Blue-space therapy—the practice of using proximity to oceans, rivers, and lakes to improve mental health—is rapidly expanding. According to marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, author of Blue Mind, exposure to water environments can lower cortisol levels and improve happiness. Organizations like Turn to Starboard and Waves of Recovery are now utilizing these therapeutic effects to help veterans and individuals battling addiction, with programs growing from almost 50 in 2022 to over 100 globally.
How does the “Blue Mind” theory affect mental health?
The “Blue Mind” theory, popularized by Wallace J. Nichols in his 2014 book, posits that humans experience a measurable shift in brain chemistry when near water. According to Nichols’ research, this environment can be medicine for the brain, reducing the stress hormone cortisol. Catherine Kelly, a geographer who advises government initiatives on blue spaces, notes that while daily life often demands “focused attention” that leads to mental fatigue, water environments encourage a state of “drift.” During this state, physical symptoms of stress—such as tense shoulders or rapid breathing—tend to dissipate.
The shift toward “blue-space” therapy mirrors the earlier adoption of “green-space” ecotherapy. However, experts like Catherine Kelly suggest that while green spaces are well-established in social prescribing, blue spaces are only just beginning to receive dedicated policy funding.
Why are veterans turning to sailing and surfing for recovery?
For many military veterans, the ocean offers a path toward healing. Dave Phillips, a 67-year-old former British army corporal, credits his involvement with the charity Turn to Starboard for helping him manage PTSD, anxiety and depression. Phillips, who once stood on a cliff’s edge contemplating suicide, now participates in long-distance sailing expeditions. According to Sally Terry, chief executive of Turn to Starboard, the sea has the power to “awaken something” in people, providing a sense of purpose and physical aliveness that helps veterans reconnect with their lives.
How is surf therapy being integrated into clinical care?
Surf therapy is increasingly functioning as a complement to traditional clinical treatment. Sophie Pyne, co-founder of the California-based non-profit Waves of Recovery, reports that the number of global organizations using surfing as a therapeutic tool has climbed to over 100 in recent years. These programs often work alongside local treatment centers. By removing the traditional clinical environment, Pyne explains that the ocean acts as a “co-healer,” breaking down the stigma often associated with seeking help for addiction or mental health challenges.
Pro Tip: The role of weightlessness in recovery
Therapeutic applications now extend beneath the surface. Dr. James Jung, a psychiatrist and founder of the freediving center Inner Depths, uses the sensation of weightlessness in kelp forests to help patients regulate their nervous systems. His approach focuses on “leaning into a process” rather than reaching a specific destination, which he identifies as a key component of trauma recovery.
What is the future of blue-space funding?
While the popularity of blue-space wellness is rising, the sector faces challenges regarding government funding. Catherine Kelly points out that policymakers often view woodland or park-based interventions as “safer” for social prescribing than aquatic activities. Despite this, the growth of the sector suggests a shift in perception. As more organizations like Waves of Recovery and Turn to Starboard provide documented success stories, the demand for science-backed, nature-based mental health interventions continues to increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is “blue space” in the context of therapy? It refers to environments near water, such as oceans, lakes, or rivers, which are used to promote psychological and physical healing.
- Is blue-space therapy a substitute for professional medical help? No. Most organizations, including Waves of Recovery, operate as a complement to broader, professional recovery and treatment processes.
- Can anyone participate in these programs? Many programs, such as those run by Turn to Starboard, are specifically designed for veterans, though various surf and water-based therapy groups exist for the general public.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the UK and Ireland, contact Samaritans at 116 123. In the US, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In Australia, call Lifeline at 13 11 14.
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