicks into place. I find routine helps, so if for example you are going for a walk have your boots rain coat hat or whatever ready. By doing this you are resting your mind and not giving yourself excuses not to go. Again it was great watching you both just talking which really does help and I think the sticker idea is great. Such an honour to watch you guys and an honour to read the comments from other like minded people who have respect to share.

[@danschofield6727]

What a great discussion in mental health…. I have been suffering in my own way for 30 odd years with some times being better than others. My career has suffered alot with my mental health screwing up good jobs resulting with me just quitting rather than being able to talk to people about it. We need to be able to be able to talk more about it and you Chris are a star for making this topic more open. Hope you get through it with lots of help from friends and family and the bikes…. I know the bike keeps me going !!

[@HyzerGlen]

Been practically paralysed with depression (pandemic, work, endless string of bad weather in this part of the world) this week and finally hauled my ass outside to go for a ride for the first time in a year. Even though I know its only a temporary high it was great to have just done something, much like your walks. The end of the vid was very relatable, just being able to say what's in my head to friends without stigma is such a huge help if not a cure. Well done.

[@bakerbrook1]

You're a legend, Chris. Thank you for sharing the personal stuff in your life. I dwell on too much shit and have a hard time letting go of things I can't change, but when I hear people I admire share their troubles, it helps loads. Thank you.

[@Gman-AJ]

I understand and relate to everything you’ve said about your anxiety and depression and it’s absolutely brilliant that you’re sharing your feelings and thoughts.

[@coreydemaster218]

keep your head up Chris, glad to have you back ! ! ! 44Teeth all the way

[@jacob_miller]

Chris, you are a deadset good bloke and thank you for speaking out. I suffer in a very similar way with anxiety & ADHD, and trying to recover from a spinal injury (just had an L4/5 fusion, one of three surgery's likely required). The day i can swing my leg back over a bike will be such a relief, as will being able to pick up and hold my kids again :) Again, its very noble of you & thank you for making a difference.

[@chrisrichelle]

Well done Chris; thanks for sharing. We are in this together; we’ll keep finding ways to make it better.

[@jamesallen4050]

I don't feel so alone now :) Thanks Chris.... And everyone in the comments section. 👍🏽

[@maximusvr46]

One huge community!

[@robertcox7997]

Great to see this down to earth conversation about mental health. It seems like so many people struggle these days. All the best you leg- ends, keep up the good work!

[@ekulfitz99]

Thanks for sharing, You are not alone. I don't know you, but you're awesome! Hang in there, You make the world a better place!! Cheers

[@TCobra190]

Amazing job Chris. Thank you for talking and putting words to how millions of people feel. Thank you both for this community.

[@samanife]

Thanks mates! Chris you are a star talking about (men's) mental health in this episode. Sticker idea: amazing - i'll get two for my bikes.

[@TheTiddy1234]

Great to see you discussing mental health in such an open way. All the best Chris.

[@benjibradshaw69]

Got some merch and some PTT stickers. I’ve been there before and I’m in a very good place now but I still have days where my mind wanders off into dark places. I’m so Glad to see you coming out the other side Chris and hope you keep progressing on the right trajectory.

[@lewiscb9235]

This was a good watch for me mainly for the the mental health chat. I’ll be honest it’s something I’m struggling with have been for a while now. I know many do and opening up about it is genuinely for me hardest thing

[@danielmonaghan9792]

It is fantastic to see you guys raising awareness of mental health issues. Thank you

[@kuhndj67]

Motorcycles have actually BEEN a mental health thing for me (that and exercise LIKE walking or playing a physical VR game) helping me get out of my head and into the moment. Thanks for bringing this up, it's important.

[@springheeledjack81]

Thanks for all the hard work you lot put into these Al & Chris + those behind the scenes. Really enjoy following along with your walks and chats Chris. Great to hear you are progressing with your health

[@mcmicky2]

Only on 44 teeth can you go from walking standing up vs sitting down to a genuine discussion on mental health. Hand on heart 44 teeth is the best motocycle content on the internet

[@AntaresSQ01]

1 hour 20 minutes and 56 seconds of pure jokes, banter, feels, and serious talks. Not a millisecond wasted

[@pnwet_rider]

Well done Gents, very honest and thanks for sharing. Part of living is understanding. I have anxiety and until I knew what and why, I had problems working through the situations that caused it. Definitely not 100%, but I have tools to help cope now. Ordered the sticker and will proudly display it. Be safe.

[@teapotone]

Top work lads, your honesty and openness will help so many.

