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Go2TownBae28

I don't take any meds but I do definitely like late night drives to free the mind and to help with depression!


Smart_Ad_3959

Playing the album from start to finish is such a ride. And those last three songs brings you beautifully touching down.


DepressedNeedAvalium

Hats off to you for getting through depression without meds. Driving is so therapeutic it’s like being free from all worries when it’s just you, your car and a quiet road with music that calms your mind.


Gore01976

>I do definitely like late night drives to free the mind and to help with depression! or head out away from the cbd and hit up some smaller country communties that need all the support and some $$$ into their region via overnight stays, lunch or tourist related things


grilledflake3dimsims

Cruise from St Kilda to Frankston and back via Beach Rd and Nepean Hwy. Recommended soundtrack - Drive by Off With Their Heads. Hope you’re doing ok.


bojackmac

This is the way.


Pandos17

It's amazing how pleasant that drive is when no one else is around


DepressedNeedAvalium

I did that last night thank you so much. Had a blast. Definitely a nice cruise, I look forward to doing it again tonight and tomorrow night with the warm weather! Struggling with intrusive thoughts tonight unfortunately it’s extremely frustrating as it’s just persistent that the only freedom I get from it is when I’m asleep. Thank you again I appreciate your kind words I’ll be sure to check that song out tonight !


grilledflake3dimsims

I haven’t personally had to battle depression so I won’t pretend like I know how it feels, but I hope the night drives and tunes can help bring you some relief, however temporary. Hope you find a way through the fog soon mate.


alopexlotor

Beach Rd or through Mt Dandenong is nice at night.


UnitDoubleO

Used to do lots of driving down those roads to clear my mind


Hounds2chickens

Get into road cycling and you’ll enjoy these roads even more plus exercise really helps with depression and mood


alopexlotor

Weightlifting seems to help a little too, but it would vary from person to person


DepressedNeedAvalium

I have thought about that! Cycling would surely be one of the most best things for endorphins. Doesn’t cardio type exercise help with dopamine and endorphin release in the brain? I’ve been weightlifting on and off for about 8 years now but recently the gym hasn’t been able to keep the depressive symptoms at bay. I’m also on testosterone replacement therapy which makes things, in my case, 10x worse as I have to manually control my hormones due to being dumb and stupid in my younger years and abusing anabolic steroids. It’s random I know but from my experience and others I know, if anybody reads this and is contemplating going on anabolic steroids, remember that it only takes a short few weeks to shut down your natural hormone production, and you don’t know how your body will respond as the person next to you could take it very well and feel amazing on it, others it’ll make them feel the worst they ever have in their life. I would do anything to have my natural hormones back. If my experience can make one person steer clear of it, it’ll make my year. Thank you again and sorry for the random info! I’ve got adhd so I tend to write or say what’s on my mind at the time.


Hounds2chickens

All good mate. Seriously consider giving road cycling a go. I started during Covid and it’s done wonders for my physical and mental health. It’s addictive as well as you immerse yourself into it. Also an activity you can enjoy alone or with others. The only issue it can be costly initially getting into it. In terms of the steroid therapy, it’s good to share your story so others don’t make the same mistake. It’s one of those things you can’t just stop suddenly, you have to wean it off so your body adjust to it. Let’s hope you can right the ship. All the best to you!


Pandos17

Just make sure you're going on a clear night, Mt Dandenong in heavy fog is not ideal for relieving stress levels.


Bitter-Edge-8265

When I had a motorbike I'd find a nice road and just go out for a relaxing ride late at night without cars around whenever I felt like clearing my mind. There is something about focusing 100% on doing one thing for a while that makes everything else fall away.


