Bike tour against depression: strong sign of hope in Fulda

Bike tour against depression: strong sign of hope in Fulda

in Fulda took place on Saturday the fifth edition of the event "Immimeln against Depression", in which over 50 cyclists, both with and without depression, took part in a bike tour. The event was organized jointly by the Academy for Suicide Prevention, the Bicycle Club ADFC and various regional partners, including the Fulda Clinic. The main initiator is the alliance against depression, which wants to raise awareness of mental health through such actions.

The cyclists started at the Biergarten Wiesenmühle and cycled to the town hall of Großenlüder, where they were warmly welcomed by Mayor Florian Fritzsch. After lunch together, we went back to the university area, where an extensive program was waiting for the participants. On the big stage and in several pavilions, passers -by and cyclists were able to find out about the topic of depression and come into conversation with experts.

action with growth and meaning

dr. Ulrich Walter, the chairman of the Alliance for Depression and Specialist in Neurology, Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, was enthusiastic about the high number of participants: "We set a record today," he explained and underlined the importance of this action. The alliance, which has been active for about two decades, is committed to prevention and clarification in relation to depression. "This group was founded in 2007, and since then we have offered various training and educational campaigns," he continued. In addition to sporting activities such as this bike tour, film festivals and theater are also part of the offers.

The idea of using cycling as a form of therapy was introduced about ten years ago when the alliance joined the existing MUT tour, and then, as Dr. Walter explained to act independently and to create his own cycling campaign. "We can now plan appointments of more long -term and more people than if we offer a tour on a Wednesday evening, to which many have no time," he says.

The positive influence of movement

Although cycling cannot solve all problems with depression, the neurologist emphasizes that such activities can still be helpful. "There are definitely participants who say that this action finally came to the fresh air again," he explains. In addition, the relaxed driving style promotes an exchange among the participants, which can also have a positive effect on the well -being of those affected. "We drive at a pleasant pace, which makes it possible to talk to each other - that is good for many," explains Dr. Walter, and emphasizes the social component of the event.

The "Immmeling against Depression" initiative illustrates how important it is to integrate sporting activity and social interaction into the everyday life of people with mental illnesses. This type of support helps to raise awareness of the challenges of depression and at the same time shows that it makes sense to become active together.