British scientists are testing a new therapy to combat depression among young people aged 12 to 25: surf lessons. The pilot project is being coordinated by the National Health Service in Cornwall, in the south-west of the country.
The goal of surfing is to regain self-confidence in themselves and also learn a new skill, Joe McEvoy, from the health care agency in Cornwall, told the BBC. Depression is a psychiatric illness that causes low mood, loss of interest in daily activities, low self-esteem, sleep disorders, as well as concentration problems.
In 2009, a similar program was started in the region offering surf therapy for British armed forces personnel suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The program was organized by former British soldier Rich Emerson, who suffered from PTSD, whose symptoms include depression, anxiety and uncontrollable anger. Emerson has come to the conclusion that the main benefit of surfing is that focusing your energy and attention on the waves helps you forget about everything else.
Cornwall, located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, is a region of high waves and has become the "capital" of surfing in the United Kingdom.