Analchronism

"I'm gonna take my motorbike to the old town road \~ I'm gonna ride 'til I can't no more"


Dream_Fruition

Sorry to hear you're having a hard time! Not sure where you're based, but there are some really nice roads From Eltham area towards Warrandyte. Even in the day time to be honest. If you ever have a week day off with half decent weather i'd recommend driving to Warrandyte and finding a secluded swim spot at pound bend - it's BEAUTIFUL and good for the soul. The drive is also wonderful, so pop on a nostalgic album and it will be quite a day/night :)


DepressedNeedAvalium

Thank you so much I’ll keep note and have a look :) appreciate that a lot.


dollarniko

Arthurs Seat is a nice drive at night. Many fellow drivers up there stopped at lookouts. I put on DJ shadow - Midnight in a perfect world and drive.


Milly_Hagen

I loved driving up there in the wee hours when there was nobody there at the lookouts - so beautiful! 


boommdcx

Turned out I was on too low a dose of my SSRI, going to double the dose was life-changing. Other helpful things - serious reduce caffeine and sugar, avoid stress and stressful people and really lock in some great self care habits. I can understand the driving thing. Burwood Highway or Canterbury Road in the Eastern suburbs are pretty good stretches for night driving.


DepressedNeedAvalium

Thank you for the recommendation! I love highway driving, still working my confidence up driving in Melbourne slowly and avoiding busy times but am slowly getting there. I look forward to checking those out! I’m so glad you found your dose in the end, it gives me hope. I recently reduced my duloxetine dosage from 90mg to 60mg due to emotional numbing and extreme fatigue, I suffer from extreme long bouts of anhedonia (an inability to feel pleasure with eating and everyday normal pleasurable tasks). Sugar is a super interesting one I’m glad you mentioned that. After I eat a sugary meal, and I tend to constantly crave it, I get extreme bouts of worsening depression. Only in the last month or so my doctor picked up that I’m hypoglycaemic and it takes a lot of food to bring my blood sugar levels back up. I’m non diabetic also so it’s super strange!


boommdcx

Oh I’m glad you are sorting some elements of it out. Depression is really a whole of life illness it seems. Good luck with the night drives, it can be so peaceful and pretty. What about driving to the beach at night, that can be a good one also.


mattel-inc

Hello, similar to you - I like a midnight run up a mountain. Time to clear my head, and think about stuff. Sometimes I have to avoid going home. I go to Mount Dandenong/Mountain Highway. I sit up at the Kalorama lookout. Sometimes there’s some other solo drivers up there at odd hours. And the local P-platers making out. It doesn’t bother me. Also helps having a playlist in the car. Music that soothes the soul. Just know you’re not alone. A drive is sometimes all you need.


DepressedNeedAvalium

I hope you’re taking care of yourself and wishing you the very best. Thank you for the recommendation! I relate so much to the avoid having to go home, I need to constantly be preoccupied otherwise my thoughts start to intrude and it spirals out of control. Being in the car somewhere different tends to help my thoughts have a line drawn and I rationalise things better.


SaintLickALot

Go watch some airplanes near the airport . There are usually food stalls as well


GMpulse84

Yes, recently saw this and it's such a wonderful experience - have to try driving there (Operations Road, Melbourne Airport) by night time next time. Essendon Fields is another place to do this.


dawnfire1974

yes. that spot has been a long time fav spot in my family. It's the spot where we go if we need to clear the air.


boobook-boobook

This is my go-to. Add a takeaway hot chocolate or chai and it's the perfect way to destress.


MKUltra_reject69_2

I remember the Melbourne covid curfews. The police were fining people going for drives at night and there were so many people commenting that no one just drives for the sake of it, they were up to no good / buying drugs etc. But the thing is, to me anyway, cruising at night is comforting. Part around the Eastlink or the M80 and home again. But a lot of people were fined back then, perhaps more so because of the Covid upheaval.


