Jim Oaks
Just some guy with a website
Administrator
Founder / Site Owner
Supporting Vendor
Article Contributor
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS Banner 2012-2015
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2000
- Messages
- 13,501
- Reaction score
- 8,721
- Points
- 113
- Location
- Nocona, Texas
- Vehicle Year
- 1996 / 2021
- Make / Model
- Ford Ranger
- Engine Type
- 4.0 V6
- Engine Size
- 4.0 / 2.3 Ecoboost
- Transmission
- Automatic
- 2WD / 4WD
- 4WD
- Total Lift
- 6-inches
- Tire Size
- 33x12.50x15
Do you struggle with depression? I know some do. Most of us come to this forum to get help with our truck, or to share our truck related experiences. But if you're feeling depressed, you may feel alone dealing with this personal and private issue. The truth is, you're not alone. I've seen the topic brought up in the forum. I've even been asked if we could have a mental health forum, but the staff and I felt that a 'Health & Fitness' forum would better serve the members. Then yesterday I seen another Ford Ranger friend post about his own situation on Instagram, and decided it was time to openly address it.
The holidays are approaching, and they can be depressing times for many people, for many reasons. You may not feel like you have anyone to talk to, that nobody will understand, that people will see it as a weakness, or simply judge you in a negative way.
We are a community. A family. Some of us have been there. Some of us still struggle. And because we're a community / family, we should be here to support each other.
I struggled in the past with major depression caused by events that were happening in my life. It's not something I like to discuss. With that said, I don't take any type of anti-depressants or other medications. I did for a while back in 2005, and I remember my family doctor telling me that he's never had to prescribe anti-depressants to an asshole, because they simply don't care. I knew that the way to deal with it, was to change the way I looked at it. That along with my faith in God has gotten me through the last 14+ years.
That's not to say that I don't sometimes feel down. When I start having those feelings, I try to find positive things to focus on, or a project to get excited about. Keeping focused on something else keeps me from dwelling on the bad things that need to be left in the past.
This may be a surprise to some of you. Especially if you've met me, and have seen how goofy and outgoing I can be. That's usually how I am. TRS and Ford Rangers have always given me something to look forward to, get excited about, and something to focus on.
So that's a little bit of my story. Even though I didn't share a lot, it's still uncomfortable for me to share the little that I did. You may have your own story or situation, but you just don't feel comfortable sharing. I can assure you that I understand how you feel. Hell, I've worried that people will look at me differently, or think I'm 'unstable'. Maybe Ford wouldn't have loaned me the 2019 Ford Ranger if they had known. I don't know.
If you have your own story, please feel free to share it.
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