A Worcestershire man has revealed how taking up outdoor swimming helped him overcome severe depression and alcohol dependency, completely transforming his life.
From despair to hope
Richard Williams, 42, struggled with mental health issues for years before being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2018. His condition led to heavy drinking and reached a critical point in March 2022 when he attempted to take his own life.
"I got to the point where I was like, this is it, I'm no good," Mr Williams recalled. "I had a couple of attempts to end it all. Fortunately, they weren't successful."
The turning point
After surviving his suicide attempt, Mr Williams began working on his recovery through exercise, medication and therapy. His breakthrough came through a chance conversation with an old friend who was going through a divorce.
She told him about the OUTSIDE research project, which investigates how outdoor swimming affects depression and anxiety. The National Institute for Health and Care Research funds these studies exploring the impact of entering lakes, rivers and other natural water sources.
"Everything happens for a reason, right?" Mr Williams said. "At the time, I had been looking for help, 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."
Life-changing cold water
Mr Williams described feeling "super anxious" but excited before his first swim at Bishampton Lake. The experience proved immediately transformative.
"I instantly just fell in love with it," he explained. "I was trying everything at the time. 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 discovered that the cold water immersion provided immediate mental relief. "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 beginning
Mr Williams is now sober, recently married his wife Lisa in August, and has become an avid runner who competes in triathlons. He continues to use cold water swimming to manage stress and maintain his mental wellbeing.
His story emerges as the Government launches a new men's health strategy targeting issues like suicide, alcohol abuse and problem gambling. The blueprint aims to address specific physical and mental health challenges facing men.
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."
She added: "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 OUTSIDE studies continue to recruit participants through bepartofresearch.uk, offering hope to others struggling with similar mental health challenges.
