A Midlands man has shared how he transformed his life after years of struggling with severe depression and alcohol abuse, crediting one simple activity for his remarkable recovery.
From Despair to Hope
Richard Williams, 42, from Worcestershire, experienced mental health difficulties for years before understanding what he was facing. His struggles intensified in 2018 when he began drinking heavily, eventually receiving a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
The situation reached a critical point in March 2022 when Richard attempted to take his own life. He revealed: "I got to the point where I was like 'this is it, I'm no good. I'm going to end it all'. I had a couple of attempts to end it all. Fortunately, they weren't successful."
The Turning Point
Following his suicide attempt, Richard committed to rebuilding his life through exercise, medication, and therapy. A conversation with an old friend led him to join the OUTdoor Swimming as a nature-based Intervention for DEpression (OUTSIDE) research project at a lake in Bishampton.
Richard explained the difficulty of seeking help during mental health crises: "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."
The OUTSIDE studies, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), investigate how outdoor swimming affects depression and anxiety. Research indicates that entering natural waters at temperatures between 20°C and 25°C or lower creates significant physiological effects.
A New Beginning
Despite feeling "super anxious" before his first swim, Richard immediately connected with the activity. "When you're dipping, you're concentrating on your breathing and trying not to think about how cold you are," he described. "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."
Richard has maintained his sobriety and married his wife Lisa in August. As an avid runner, he has expanded his physical activities to include triathlons, using cold water immersion as his primary method for managing stress and maintaining mental balance.
His story emerges as the Government launches a new men's health strategy targeting suicide prevention, alcohol abuse, and problem gambling. Dr Esther Mukuka, NIHR's director of research inclusion, 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 that Richard's participation helps researchers understand if outdoor swimming could benefit other adults experiencing depression and anxiety, demonstrating how health research can create positive change for both individuals and society.