[@phillipsmith1489]

I'm sure we've all missed you, Chris. Extremely glad to hear you are doing better. For whatever it is worth, you should know you have a lot of supporters here.

[@justinlee3559]

Glad to have you back. Had me teared up in an airport for the last 20 mins. Great job Chris, this community is fantastic.

[@adamryan1753]

Thanks for sharing Chris. We're always here with you mate!

[@tannertaulbee1151]

Yo! Ya’ll just made my day! Thank you for still pumping these out, they are always pure gold!

[@daveclarkson5519]

Thanks for sharing, it’s defo good to get it out in the open and even if this only inspires 1 person to talk and get better then it’s worth while.

[@FinalDecap]

Watched, mostly for the mental health section as I know the struggle. Great to see you guys trying to open up the conversation on it and get people to talk, went straight to the site and ordered a sticker (plus some other bits) to put on the bike, even though I hate stickers on bikes, it's one that's worthwhile.

[@SimonHarveyPhotography]

Permission to Torque.... Simple and lovely! ordered! 🙌🏻

[@Peterlistig]

This was everything I hoped for when you went into this topic. No Charity BS, Life is hard indeed and sometimes going for a walk will change your outlook. Have been watching you guys since forever and hope to see you on track someday!

[@icklepob88]

Glad you've finally brought it to the channel Chris. As you know, I join you on your daily rambles, sometimes commenting, sometimes just listening. But it's so good to know I can message you, talk, laugh, joke, or put my world to rights, and someone is listening that gets it. You've a great group on insta, and you help so many people, just by listening to them, and being open minded and compassionate. Oh, "do the luge" had my crying, but for the best reasons. Hit a nerve that did, just brilliant

[@2WCapo]

Love the channel and glad Chris is on his way back to normal. Wishing y’all the best and keep up the good work.

[@HelloJamesBond]

Chris you’re absolutely bang on about walking being a great and simple relief. That’s exactly what I done. It’s the simplicity, the change of scenery and fresh air - keep stepping brother 👍

[@marktwycross7387]

Thank you for talking about this publicly Chris. I'm currently struggling like hell with depression but desperately trying to hide it all from my family. I know I must speak to somebody very soon and thanks to you I don't feel so isolated or alone. All the very best guys!

[@graemeheenan100]

Open up and just say “I’m feeling really down”. The rest of the conversation will follow and the weight will lift slightly.

[@DangerBruce]

A phone call to my GP was the best thing I ever did, probably the reason I’m still here today. It’s tough step to take in admitting you need help, but it won’t get better unless you do. Please reach out ti someone. Best wishes.

[@yoorukhunt947]

Just open up and don’t wait.

[@jonnywhite4287]

One of the best discussions on mental health I have heard. Will share this as much as I can. Keep up the awesome work

[@gixxer_jake]

Regarding the mental health section: what a simply amazing idea. I'm ordering one as we speak and putting it straight on. I'll speak to anyone about it anytime. Still blown away by how much of a good idea that sticker is. And how much better you must feel opening up on this news section. Legends the lot of you.

[@2_Bike_is_Life]

You guys need to keep on the Mental Health bits. After the past 2 years (and even prior), we need healing modalities to combat the fear porn that is everywhere. Laughter is so important. You are doing humanity a service - Butt-plug Trophy and all.

[@anthonygibbo1881]

I looked at the tumbnail and see the title and mental health and was like this is the spot for me 🤣🤣 instantly felt a little better 👍🏼 great job boys

[@c.street6559]

Thanks for sharing Chris. Really glad to hear you're on the road to getting better!

[@adamknight6752]

Your comments about famous people jumping all over KZbin, rapping and pillaging subscribers and views is absolutely bang on. They slag it off when they don't understand it then they clamber all over it when their main stream careers come to an end. Thank you for the videos , all the effort is much appreciated 👍✅

[@EmilBaLa]

Thank you for your honesty, keep it up fellas. Love you.

[@nockianlifter661]

One of the most effective things I did to help depression/anxiety was taking a course in basic logic. That’s not to say it’s a solution for every kind of mental problem, but for me it helped make me more grounded in reality. My experience with really bad anxiety was the sense of being pulled apart from reality and I discovered that this was due to a headful of contradictions. Resolving the contradictions helped keep me in reality and has done for over 5 years now, even through the lockdown torture.

[@fionnmacleod693]

Love you guys That chat about mental health was spot on. Going for a vigorous walk is one of my coping mechanisms. The gig is about getting in touch with your body so the brain shuts up for a minute. Happy to torque :) xx

[@matttriestodothings]

Thank you for doing the mental health segment, truly.

