Suze Clemitson wrote this fascinating look at elite cyclists and depression -- cyclists call it "riding with the black dog" -
- for 100 Tours 100 Tales, part of the Guardian Sports Network.
There is strong evidence that certain forms of doping – particularly amphetamines, cannabinoids, beta blockers and steroids – can lead to depression. But the equation between doping and depression is not that simple. When German Sport Aid surveyed a number of elite German athletes they found that 88% of them felt that the pressure they were under to succeed – or to raise their profiles or to profit from their success – was a motivating factor in decisions to dope. Over half spoke feeling "existential angst".
Regardless of whether we cast a cynical eye over such results, high stress levels are often a precursor to depression, especially when other factors – genetics or chemical imbalance – are already present. Add in grief or loss, shame and guilt – the death of a parent, a lost career or one spent breaking the rules, or being caught – and the mixture is a combustible one.
Comments (0)