Ocean Mind celebrate World Mental Health Day

This year's annual paddle-out was held at Cosy Corner, Torquay. Photos: NATHAN RIVALLAND

SURF therapy charity Ocean Mind has joined in with international paddle-outs across the globe, raising awareness for mental health at Torquay’s Cosy Corner, Torquay on World Mental Health Day.

The paddle-out and ceremony on Monday morning this week aimed to give the community a chance to reconnect, protect and improve their mental health in a fun and inclusive environment.

Each year, community paddle-outs are part of the global efforts of the International Surf Therapy Organization (ISTO) to provide therapeutic value, emotion regulation and social connection, where one can feel a sense of awe and put their day-to-day stresses aside through ocean therapy.

Ocean Mind founder and chief executive officer Rachael Parker led Monday morning’s ceremony and said the celebration provided a fantastic opportunity for everyone to “tune in” on themselves, their friends and even a stranger.

Members of the community came together to celebrate World Mental Health Day.

“Today’s paddle-out is about recognising mental health and mental illness, and also about shining a light on it and making sure we think about it often for ourselves and also for those around us.

“This year’s Mental Health Month theme is to tune in and for me, that means thinking about what I or what we need to do to tune in on our mental health.

“A little moment can help us to set our intentions, a chance to move away from that busyness”.

Ms Parker also shared some research with the group about the elements of the ocean and its powers.

She spoke about how it is suggested that the colour blue (the ocean) helps the human body to relax and that floating in the ocean has similar affects, while seeing and sharing waves kept people in the present moment.

Research suggests the ocean has calming and relaxing capabilities.

In concluding the celebrations, Parker and the group spoke about the affinity that many attendees had with the ocean and how lucky everyone was to have such a beautiful natural wonder on their doorstep.

Ocean Mind hope that more people can feel a positive change in their life through the power of the ocean and surfing.

To learn more about surf therapy at Ocean Mind, head to oceanmind.org.au