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Welcome to My Mental Health Blog
This blog came into life after I faced some personal hardships. I lost a good friend and partner and my job, but what I find strength in is my chosen family and the sea. I want to help other people with my scientific knowledge as a Psychology PhD, but also from my experience as a mental health patient. I always get mad how much misinformation is out there that can put people at harm and want to change this with this blog – to give people easily understandable, scientifically proven information and tools to cope with what the world throws at us.
How Surfing Helps My Mental Health
Eight years ago, my surfing journey began during a road trip along the coasts of France, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. I had just completed my bachelor's and was in a period of uncertainty—my master's destination was still undecided, but Psychology was certain. I was recovering from a difficult relationship and a painful fall-out with a study group. Surfing offered me a sanctuary.
Every wave reminded me to stay present, to accept unpredictability. The surf community’s warmth and solidarity helped heal my trust. Studies such as Godfrey et al. (2015) and Snelling et al. (2020) show surfing’s impact on emotional regulation and trauma recovery, echoing what I lived through.
Later, through the University of Edinburgh surf club, I found competitive but supportive surf culture in Scotland. The Wave Project’s research backs this too: surf therapy builds resilience, improves mood, and fosters connection.