New research, conducted in partnership with Ocean Mind – a charity supported by Newsboys Foundation since 2019 – has shown that “surf therapy” can help reduce mental illness symptoms.
Researchers at Deakin University studied 36 young people at Ocean Mind aged between eight and 18 who had reported symptoms of anxiety, depression or ADHD.
Researchers found a reduction in depression, anxiety and ADHD symptoms after six weekly sessions.
Scientists say surfing can build self-esteem through mastering a skill, creating social connections, and promoting physical activity.
That increases dopamine and adrenaline secretions, and decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Deakin University associate professor Lisa Olive told ABC News: “They need to be present. There’s that act of mindfulness and really paying attention to the ocean and the waves, and in doing that, what they report is this respite from the daily stresses in their lives.”
She told the ABC that more research needed to be done with larger numbers of participants to find out if other demographics would benefit from surf therapy.
- Read the ABC NEWS full report in this link.