Overcoming PTSD: A Healing Dive Adventure with SSI
December 27, 2023
As part of a project in collaboration with members of the Bundeswehr, we recently delved into the therapeutic potential of diving for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is the inspiring and moving story of how scuba diving, supported by SSI, proved to be a beacon of hope for those grappling with mental health challenges.
In the tapestry of human existence, the words of Jacques Cousteau resonated deeply as we witnessed firsthand how scuba diving changes lives:
"From birth, man carries the weight of gravity on his shoulders. He is bound to the earth. But the moment he dives beneath the surface, he is free."
Join us as we delve into a very special dive experience:
Recovering from PTSD: The location where it began
Imagine a private initiative, supported by the Bundeswehr and various organizations, giving rise to "Diving for All". This new program offers medically supervised introductory dives for military personnel struggling with PTSD. It is a unique collaboration, a fusion of the healing power of the underwater world and the commitment of organizations like SSI to make a difference.
Leipzig set the stage for this therapeutic journey, at the shore of Schladitzer See. Besides its tranquility, what makes this location special is the creation of a protected pool in the entry area of the base, resembling an oasis shielded from the hustle and bustle of the outside world—perfect for attempting healing beneath the waves.
Preparation for the dive day
As families gathered in Leipzig, there was a palpable tension in the air. The first meeting was more than a simple introduction; it was an initiation into a supportive community. There, initial hierarchical barriers - remnants of military ranks - melted away and were replaced by an atmosphere of camaraderie. Families arriving on a Friday were not just guests; they were participants in a shared discovery journey.
The therapeutic journey began with an insightful session led by psychologists and psychiatrists. It was a safe space for people to share their stories, a crucial step in a process where openness is the key.
The weight of common stories lifted as participants, now friends, found solace in each other’s company.
Addressing each other by first names, though seemingly trivial, was symbolic. It marked a balanced playing field, a shared vulnerability beneath the facade of titles and ranks. Conversations flowed easily among shared experiences and familial connections.
Time to go diving!
The day of the dive arrived, bringing a sense of both excitement and trepidation. Instructors carefully formed small groups to ensure the unique dynamics of each family were considered.
The balance was delicate, with a low instructor-to-participant ratio to ensure not only safety but also a shared experience.
SSI and Mares made significant contributions, facilitating careful equipment planning and ensuring that every detail was considered. Participants did not just enter the water; they embarked on a journey where every aspect was considered — a testament to the care taken to seamlessly craft this experience.
As the first bubbles rose to the surface, an unparalleled process unfolded. Families, once bound by the gravity of their challenges, now floated weightlessly beneath the surface. The therapeutic effect extended beyond overcoming fears and PTSD; it was a celebration of success, an acknowledgement of personal strength, and an immersion into the beauty of the underwater world.
Shared moments - From surface to grill
The day ended with a communal barbecue — time to reflect on shared triumphs and forge plans for the future. What began as a dive transformed into a metaphorical journey into uncharted territories of personal growth and collective resilience.
As the sunset stretched into the night, conversations resonated with laughter, shared plans, and newfound friendships.
Post-dive reflections - The ripple effect
Beyond bubbles and depths, the impact lingered. Spouses, partly in tears, expressed gratitude for gaining deeper insights into their partners. The shared experience became a bridge connecting people who might have remained strangers in the daily grind.
It was more than a therapeutic dive; it was a journey of shared vulnerability, triumph, and the discovery of resilience.
For the dive instructors, each of the events was a mix of excitement and humility. The emotional intensity, especially during farewells, underscored the profound impact of the initiative. Spouses, emotionally moved, revealed that the few days brought out more about their partners than years of battling PTSD. What began as a simple introductory dive became a shared memory engraved into life.
Medical monitoring
Throughout the weekend, the initiative was under the watchful eyes of mental health professionals who provided support and immediate medical assistance if needed. The transfer evaluation conducted six months later revealed sustained positive effects on self-perception, pride in personal achievements, and overall well-being.
A heartfelt thank you.
The entire experience was offered free of charge for participants. As the weekend concluded, gratitude echoed not only to the organizers but to the diverse group of contributors.
From the German Hardship Foundation, the Support Association for Working with the Disabled (FUAV), and the Rohdich’schen Legatenfonds, to Mares and SSI, each contributor was a crucial factor for success. The warm support of the Federal Ministry of Defense and the patron, General Doctor Med. Jörg Ahrens, who gave official recognition to this grassroots initiative.
In this initiative, diving surpassed its role as a therapeutic vehicle for PTSD. The transfer evaluation showed that even months after the weekend, the positive effects persisted:
- Pride in overcoming personal challenges and boldly entering a different element.
- Newfound belief in the power of one’s abilities.
- And almost inadvertently, we have welcomed some newly certified divers into our community!
Therefore, it is also our earnest plea to everyone with people around them struggling with PTSD: take it seriously and seek help to recover. The closer you are, the more challenging it can become over time, which is why we fully involve family members. There, too, time to breathe is necessary and gladly accepted. We hope to welcome you underwater soon.
Start the journey; connect with other divers in our new Facebook group Underwater Explorers Worldwide.
This is a supportive and inclusive network of divers keen to share their experiences and tips to enhance your diving adventures.