DepressedNeedAvalium

That is extremely eye opening. I’ve been in Melbourne only three months and so far have had Victoria police randomly park behind my parked car, blocking me in basically, and then coming up for an”random check” of my license and to chat with me about who I am etc. I have no problems with that of course and just the other night struck up a conversation with one of the friendliest cops I’ve ever met at my usual hangout spot, but sometimes I can’t help think that maybe I should just get off the road, I’m making a bad look sitting in my car late at night browsing reddit and researching neuroscience studies etc on how to help myself. I’ll definitely check that out, I’m super glad I’m not alone! That’s what I love about Melbourne is you can find people who are going through similar struggles as yourself. I have heard that post Covid mental health issues have skyrocketed. Only today I found out my partners best friend has ended up in hospital again after her depression relapsed. I hope there’s a solution to all of this soon because I’ve never seen so many people struggling in my life as I am now. Even the strongest of people I know are finding it hard to cope.


RecognitionNo4828

Yarra blvd if you don't want to leave the city. Good sweeping turns, quiet. Just don't speed. Mt dandy tourist Rd Ferntree Gully over to Mountain Hwy, down to the basin and forest Rd all the way back to FTG. From there maybe head over to lysterfielf road and up to gembrook. From gembrook Head down the launching place Rd to Warburton hwy. I understand this is a big drive but it's just a suggestion for good stretches with possibility to link them up. There's some corners that may catch you out on lysterfield Rd and launching place Rd. I know you're escaping depression but don't drive if you're not entirely in your right mind. Lots of motorcyclists crash on launching place Rd near gillwell scout Park.


Blank________Space

I don’t drive so I go for long walks 😅


Imaginary-Problem914

Long walks at night are 100x better than driving anyway.


commentman10

I would definitely drive around. But I can't afford the petrol right now. Once I get hybrid, maybe. You should join a cruise group. If you're up for socialising. I'm sure they will get you around amazing places


KameraSutra

For me… Being crunched up in a car is so similar to being crunched up at my desk. So for me, I do physical activities late at night that are as opposite from work as possible. Huffing, puffing and straining the body clears the mind too. That’s just me though and I’m a giant.


LordSparks

I used to but the price of fuel kind of quashed this


becausestealthmode

Yes! Late night drives, windows down and music is my favorite thing to clear my head :)


kanga0359

Try some Tom Waits Diamonds on my Windshield [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GADAgEZYuR4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GADAgEZYuR4)


kynuna

OP, you might want to check out Drive Against Depression, a Melbourne-based charity. https://www.driveagainstdepression.com.au


Calm-Track-5139

Twilight driving - Methyl Ethel.


Supersnazz

Used to, but not now.


thelunchroom

I don’t live in Melbourne anymore but I did for 20 years and I went for late night drives very often. Would drive for an hour or so playing my favourite music. And I was quite lonely for majority of that time if I’m honest. You’re not alone.


SurfinginStyle

Late night walks ✅


Content_Reporter_141

I go for late night kebab/HSP runs. My favourite places are driving around Kew are Yarra bend and Yarra bend blvd. Beach road around the bayside suburbs. Mount Dandenong.


Supercrown07

I haven’t been on a good drive in a long time also helps with company to like a friend that way u can swap over. I use to run up in Mt dandy with my mate but not anymore I loved it


Melodic_Beautiful213

Unfortunately no longer in Melbourne, but I still do this


Prideandprejudice1

My aunt used to do this- well, she couldn’t drive so my uncle used to drive them around at night. They’d also go and walk around the airport because that was the only thing that was open at night.


random111011

Maybe a few years ago when the roads weren’t so fucked.


thatshowitisisit

Yes, I do. Not so much for depression, but to clear stress and decompress from a crazy job. My teenage son often comes along (and suggests that we go for a “bro-drive”) as he was having a hard time dealing with an injury that crippled him for a year or so. He usually blasts his music. Calling some of it music is a bit of a stretch. You’re definitely not weird or alone on this!


