GR86 Drive for therapeutic purposes

Jayware33

Jayware33

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I’ve struggled with depression most of my life, I’ve had some real lows recently.

I recently sold my car (an old Z4, but fun) and felt like there has been a void in my life since. I’ve looked at getting into a GR86 (have my deposit down on a Saphire Blue and waiting on delivery). I feel very conflicted with cars and spending money; when I’ve had my worst days, nothing lifts my mood like getting out in the car and having a long drive myself with some music. I come back and feel rejuvenated, the cloud has lifted, at least for a while. But in that moment, it’s been the tonic I needed when nothing else would work.

But then the flip side is this inner dialogue reminding me that it’s depreciating, I’m losing money, it might get scratched, it’s costing too much, tied down with debt etc etc. it does ruin the ownership a little. But there are those days it makes me smile, the feeling of just being out, heck, even looking at it and thinking “that’s so gorgeous …” I get joy in those moments and it’s all worth it again. Washing and keeping clean as simple as it is, keeps me focused and there’s something healing in seeing the result.

Does anyone else’s feel so conflicted at times?
 
I know I’m lucky, I’ve never suffered from depression, but some of the people closest to me have so I can empathise with those that do. The car I drive definitely makes me enjoy life more though - it’s hard to beat a drive in a car that rewards you, and the GR86 really does for me. I choose to go into the office probably more than I have to, and I’m pretty sure it’s getting the chance to drive there and back in a great car that makes me. The fact it looks so good as well just adds to it for me. Good choice on the Sapphire Blue (I may be a bit biased though!).
 
Nick said:
I know I’m lucky, I’ve never suffered from depression, but some of the people closest to me have so I can empathise with those that do. The car I drive definitely makes me enjoy life more though - it’s hard to beat a drive in a car that rewards you, and the GR86 really does for me. I choose to go into the office probably more than I have to, and I’m pretty sure it’s getting the chance to drive there and back in a great car that makes me. The fact it looks so good as well just adds to it for me. Good choice on the Sapphire Blue (I may be a bit biased though!).
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The drives to the office will be better for sure :)
 
Jayware33 said:
I’ve struggled with depression most of my life, I’ve had some real lows recently.

I recently sold my car (an old Z4, but fun) and felt like there has been a void in my life since. I’ve looked at getting into a GR86 (have my deposit down on a Saphire Blue and waiting on delivery). I feel very conflicted with cars and spending money; when I’ve had my worst days, nothing lifts my mood like getting out in the car and having a long drive myself with some music. I come back and feel rejuvenated, the cloud has lifted, at least for a while. But in that moment, it’s been the tonic I needed when nothing else would work.

But then the flip side is this inner dialogue reminding me that it’s depreciating, I’m losing money, it might get scratched, it’s costing too much, tied down with debt etc etc. it does ruin the ownership a little. But there are those days it makes me smile, the feeling of just being out, heck, even looking at it and thinking “that’s so gorgeous …” I get joy in those moments and it’s all worth it again. Washing and keeping clean as simple as it is, keeps me focused and there’s something healing in seeing the result.

Does anyone else’s feel so conflicted at times?
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Well it is Mental Health Week and men should talk more about such things, not to Mumsnet levels but that's why we like cars! Buy it, drive it and the money will deprecate more sitting in a bank, than buying a GR86. I had a great run today, about 100 miles of simple chores. Bang for bucks, it's the best thing this side of a motorbike.
 
Jayware33 said:
I’ve struggled with depression most of my life, I’ve had some real lows recently.

I recently sold my car (an old Z4, but fun) and felt like there has been a void in my life since. I’ve looked at getting into a GR86 (have my deposit down on a Saphire Blue and waiting on delivery). I feel very conflicted with cars and spending money; when I’ve had my worst days, nothing lifts my mood like getting out in the car and having a long drive myself with some music. I come back and feel rejuvenated, the cloud has lifted, at least for a while. But in that moment, it’s been the tonic I needed when nothing else would work.

But then the flip side is this inner dialogue reminding me that it’s depreciating, I’m losing money, it might get scratched, it’s costing too much, tied down with debt etc etc. it does ruin the ownership a little. But there are those days it makes me smile, the feeling of just being out, heck, even looking at it and thinking “that’s so gorgeous …” I get joy in those moments and it’s all worth it again. Washing and keeping clean as simple as it is, keeps me focused and there’s something healing in seeing the result.

Does anyone else’s feel so conflicted at times?
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Well done for sharing 🙏

I run a car group and have met some of my best friends through a love of cars and driving.

Several in the group do suffer from depression. Our time together always makes it better. I'm pretty sure none of us has laughed so much since we all came together through our car group.

We spend most weekends out driving, somewhere. We have spent weekends away. And this year out first Europe trip, which was probably the best drive I've ever been on. We had so much fun. Laughs and giggles everyday.

You are not alone. Friends, cars and driving always helps in our experience. A great friend and support network.

My GR puts a huge smile on my face every time I sit in it. The drive is so involving you can't really think about anything else other than the pleasure of interacting with the physical and mental joy of taking it where you want to go. If you can share this with others too, who know you, understand you, it's even more special.

Welcome to the world of GR 🖤🤍♥️ Look forward to getting yours. It will help 💯

Keep sharing my friend 🙏
 
Thanks for sharing.

I have gone through the same inner dialogue in the past. Now I can easily rationalise ownership by my knowledge that when I take the car for a drive I get so completely absorbed in the mental and physical action of driving that the stresses of life just melt away.

It works even better if the drive happens to be at sunrise on Saturday or Sunday morning for no other reason than I want to go for a drive when I'm one the few on the road at that time.

There are few better things in life than driving a car you love on a great road watching the beautiful British countryside pass by whilst listening to a favorite playlist. You don't need any other reason to do it...the journey is the destination.

