Freediving and Mental Health: How the Ocean Heals

It's disappointing to see such a lack of education and understanding around freediving, mostly around fear of shallow water blackouts (commonly mistaken for drowning) and depth. However, freediving adds depth to people's lives.

Freediving offers profound therapeutic benefits, particularly for individuals facing mental health challenges such as PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, depression, and low self-esteem. Having personally struggled with depression, I found my connection to the ocean to be a lifeline, guiding me toward healing and resilience. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of training hundreds of divers, many of whom came to the water carrying the weight of their own mental health battles. Yet, without exception, each one has shared that their experience with freediving has been transformative, providing a unique sense of peace, empowerment, and connection.

One powerful example is a message I received from Emerge and See, an organisation dedicated to helping service workers manage trauma and PTSD

"One of our members (JOHN) and his son (SMITH) attended your Beginner Freediver course last hear and believes it had a profound impact on his progression with PTSD symptoms. He spoke on what a positive impact you had..."

and this is a message from 'John' ,

"I just want to thank you for helping me with my PTSD through freediving..."

Freediving is more than just a sport or a way to explore the underwater world—it’s a powerful tool for improving mental health and well-being. The sense of peace, connection, and focus that comes with freediving can have profound effects on the mind, helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, and even depression. In this blog post, we’ll explore how freediving can positively impact mental health, drawing on insights from the Blue Mind Theory and other scientific studies.

1. The Blue Mind Theory: The Science Behind the Healing Power of Water

The Blue Mind Theory, popularized by marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols in his book Blue Mind, explores the psychological and emotional benefits of being in, on, or near water. According to Nichols, our brains are hardwired to respond positively to water, which can lead to a state of calm, focus, and creativity—what he calls the "Blue Mind."

Key Concepts of Blue Mind:

• Stress Reduction: The sound and sight of water have been shown to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and reduce anxiety. Water acts as a natural de-stressor, helping the mind to relax and recover from the pressures of everyday life.

• Increased Mindfulness: Being in the water requires a heightened sense of awareness and presence, leading to a state of mindfulness. Freediving, in particular, demands deep focus and concentration, which can help clear the mind of distractions and promote mental clarity.

• Enhanced Connection: Water fosters a sense of connection—to nature, to oneself, and to others. This connection is a powerful antidote to feelings of isolation and loneliness, common contributors to mental health challenges.

2. Freediving as a Mindful Practice

Freediving is inherently a mindful practice. The focus on breath control, the slow descent into the depths, and the silence of the underwater world create a unique environment for meditation and mental stillness.

How Freediving Promotes Mindfulness:

• Breath Control: The practice of slow, controlled breathing before a dive is similar to the breathing techniques used in meditation and yoga. This deep breathing calms the nervous system, reduces stress, and prepares the body and mind for the dive.

• Focus and Presence: When you’re freediving, every action is deliberate. The need to equalize, monitor your body’s signals, and remain aware of your surroundings keeps your mind fully engaged in the present moment, leaving little room for intrusive thoughts or worries.

• Sensory Experience: Freediving engages all the senses—sight, sound, touch—which can help ground you in the moment and promote a state of flow, where time seems to slow down, and your mind and body work in perfect harmony.

3. The Mental Health Benefits of Freediving

Freediving offers a range of mental health benefits, supported by both anecdotal evidence from the freediving community and scientific research.

Stress Relief and Anxiety Reduction:

• The calming effects of being in the water, combined with the rhythmic breathing techniques used in freediving, can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that spending time in natural environments, particularly around water, can lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation.

• The focus on breath-holding and deep breathing during freediving can also activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s rest and digest response. This can help counteract the fight-or-flight response that often accompanies anxiety.

Improved Mood and Emotional Well-being:

• The sense of achievement and progress that comes with mastering new skills in freediving can boost self-esteem and confidence. This, in turn, can have a positive impact on mood and overall emotional well-being.

• The connection with nature and the underwater environment can evoke feelings of awe and wonder, which are known to enhance mood and promote feelings of happiness and contentment.

Depression and Mental Clarity:

• Freediving can provide a natural escape from the pressures and demands of daily life, offering a mental reset. The immersive nature of the underwater world can help clear the mind of negative thoughts and promote a sense of peace and clarity.

• Engaging in physical activity, such as freediving, is also known to release endorphins—the body’s natural mood lifters. Regular physical exercise is a well-established method for managing symptoms of depression.

4. Freediving as Therapy: Connecting with the Ocean and Yourself

For many freedivers, the ocean serves as a therapeutic space—a place where they can disconnect from the noise of the world and reconnect with themselves. This therapeutic aspect of freediving is supported by the Blue Mind Theory and other research into the benefits of water-based activities.

Connection with Nature:

• The natural world, particularly the ocean, has a profound ability to restore and rejuvenate the mind. Being in the ocean allows freedivers to experience a sense of awe and connection that can be deeply healing. This connection to nature is a key component of the Blue Mind Theory and has been linked to reduced stress, improved mood, and greater overall well-being.

Self-Discovery and Personal Growth:

• Freediving challenges you to push your limits, both physically and mentally. Overcoming fears, managing stress, and achieving new depths can lead to significant personal growth and a deeper understanding of yourself. Many freedivers describe the sport as a journey of self-discovery, where they learn to trust their bodies, confront their fears, and embrace the unknown.

5. Incorporating Freediving into Your Mental Health Routine

If you’re looking to incorporate freediving into your mental health routine, here are some tips to get started:

• Start with Mindful Breathing: Practice deep, mindful breathing on land to help reduce stress and anxiety. Incorporate these techniques into your pre-dive routine to promote relaxation and focus.

• Set Intentions for Your Dives: Before each dive, set a positive intention, whether it’s to relax, explore, or simply enjoy the experience. This can help guide your mental state and enhance the therapeutic benefits of the dive.

• Connect with the Community: Join a local freediving club or online community to connect with others who share your passion for the ocean. Sharing experiences and supporting one another can further enhance the mental health benefits of freediving.

• Explore New Waters: Traveling to new dive sites and exploring different underwater environments can keep the experience fresh and exciting, helping to maintain your motivation and engagement with the sport.

4. Scuba Diving as a Therapy for People with Disabilities

Scuba diving is increasingly recognised as a powerful form of therapy, offering both psychological and physiological benefits to individuals. According to recent research, scuba diving can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, especially in veterans and people experiencing high levels of stress. The immersive nature of scuba diving, combined with the rhythmic breathing techniques and weightlessness experienced underwater, helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and a sense of calm. Moreover, being submerged in water provides a unique environment for mindfulness, encouraging participants to focus on their surroundings and sensations, which can enhance emotional well-being. As a therapeutic activity, scuba diving not only connects individuals with the ocean but also offers a unique way to heal and rejuvenate the mind and body.

Conclusion

Freediving is much more than a physical challenge; it’s a journey into the depths of your own mind. The ocean offers a unique environment for healing and growth, supported by the Blue Mind Theory and scientific research on the benefits of water-based activities. By incorporating freediving into your routine, you can tap into the mental health benefits of this incredible sport, finding peace, focus, and a deeper connection to both nature and yourself.

So, take a deep breath, dive in, and let the ocean work its magic on your mind.