[@millermanffwd]

thanks for this guys i so know where you are chris im often there myself and your right its sooo hard mental health is tough ,just listening to your thoughts knowing how hard it is to talk about it has made my morning and makes me want to try and get out and get on . thank you love you guys

[@mikyGTT]

Chris should put fake tan on the bottom of his nose, it looks like he's been engaging in fun of a chemical nature! Thank you gents, again decent content

[@FortyFourTeeth]

😂

[@vishalprajapati8840]

Well done guys! Think my father had been here had he the opportunity to watch your content. Never ever bought any stickers yet, but bring it on here it starts

[@zx9b2]

It warms my heart to see this kind of discussion becoming normal amongst men. Much respect. How lucky are we to have motorcycling as tool against the black dog.

[@baumie461]

Spot on Chris! I'm an expert at hiding the way I truly feel somedays....Often in the shiter, where I'm alone I can let it out....ya definitely NOT alone! Jamie from Australia

[@ThatTreeGuy]

Incredibly brave of you to speak about this here. I understand and thank you for talking about it in such real terms. Love your work and keep it up.

[@CrouchyOnBikes]

Have to say, I welled up a bit on your mental health segment Chris. I’ve suffered with depression and anxiety most of my adult life but brought up in the generation where you didn’t talk about it, so just assumed I had to suck it up and keep it to myself. Truly great that you’re helping to break the stigma, can’t wait to get a sticker! Love this channel, the content you guys produce just helps to put a smile on my face and love bikes even more. Keep up the great work!

[@leighwhetter6073]

As one who has spent many years with the Black Dogs at my heels-your honesty and ownership of the issues is admirable, Chris. My mates and I converse about these things-and our bikes are generally y the common thread which unites us. Openness is critical, self-belief is critical, the people we love who embrace us is critical. We can feel that we are nothing but sometimes the impact we have is beyond the realms of the 'obvious'. I am a design educator, a design businessman, a motorcyclist, and a Human Being. I keep the 'dogs' at bay by being of benefit to others-your 'talk' reminded me of this important attribute. Wit the utmost Sincerity and 'Torque' to you. Cheers, Leigh

[@Cragofitness45]

I really appreciate what you guys did in this video. Letting ppl know everyone is dealing with stuff. I think we all know it but have become numb to each other lately. Once again thank you.

[@davidheaton5765]

This is brilliant Chris, thanks so much for not only doing this video, but starting permission to torque. I suffer from depression, and bikes are a huge part of my coping mechanism. That ranges from fixing up an old piece of shite, trackdays or just going for a little blat. The possibility of having chats outside biker caffs not only about that shit Bandit parked up outside but also each others mental health fills me with optimism. We're all here for you mate, and well done for helping chip away at the ridiculous stigma attached to mental health.

[@RJButler123]

What a genuinely honest video! Thankyou so much for posting this. What a fantastic community you guys are opening up. This video goes such a long way towards breaking the stigma around mental health. 🤙

[@Desmo904]

Great to hear you are feeling better Chris. It's so good to hear of this being discussed and not brushed under the carpet as if it's somehow taboo. The sooner depression and conditions akin to it are brought into mainstream thinking, the better. It's something that a LOT of people are affected by to a greater or lesser extent at some point in their life. More power to you Sir!

[@ady1397]

Thank you Chris and 44teeth. Fact is most of us will suffer or know someone who suffers with depression/anxiety etc at some point. The more it's talked about the more chance there is of people being able to live with it and make progress to deal with it.

[@daviesjr1]

Ordered my sticker! Great job opening up and coming up with your own platform to help others. inspirational.

[@thebones]

Thanks guys, especially you Chris, that was tough and you said what a lot of us feel, you sound like you have a great partner and hopefully out community will help you to at least get things under control. You deserve the best.

[@peterbigblock]

Chris, you’re absolutely right that one has no idea what mental health battles a friend or family member is fighting, unless they share it with you. Depression and anxiety are no joke; my wife and daughter both suffer from them and it can be utterly debilitating and consuming. Thank you for sharing your struggles, I believe it is very powerful for people to know they are not alone or unique in their fight. I, too, am on escitalopram and know first-hand what you mean. I’m sorry that you had your struggles, but I am so thankful that you’ve shared them so publicly. That is a big help to your viewers (who number far more than 3% or 5%) who are in their own fight. A big help. Stay well, mate.