I'm not sure I'd have had the mental fortitude to cope with the stresses of life and work if it wasn't for my love of cars and driving and the odd drive just for the fun of it.

Once you've achieved things like putting food on the table and a roof over your head then don't beat yourself up about the expense. Instead, rejoice that you've found someone you love doing and get it there and make the most of it.
 
Great post @Jayware33 and some truly heartwarming, empathic and considerate responses from some very decent thoughtful people.

I would say that owning, running and driving a nice car that brings you pleasure is a very positive, healthy and constructive way of finding enjoyment. Like you say Jay, looking after the car, washing it, nurturing it, tweaking it to get it just how you want it, and yes of course giving it a damned good driving - all beneficial.

Not to mention the social aspects of being part of a niche "club" - chatting with like-minded enthusiasts here, meeting up with other owners for a coffee on a sunny day - all great beneficial stuff.

Yes of course nice cars could be seen by some as an indulgence, but affordable servicing, a long warranty, good old Japanese reliability, pretty decent economy, and likely minimal (if any) depreciation means that the GR86 is a fiscally responsible choice in the grand scheme of things!

Keep sharing your thoughts and godspeed your GR86 delivery...
 
Thank you for such thoughtful and considered responses. Everyone here seems like a good bunch; you really wouldn’t get this on an Audi forum 😊

I can’t wait to get my car - @leosayer: that mention of sunrise, those really are some of the greatest moments to soak in.

I’ll be sure to send some obligatory pics once she arrives in the coming weeks.
 
Not sure where you're located @Jayware33 , but as you've got a Sapphire coming it's practically mandatory to make your way to Caffeine & Machine (Warwickshire) at some point...

IMG_20230924_122036 (1).webp

(From September!)
 
Definitely had similar thoughts, especially with losing Dad so recently. When I'm in the car or on the bike, only then I'm truly happy and feel I'm my true self. It's healthy to have something cathartic like going out for a blast in the car, even if for me it still feels wrong to enjoy anything. It will get there with time.
 
That was a good honest post @Jayware33. It can be hard to put these things out there. The younger of my two stepsons has always been somewhat of a victim to the 'Black Dog', often made worse by so called friends telling him that everything was okay and he should just pull himself together. Since moving away from Dunfermline to New Zealand he has become a lot stronger, especially now his 'friends' aren't around.
There will always be head/heart moments with vehicle ownership. When I couldn't afford to run a car I'd bought on a whim, I'd SORN it, park it on the driveway and just enjoy my time fettling and cleaning it. At least with a car you can drive it in all weathers - my motorcycles used to get a few rides in the Summer and that would be it!
I'm waiting on my GR86 too and have been without a car since July having sold my KonaN in preparation. Getting a bus up to town is a right PITA and I've realised how shite our Public Transport is compared to other cities! Apart from a trip to Asda, I barely get further than the end of my drive nowadays, so the wife has demanded that I try out the 'Dunfermline Men's Shed' on a Wednesday because she say's I'm becoming a grumpy hermit and i need to do something before I spiral downwards. I'll give it a go, £2 for some tea and biscuits won't hurt I suppose, who knows, I might even learn some woodwork skills too!
I look forward to seeing that lovely blue GR86 of yours on our roads - we might even get a Scottish GR meet going one day ... As long as it's dry ... and warm ... and Sunny - that'll be one day in 2026 then? :LOL:
leosayer said:
rejoice that you've found someone you love doing ...
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Blimey Leo, there'd be hell to pay from SWMBO if I ever did find that someone! :love:
 
Having known several friends over the years who’ve suffered to varying degrees with their mental health another consistent “therapy” that comes up in conversation is physical activity. If you don’t already cycle, run, swim, gym or go hill walking it may be worth adding something else as an activity to boost your mood.

Thankfully I’ve not suffered with depression myself but I can definitely say I always feel more positive after exercising. I mountain bike almost every week and it’s an addictive mix of adrenaline, endorphins and just being out in the fresh air getting some vitimin D. I’ve met a lot of friends as a result of getting into it too which is an added plus. Definitely helpful when your social circles are often chipped away as a result of friends getting married, having families or moving away due to work.
 
I won't repeat some of the great responses that people have already said, I will just add that driving for many people is a necessity and in some cases a chore, if you are one of those lucky people who get pleasure from driving I would always say embrace it. Another way to see it is regardless of what you drive its going to cost you money. No matter whether its, exotic or mundane, a shed or brand new ,cars are pretty much all subject to the same thing, wear and tear, damage, failures and depreciation (in most cases), if you are going to go through that you might as well do it in something you want and something you enjoy.

If a car goes beyond casual enjoyment and is your therapy I certainly would not feel any guilt in it, unless it leads to other stresses in your life such as financial strain of course.

On an unrelated note, I would 1000% photo bomb this given the opportunity.

1697447882802.png
 
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A great post and responses. It’s very hard to quantify emotional things but if you work out what running the car will cost you a day, and then when you feel the black cloud about to swallow you up again how much you would pay to make it go away, it presents pretty good value.

Knowing you can do something about it is priceless. When your friends are busy or you don’t feel like talking, you’re hungry but don’t feel like eating, some fresh air would help but you don’t feel like exercise, then you can drive.

There’s a lot of demonisation of performance cars and driving, the danger and the lives that they cost. Nobody ever talks about the lives that they save.
 
Jayware33 said:
Thank you for such thoughtful and considered responses. Everyone here seems like a good bunch; you really wouldn’t get this on an Audi forum 😊
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Probably a bit harsh on Audi owners (although it was me that said it in the first place I know). There's some decent Audi owners out there, and I've met both of them. ;)
 
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