In this guest post, written for Mental Health Awareness Week, Open House co-founder Sarah Brumpton talks about the mental health benefits of wild swimming.
‘The first ten minutes are always the worst’
That’s something I say to myself whenever I launch myself into open water particularly when I’m swimming in the winter months.
I discovered the pleasures of open water swimming in late summer 2019, when a new water sports venue opened within a twenty-minute drive from my home. I had heard about the benefits of taking a dip outside, particularly for those with mental health conditions, in particular depression and anxiety.
My own history with both conditions spans well over a decade. The birth of my sons seven years apart had a significant and traumatic impact on my mental health. I have experienced postnatal depression twice; the second time was classed as severe and accomanied by psychotic features – the combination of which resulted in my admittance to the Margaret Oates Mother and Baby Unit in Nottingham. My stay as an inpatient lasted eight weeks and my treatment included anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, and mood stabilisers.
That was ten years ago. I have been medication free for only short periods since; reluctantly coming to terms that I will no doubt have depression and anxiety throughout my life.
Swimbling
I must admit that I was one of those people who went swimming but didn’t like getting their hair wet, and that’s exactly how I initially approached open water! Fast forward 18 months and I have no qualms about getting my hair wet, how big my bum looks in my swimming costume, or what my swimming technique is like (that is improving slowly by the way!).
I often go for a 'swimble' rather than swim. A swimble to me is a relaxed swim – think gentle ramble but in water. A swimble allows you to take in the scenery around you and be in full appreciation of it.
The effects of cold water
Whilst I love swimming in the summer, I find the effects of swimming in the colder months have the most significant impact on my mental health. When you dip in temperatures that most people wouldn’t dream of bathing in, you get a sense of achievement. When your body first enters the cold water, your focus is entirely on coping in that moment – any stresses or anxieties you may have are diminished – and that is a good feeling.
I also love swimming without the aid of a wetsuit as I think that the sensation of water directly on your skin can not be replicated in a wetsuit. Having said that, my two most treasured possessions are my wetsuit gloves and boots – there’s no way I could enjoy the water as much as I do without them.
Open Water swimmers are grinners
I have never come across someone who has been open water swimming who does not come out without a grin on their face. The open water community is a welcoming, inclusive, and extremely helpful one. That sense of community is something else that has had a positive impact on my mental health.
Safety first
The pandemic has resulted in a massive explosion in the numbers taking to the open water, whether in rivers, lakes, specialist venues or the sea. However, safety must always be the taken into consideration. I’m able to swim in cooler water as I have acclimatised to it.
There is a wealth of information on the web on this topic. Newbies would be wise to book an introduction to open water, it’s a great way to calm initial nerves and being in a group of other newbies is good fun.
Now restrictions are lifting I’m looking forward to more swimbling at some of the fantastic locations that this country has to offer.
To find your nearest open water swimming club, click here or visit the Outdoor Swimming Society
Sarah is the founder of maternal mental health support group, Open House Nottingham - a self help group offering mutual support to those affected by pre & postnatal mental illness.