Tips to support aquatic athletes and participants who experience mental health problems

Swim England and mental health charity, Mind, have provided some tips for supporting aquatic athletes and participants.

The two charities have worked closely on a number of projects, including the update of Swim England’s ‘mental health and swimming’ fact sheet to provide mental health information, tips and advice to athletes, participants and those who support them.

Here’s an insight into some of the tips to consider in order to help those who experience mental health problems participate in aquatics.

Support

• Start off small and build up at a pace that works for you. Even small amounts of exercise can provide a natural energy boost.
• Attend with someone you trust to help get you started. Swimming pools should allow participants to attend with a friend or support worker for the first few sessions.
• Look for groups of like-minded people. Some pools will have sessions aimed at those who experience mental health problems.

Remember

• If you experience anxiety or panic attacks, you might find that aquatic activity can cause some sensations which may feel like you are having a panic attack, such as being unable to catch your breath or breathlessness, raised heart rate, feeling shaky or dizzy.
• Starting off slowly may help you to spot the difference between the physical effects of aquatic activity and those of a panic attack.
• If you do experience a panic attack, try to exit the pool and find a quiet space to recover or remain in the shallow end.
• When swimming for example, sometimes people can hyperventilate as the water could be colder than expected, so it’s best to test it out by dipping your toe in and climbing into the pool gradually.
• Take deep, slow breaths when you take a break or after a set number of laps / lengths. This helps to reduce the likelihood of you starting to hyperventilate.

Avoid

• Triggering situations, for example, if you want to avoid crowds you may want to exercise at a quiet time.
• Excessive exercise, especially if it is taking over your life. If you feel anxious when you miss a session or if your chosen aquatic discipline is becoming more important than work, family or friends, you may be developing an unhealthy relationship with physical activity and potentially an exercise addiction.

Mind have developed a guide to help physical activity providers support people who may be experiencing an exercise addiction.