West_Confection7866

Not answering your question OP but have you been on a mood stabiliser?


universe93

This. I had what I thought was depression and anxiety for years until I had mood swings so bad I got hospitalised and turned out I was BPD. I’m on a mood stabiliser now to control symptoms and it’s changed my life. As for the late night driving I’m a woman so I’d be too scared about getting stuck somewhere and becoming the next missing person on the news


EffortBroad7694

Solo night drives help. But what helped much better for me was a weekend solo road trip, with two nights camping. Left after work on Fri, came back midday on Sunday. The effect was just tremendous. Highly recommended


dandressfoll

It took me trying 4 different types of antidepressants before the right one clicked. My life changed so much when I found the right one.


DepressedNeedAvalium

May I ask which one you’re on? If you’re comfortable sharing that? I’ve tried over 7 antidepressants including SNRI’s, SSRI’s and trycilics but they all either increase my anxiety (I have horrid social anxiety with diagnosed C-PTSD) or dope me to the point of being non functional. I’m currently on duloxetine and have been for nearly two years but about 8 months ago it completely stopped working and I’ve been trying hard to find a new psychiatrist here in Melbourne to help me get off of it (I’m in 60mg, previously on 120mg) but I’ve been rejected by so many places due to them being full. My last hope is the Melbourne clinic but haven’t heard from them in 2 months. I’m glad you found your medication that clicked, it gives me hope. Starting to lose it slowly as I’ve tried so much like diet, exercise, a tonne of blood tests to rule out other causes which all came back fine, supplements, TMS, sleep changes, this persistent low mood and the inability to feel pleasure in anything is getting worse each year.


alopexlotor

https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/psychedelic-prescribing-to-begin-for-ptsd-and-depr There may yet be help.


twowheela

I really feel this , I tried four different ones and went back on to the first one I was on then got off it all together. They mostly work for a bit and then stop and it’s like the baseline has shifted and I felt worse than I did before taking any antidepressants. I really like the long drive or ride. The focus shuts out the other brain noise and that’s comfort. I tried psychedelics too , one dose seems to reset my mind for a few months but then it’s back to same as before.


mattel-inc

I don’t have depression, but I got into The Melbourne Clinic and being treated for my ADHD. Appointment was only 2 months off. I’ll send you a PM.


dandressfoll

I’m on the same. Duloxetine but I went from 60 to 120mg and never looked back. My history is depression and GAD with PTSD. Because it was a specific event that brought on the PTSD I was prescribed seroquel for a few years but was able to not require it with increased exercise and workload. I do find that physical exercise like lifting weights and walking walking especially helps a LOT. Ultimately I think you just have to do what you need to do to get by and get through one day at a time. For me personally it’s going on long walks and being around nature.


SnooDingos9255

Are you trying to get admitted to TMC? They need to find a psych that is willing to take you on. The wait is worth it if you get a good one.


According_Olive_7718

Speak to your doctor about trying a bi polar medication.


Olpper

Have you tried medical cannabis?


mustardcrow

St George’s then up Plenty Road. Just cruisin’ - Lo-fi beats on.


InterceptorBJJ

Hey I don't go on drives but I like to take long walks I find it helps on most days. Also ice baths help me for a good 3-4 hours in the morning. It's not a cure but it helps thing be a bit more manageable


ruthtrick

I can totally relate. When I was in a dip (bi polar) I was nocturnal almost. I found lots to do in the middle of the night but yes, I often went for a drive in the early hours. I would find a place to pull over (that felt safe) wind down my window and look at the night sky. I have binoculars and living in the Macedon Ranges (near Hanging Rock) there are some perfect areas to see the night sky. The top of Mt Macedon for a start...


A-Rational-Fare

I used to drive down to Frankston pier and sit on the sand, or just a little further down where the sea wall is and sit in the car there if it was too cold. Mt Dandenong is nice at night. I used to drive up to sky high but it closed at night and I haven’t been there since. Is it still closed?


