Jared Lindzon posted an article in The New Your Times
with catchy title: “How Sky Diving Cured My Depression”. The post concluded
with the following:
“In essence it completely changed my relationship with
fear, which had become a very regular part of my daily life through the
depressed period.
In those months of darkness I was too afraid to put
myself out there, but you know what’s scarier than rejection? Jumping out of an
airplane. I was too afraid to take risks, but you know what’s scarier than
failure? Jumping out of an airplane. I was too afraid to talk to anyone about,
much less write and publish a story about, my battle with depression, but you
know what’s scarier than being vulnerable? Take a guess.
I survived the scariest thing I can image doing, and
now I feel like there’s nothing left in this world to be afraid of”.
Sounds intriguing indeed. Can skydiving help to cure, or
at least ease, clinical depression? Let’s take a look into the potential benefits
skydiving may bring to the people with clinical depression. As most remedies,
it is not absolute, and cannot substitute traditional treatment means. And, it
is not for everyone, for sure.
So, yes, skydiving may offer several potential benefits
for individuals dealing with clinical depression. Here are some ways it might
help:
1.
Sense of Achievement: Successfully completing a
skydive can provide a significant sense of accomplishment. This feeling of
achievement can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose, which might
be uplifting for someone struggling with depression.
2.
Increased Endorphins: The thrill and excitement
of skydiving can trigger the release of endorphins, which are natural mood
lifters. This can lead to a temporary improvement in mood and a reduction in
feelings of sadness or anxiety.
·
Adrenaline: Increases awareness and strength by
pumping oxygen to the brain
·
Serotonin: Can help alleviate depression and
provide a sense of calm
·
Dopamine: Plays a role in mental health
disorders and is responsible for the intense happiness felt after skydiving
3.
Distraction and Mindfulness: The intense focus
required during a skydive can offer a form of mindfulness. Being fully immersed
in the experience might help take the person's mind off their depressive
thoughts and provide a break from their usual worries.
4.
Exposure to Nature and Scenic Views: Jumping
from an airplane offers breathtaking views of the landscape, which can foster a
sense of connection to nature and enhance mood.
5.
Overcoming Fear: Facing and overcoming a
significant fear, like jumping out of an airplane, can help build resilience
and confidence. This experience of confronting and managing fear might be
empowering and offer a new perspective on dealing with other challenges in
life.
6.
Peripheral awareness: Skydiving can improve your
peripheral awareness and reaction times, which can help you pay attention to
what's going on around you
7.
Physical Activity: The physical exertion
involved in preparing for and participating in skydiving can contribute to
overall well-being, as physical activity is known to have positive effects on
mood.
8.
Connection and Support: Engaging in skydiving
can also involve joining a community of skydivers. This sense of belonging and
support can be beneficial for someone feeling isolated due to depression.
9.
Ritual and Routine: Participating in regular
skydiving sessions can create a sense of routine and structure, which can be
beneficial for mental health.
10.
Sense of Freedom: The feeling of flying and the
absence of constraints during a jump can evoke a sense of freedom, offering a
break from the pressures of daily life.
