A Worcestershire man who struggled with severe depression and alcohol abuse has revealed how outdoor swimming fundamentally transformed his life, helping him achieve sobriety and find new happiness.
A Downward Spiral and a Turning Point
Richard Williams, 42, from Worcestershire, experienced years of depression before receiving a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. His mental health challenges escalated in 2018, leading to heavy drinking. The situation reached a critical point in March 2022, when Mr Williams attempted to take his own life.
"I got to the point where I was like, this is it, I'm no good," he recalled. "I'm going to end it all. I had a couple of attempts to end it all. Fortunately, they weren't successful."
Following this crisis, he committed to his recovery, exploring various methods including exercise, medication, and therapy. However, a pivotal moment came through a chance conversation with an old friend who was navigating a divorce.
The Life-Changing Power of Cold Water
His friend had applied for a swimming course that was part of a research study, which led Mr Williams to join the OUTdoor Swimming as a nature-based Intervention for DEpression (OUTSIDE) project. The OUTSIDE and OUTSIDE 2 studies are funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and investigate the impact of outdoor swimming on depression and anxiety.
"Everything happens for a reason, right?" Mr Williams said. "At the time, I had been looking, but I didn't really know where to look. There's probably loads of information out there, but if you are anxious or depressed or suffering, you don't know where to go and you're too scared to ask."
Despite feeling "super anxious," he felt excitement ahead of his first swim at a lake in Bishampton. "I didn't really know what it was going to involve. I instantly just fell in love with it," he shared. "I was a few months sober by that time and I was feeling a little bit better. But when I got into the cold water, it changed my life."
He described the unique mental reset the cold water provides: "When you're dipping, you're concentrating on your breathing and trying not to think about how cold you are. It just wipes the slate clean. I use it to get to that kind of calm, blank space. A couple of minutes there, and that's all I need."
A New Chapter and National Implications
The positive change in Mr Williams's life is profound. He is now sober, and in August he married his wife, Lisa. He continues to use cold water to manage stress and has incorporated his newfound wellness into an active lifestyle, taking up triathlons as a keen runner.
His story emerges as the Government launches a new strategy for men's health, aiming to tackle pressing issues such as suicide, alcohol abuse, and problem gambling.
Dr Esther Mukuka, director of research inclusion at the NIHR, commented: "Men struggle with unique health challenges, including higher rates of suicide and addiction. Far too many men endure their struggles in silence, avoiding mental health services despite desperately needing support."
She highlighted the importance of Mr Williams's participation: "Richard's story is a powerful example of how health and care research can help both individuals and society as a whole. Thanks to his participation, we're one step closer to finding out if outdoor swimming could be helpful for adults experiencing depression and anxiety."
The NIHR notes that entering natural bodies of water at temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius and below has a significant physiological effect. Those interested in participating in similar cold water studies can find more information at bepartofresearch.uk.