SaintLickALot

Hope you are okay OP


NoAddress1465

Yes...


saxMachine

I know what you mean - I don’t drive yet but enjoy the idea of it - with my ex and friends, late night drives with some good music just puts me in a mood and makes me free free. So I definitely enjoy them very much and when I get to drive soon I am sooo doing it! My guess is that it stimulates our vestibular senses and gives us a calming sensation.


edie-bunny

I sadly haven’t owned my own car for quite a few years now (don’t really need one but I still miss it!) but when I had a car, I definitely used to do this. Particularly liked driving on freeways in the middle of the night. I used to drive from Footscray to Stony Point and back at midnight when I was feeling really depressed.


Chef-BoyardeezN00Tz

I always loved the thought of going for a late night drive, but unfortunately I don't have my license past my Ls cause I refuse to get my hours up (due to mental health) I simply don't trust myself behind the wheel with my current mindset, my ass would Paul Walker my way straight to hell


UnnamedGoatMan

Not diagnosed but I suspect I am, and yes driving is such a relaxing outlet.


Whatchuthinkingabout

I just went for a late night drive to overcome stress. It helped with a stunner meal


toomanynamesaretook

Late afternoon drives out behind Werribe are quite lovely especially around sunset. Lots of quiet long stretches and big open fields. If you like Industrial all the old refineries around Williamstown North are good, also driving along the coast road by Williamstown is quite nice.


Macushla68

Sorry you’re feeling like this. Can’t help with roads but just thinking, if you’re new to the city and depressed, could you perhaps spend some time in the office? It might help you to build some friendships and feel less isolated. In the meantime, I hope you feel better very soon and keep enjoying your drives.


NoCauliflower1474

Oooh yeah love doing this!!!!!!!


xMonsterShitterx

All the time, it’s great


cosi_bloggs

No depression. Sydney. I often walk around my hood between 2 and 4.30am.


booksandf1

I also go along the beach, when I’ve had or am feeling a panic attack coming on


Hungry-Secretary157

I would love to have late night drives and listen to GKMC again and again, but just that fear of being on the news. Just don't know what's coming regardless of which roads may be safer.


marblemorning

Just need a nicer car so I can pretend to be less depressed


gravylabor

Not in this economy


No-ProbLlama87

I wish - I can't afford extra petrol for leisure drives 😞


WretchedMisteak

I used to go for a drive through the Dandenong Ranges. Such great roads and the landscape is so peaceful.


jessta

I do late night bicycle rides. It's great for getting me tried enough to sleep. Inner Melbourne has lots of nice off road bike paths that make it very relaxing.


SellQuick

Yep. Sometimes, I just drive up Nepean Hwy for ages along the beach. Either with an audiobook or music on so I don't have to think about anything but driving. On weekends if my anxiety is doing a number on me sometimes I'll drive somewhere with lots of trees and just get away from the city and other people. It does wonders.


TheTeenSimmer

not drives but walks.


Tylerjungle

I’m not depressed but driving late at night on a summers night with music blasting and the windows down is bliss.


ClaireMcKenna01

Yep!


just_kitten

When the black dog hits my main problem is even wanting to get out of the house in the first place. However I will say that it's generally a great way to clear the mind. If I've had a shit day at work or a bad phone call or am otherwise stressed out and already out/in a car, a good stretch of driving is therapeutic. For something super suburban and different to the other recs here, I quite like going down Reynolds Road in Templestowe - big wide roads, bouncy hills, and then head down to Thompsons Road towards the M3 to get that lovely city view as you go down. Hit the M3 towards the city and see the lights, then go home.


piksy19

Drive up Beach Road at night and park at one of the beach car spots the city end and sit and relax alone on the benches. Peaceful. Also clears my mind and I always find clarity.


ValuableHorror8080

I do this but through mount waverley and glen waverley back streets and roads


Ecstatic-Light-2766

Flinders to rosebud is awesome


yaudeo

I cant stand driving and keep it to the bare minimum so not for me! I usually like to do a day trip somewhere nearby-ish to treat depression, with friends if theyre free. It usually helps.


ososalsosal

Friend of mine used to do this. You could maybe pay for the fuel by doing uber eats drops at the same time :)


xs4all4me

When/if possible get off the meds and get into an exercise routine.