For me, this AGDQ was filled with so many highs, but also a few lows. So let's start with the highs:
Just another speedrunner trying their best.
Member of The Clock Tower.
And I gave an honest answer: Depression.
When I'm starting to feel numb or overwhelmed, speedrunning gives me an outlet that feels productive, while still allowing me to just shut my brain off and go.
I have a backlog of literally thousands of games, but most days I just don't have the emotional energy to risk playing something new. I crave the repetition and familiarity that comes from booting up a speedgame and just letting muscle memory take over.
It's a lot like putting on a 10 year old shirt. It's old, maybe a bit boring, and hell you may not even particularly like it anymore. But it's comfortable, and sometimes comfortable is the best you can manage.