Blue-space therapy gains traction for trauma, anxiety and addiction
8 reported
A growing number of organisations worldwide are using the ocean as a therapeutic tool to help people cope with trauma, anxiety and addiction, according to a report by The Guardian. The practice, known as blue-space therapy or blue mind, builds on the work of marine biologist Wallace J Nichols and his 2014 book "Blue Mind," which explored the neurological and psychological benefits of being near water. Charities such as Turn to Starboard in the UK and Waves of Recovery in California use sailing and surfing to support veterans and individuals battling mental health issues and addiction. Former British army corporal Dave Phillips, 67, credits Turn to Starboard with helping him recover from PTSD after he considered suicide. Sophie Pyne, co-founder of Waves of Recovery, says the number of similar programmes has grown from about 50 in 2022 to over 100 worldwide. Research into blue spaces is still in its early stages, with geographer Catherine Kelly noting that funding has historically focused on green spaces.
What’s reported
Dave Phillips, a former British army corporal, considered suicide while standing on a cliff in Cornwall several years ago due to untreated PTSD and the loss of loved ones.
Phillips sought professional help and was introduced to Turn to Starboard, a British charity that helps veterans cope with trauma through sailing.
Phillips is now part of a crew circumnavigating the UK on two tall ships, raising money for the charity and carrying the Invictus Games flag.
Wallace J Nichols' 2014 book "Blue Mind" brought the ocean's therapeutic power to the forefront, describing the draw to water as the theory of blue space or blue mind.
Sophie Pyne co-founded Waves of Recovery, a California non-profit that uses surfing retreats to help people confront mental health and addiction.
Pyne says the number of similar organisations grew from about 50 in 2022 to over 100 worldwide.
Dr James Jung, a California-based psychiatrist and former US military combat veteran, runs Inner Depths, a freediving centre that uses freediving to help regulate the nervous system.
Geographer Catherine Kelly advises government initiatives related to blue spaces and says research into blue spaces is only starting to be funded now, as policymakers previously focused on green spaces.
Key figures
Dave Phillips, former British army corporal
Sally Terry, chief executive of Turn to Starboard
Wallace J Nichols, marine biologist and author of "Blue Mind"
Sophie Pyne, co-founder of Waves of Recovery
Catherine Kelly, geographer
Dr James Jung, California-based psychiatrist and former US military combat veteran
Sources: The Guardian
