Cycling to Break the AnxietyCycle
Journey: From Anxiety to Empowerment
In the tranquil suburb of Strathmore, Justin Sacr navigates life’s complexities not behind the wheel of a car, but through the rhythmic cadence of bicycle pedals.
At 33, Justin’s journey with anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) has been both challenging and enlightening, shaping a path where his bicycle has emerged not merely as a mode of transport, but as a beacon of freedom and healing.
Since the tender age of 14, Justin has grappled with the pervasive grip of anxiety and OCD, his condition casting a shadow over even the simplest daily activities. The act of driving, with its unpredictable bumps and jolts, became a source of intense fear, each vibration triggering the dread that he might have caused harm. It was amidst this turmoil that cycling became his sanctuary, a daily ritual that not only bridged the gap to the workplace but also released a cascade of nature’s own elixirs, akin to antidepressants, soothing the tumult within.
As the facilitator of the Anxiety Recovery Centre of Victoria’s support group in Moonee Valley, Justin extends a hand to those entangled in similar battles. His early encounters with anxiety were marked by relentless rituals, from excessive hand-washing to the compulsive sharpening of pencils, all in a desperate bid to quell the inner chaos that made academic focus an insurmountable feat.
Yet, the landscape of mental health support has transformed since Justin’s younger days, with increased awareness, education, and medical understanding offering new avenues of hope. Despite a daunting period at 26, where depression ensnared him in its depths, the unwavering support of loved ones and professional intervention guided him towards a place of contentment and equilibrium.
Justin’s philosophy towards recovery hinges on acceptance — embracing the presence of anxiety without resistance, thereby diminishing its power. He likens his approach to a dance with the mind, where acknowledging anxiety’s presence gently coaxes it into retreat, creating moments of respite and clarity.
OCD, a condition that weaves a complex tapestry affecting over half a million Australians, remains an enigma with theories aplenty but no definitive cause. Yet, within the embrace of the support group that Justin leads, individuals find solace in shared experiences, drawing strength from the collective journey of resilience and recovery.
Today, Justin reflects on a life rich with experiences, from global travels to the simple joy of cycling, each pedal stroke a testament to the enduring spirit of those navigating the landscape of mental illness. With the right blend of professional care and communal support, he affirms, life’s tapestry continues to unfold in vibrant hues, underscored by the steady beat of hope and perseverance.
