In April 2025 my hubby and I moved up to Yorkshire from the South of England for an easier life and for the benefit of our mental health. Little did I realise at the time that I was just about to find the perfect hobby that would allow me to totally live in the moment, try something new, surround myself with a great bunch of people and spend time in nature or to be more specific the North Sea. Sea swimming has been life changing for me. The anti-depressants I have been taking for as long as I can remember have gone, I feel fitter, happier and laugh a lot more.
There are so many benefits to open water swimming, but the things I appreciate the most about it is the friends I have made, the laughs we share and the way the cold water makes me feel. I can truly live in the moment and focus on what’s going on at the time. It gives me a real buzz that I carry with me for the rest of the day and being out in nature helps me feel connected to my surroundings. The full body workout sets me up for my day and facing the cold water and the waves gives me a resilience and mindset that I can face anything the day throws at me.
At every swim there is usually someone on the beach with a phone to take photos of us in the sea and this photo says so much about how we all feel when we get out of the sea….it really reminded me of the Black Dog metaphor and the way the photographer has caught him slinking away from us as we walk towards the beach huts made me think of my own mental health and how my life has completely changed.
Depression is often described as more than just sadness—it can feel like a heavy, persistent presence that follows a person through their daily life. One of the most well-known metaphors for this experience is the “black dog,” a term popularized by Winston Churchill. The black dog represents the way depression can appear uninvited, linger unpredictably, and drain energy, motivation, and hope. Some days it may sit quietly in the corner; on others, it feels overwhelming, making even simple tasks seem exhausting.
Living with the black dog can be isolating. It can distort thoughts, making people feel worthless, disconnected, or trapped in a cycle of negative thinking. Activities that once brought joy may lose their appeal, and relationships can feel strained as individuals struggle to explain what they’re going through. Importantly, depression is not a sign of weakness—it is a real and complex mental health condition that affects both the mind and body.
Counselling can play a vital role in helping someone cope with depression. Through approaches like talking therapy, individuals are given a safe, non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts and feelings. A trained counsellor can help identify patterns in thinking, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and introduce practical strategies to manage symptoms. Over time, this process can make the black dog feel less powerful and more manageable.
In addition to providing emotional support, counselling can help people rebuild a sense of control and resilience. It encourages self-awareness and equips individuals with tools to navigate difficult moments, whether that’s through grounding techniques, reframing negative thoughts, or developing healthier routines. While the black dog may not disappear entirely for everyone, counselling can help ensure it no longer dominates life, allowing space for hope, connection, and recovery.
To find out more about wild swimming click here: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/…/how-to-stay-healthy-while…/ and if you want to find out more about cold water swimming on the East Yorkshire coast why not take a look at the Flamborough Flippers Facebook page Flamborough Flippers | Facebook
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