[@dannymac4428]

Imagine feeling content with life. Feeling joy and happiness all the time and having the motivation for doing anything you want and more.... Sadly that's just a dream. Thank you for doing a great "News" update. This keeps me going.

[@4x4conqueror]

That is probably one of the best episodes I have seen from you guys and I can 100% relate, so much so the first thing I did was ordered the sticker and then replied. I have been supporting 2 sons that have problems (one of them being autistic and is in-fact under Minds) and my wife who is recovering from the big C (with us now waiting to see if it has come back) I am a carer to all of them having to carer and be a pillar of strength for them and I am having to put any of my problems I have away which is bloody hard. Thank you for being so open with this.

[@henrylewin7677]

Had an episode at a similar time and feel like I’m also coming out of it also. Didn’t want to see anyone for ages. I organised a mental health ride in May- www.mindrider.co.uk/ to check it out. Sending best wishes for the summer 💚

[@westers1514]

Would love to join the ride, however too far away. If you ever need to talk, get in touch

[@henrylewin7677]

@@westers1514 thanks mate, appreciate it 🙏

[@10secondsrule]

Glad to see you boyz! This is my favourite section. I totally understand you Chris, I was on the same med, going through the gutter of my life. It’s really brave of you to openly talk about it. I appreciate it.

[@thegarytull]

Many of us are on the same meds for loads of different reasons. Myself included along with a couple of friends and women I've dated. I had a doctor that joked that we may as well start putting it in the water. Many of us have our own demons to bear. Best of luck with yours and big thanks to Statham for being a friend.

[@QuackLoud]

Thanks for sharing this. The problem remains - especially for us guys - most of us refuse to share and open up.

[@willraven7]

Thank you Chris. There is one whom is always with you and shall never forsake you.

[@yodomcat]

Very brave, welcomed episode. I'm sure it will help many people. Very well done. 🙏🏻

[@aidens04]

Brilliant episode. Unfortunately I've just started meds for anxiety. Never thought I'd have to but I have. Listening to talks like this help massively. Well done.

[@NoHope_]

on the topic of mental health, i've been really going through it lately. the whole covid thing started right as i was about to graduate highschool and that whole thing just absolutely fucked me, i've always not been it the best state of mind, but having to get up and go to school kinda helped me snap out of it, i had responsibilities and that kept me moving, well when covid hit i wasn't going to school, i wasn't waking up in a timely manner, i stopped taking showers, and just lost all motivation to anything. i've now graduated highschool and i still have no job, i've pushed all my friends away, and i struggle to leave the house, i feel so unmotivated i have to work myself up just to go for a ride on my bike, which should be fun. and the problem isn't that i'm necessarily lazy, i want to get a job, i want move out, and have friends, but i physically feel like i can't, and i just end up feeling like a failure which then shoves me deeper in the hole. its rough and im not sure how im going to get myself out of this, but you guys talking about it really helps. thank you.

[@roreos5457]

You’re doing an amazing thing in talking about your situation Chris and what’s more incredible is that with all that you’re trying to help others! This is an amazing community and the content you guys bring to the table is first class.

[@NZSPORTBIKER51]

Love your channel 44teeth & the content the teams puts out into the motorbike community as a whole. Can't express how much it means for you guys to speak up, thank you Chris for being so open for mental health. So very happy to have purchased the sticker & appreciative for you guys to offer a simple avenue for others to be reminded of the community that shares similar passion & care for one-another.

[@davidcarr5718]

I suffer from anxiety and depression. I am happy you are talking about this. Thank You

[@lescrawford7882]

On the mental health items, well done all of you, not just Chris for opening up but Al and Boothy for being supportive. We all have crap times, we all need help from are mates.

[@ianbrowne9636]

Fair play Sue being open and sharing your MH experience. You should be really proud of using your platform to give people hope and an opportunity to unload their demons. ❤️

[@cubes6413]

Thanks for speaking up and talking about what you are going though it really helps to know you are not alone.

[@petervisi5369]

"I am just a friend of yours" - made my day better. Thanks.

[@DG-sg2ze]

You are not alone. This shit is important and awesome for you guys to bring it forward. I've gone to that dark pit + meds and all of it is no joke. Another important point is to check-in when people go quiet for days or weeks. Ordering a sticker and supporting you guys and always around to listen.

[@World-Superbike]

Chris, I've seen through your smile and absolute professionalism that you've been under enormous strain. I admire your honesty and candor and echo the sentiments of all wishing you continued healing. Best wishes to you. Eddie