BMJ Case Rep August 2018 PMID 30131418

Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder.

Christoffer van Tulleken, Michael Tipton, Heather Massey, C Mark Harper

Mentions

34
Peak: 4 in Sep 2018
across 6 sources since Sep 2018

Extended reach

596,386
potential audience

Total likes

1,023

Video views

134,481

Mentions per month

Sep 2018 – Jan 2026

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter18 posts
  • News8 articles
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Instagram2 posts
  • Reddit2 posts
  • Blogs2 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reflect a positive and intrigued attitude toward the research, with many sharing personal benefits (e.g., 'It definitely makes me feel much better') and expressing curiosity about the potential of open water swimming for mental health, using words like 'fascinating' and 'hope.' The tone indicates interest and mild support, but the engagement remains mostly experiential and speculative, hinting at early-stage recognition with moderate potential for wider impact.

AgreementModerate agreement

Many posters express support or curiosity about the research, with some referencing personal experiences or positive impressions, indicating general agreement or interest.

InterestHigh interest

Posts frequently discuss how open water swimming could improve mood and mental health, showing a high level of curiosity and engagement with the topic.

EngagementModerate engagement

Several comments delve into subjective benefits or wonder about the future implications, but lack in-depth scientific discussion, suggesting moderate engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

While some posts highlight personal benefits and the potential for mental health improvements, the overall impact appears preliminary with limited evidence of broad influence at this stage.

Abstract in brief

  • A 24-year-old woman with long-term depression and anxiety, resistant to medication, started weekly cold water swimming after childbirth to become medication-free.
  • She experienced immediate mood improvements after each swim and a gradual, sustained reduction in depressive symptoms, allowing her to stop medication entirely.
  • One year later, she remains free of medication and continues to feel well, suggesting open water swimming may be an effective treatment for depression.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Saúl Sánchez
@SaulNutri · X

Se ha propuesto también que nadar regularmente en agua fría disminuye el riesgo de desarrollar depresión y ansiedad.

Jan 24, 2022 · 23 likes · 1 share · 108,245 followers View post →
Prof Ollie Minton
@drol007 · X

Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder https://t.co/2HJ0fmUL66 that a top score too @SimonTavabie

Aug 8, 2023 · 6 likes · 2 shares · 6,005 followers View post →
Debz
@BubsandJacks · X

‘Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder.’ It definitely makes me feel much better. Going to go tomorrow

Jun 8, 2020 · 3 likes · 1,432 followers View post →
marc west
@westius · X

I first found her through this fascinating article, published with @DoctorChrisVT, on open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder https://t.co/nhy17XVdQw

Sep 21, 2020 · 3 likes · 1,319 followers View post →
Bill Taylor
@Physiobil · X

@loulouscorpio @Trewern_K @KeelePain @Bruneluni Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder Christoffer van Tulleken, Michael Tipton, Heather Massey, C Mark Harper Case Reports 2018, bcr-2018-225007, 2018

Nov 13, 2020 · 2 likes · 857 followers View post →
Prof. Biology
@ResearchBiology · X

https://t.co/Oy1H3FR9bY Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder. British Medical Journal Case Reports.

Jan 8, 2025 · 2 likes · 659 followers View post →

All mentions

Prof. Biology
@ResearchBiology · X

https://t.co/Oy1H3FR9bY Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder. British Medical Journal Case Reports.

Jan 8, 2025 · 2 likes · 659 followers View post →
Gunter Kuhnle
@ggkuhnle · X

@2976Csl @TAH_Sci This one? This is the patient from the TV programme. https://t.co/9c0MfmTKxy

Dec 5, 2023 · 3,830 followers View post →
Tony Duffy
@Existential_Doc · X

RT @drol007: Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder https://t.co/2HJ0fmUL66 that a top score too @SimonTavabie

Aug 8, 2023 · 2 shares · 9,509 followers View post →
SANDRAJOHNSTON
@sandra04850184 · X

RT @drol007: Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder https://t.co/2HJ0fmUL66 that a top score too @SimonTavabie

Aug 8, 2023 · 2 shares · 983 followers View post →
Prof Ollie Minton
@drol007 · X

Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder https://t.co/2HJ0fmUL66 that a top score too @SimonTavabie

Aug 8, 2023 · 6 likes · 2 shares · 6,005 followers View post →
TheLiverDoc™
@theliverdoc · X

@Meinvishal @Gandalf1104 That way, even an open water swim is useful. https://t.co/TnJmDqzpH6

Jun 12, 2023 · 319,857 followers View post →
SEO Pitstop UK
@SEOPitstopUK · X

Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder www https://t.co/00EXaq17tj #matrixrcl

Mar 1, 2023 · 12 followers View post →
Odyssey Open Water Swimming
@ODYSSEY_swim · X

Has swimming in the open water positively impacted your mood? Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder (National Library of Medicine): https://t.co/CH6VrTSQ0M. #openwaterswimming #wildswimming #mentalhealth #health https://t.co/QqwDsrKeZt

Oct 11, 2022 · 1,060 followers View post →
Frank J. Herrmann
@4141245879freun · X

@NeBirgitta Definitely interesting. I was just imagining the scientists doing this experiment. Very much a cartoon like impression. Cryotherapy or even just cold showers appear to be helpful. Also I found this intriguing paper: https://t.co/52qorI5Nak

May 11, 2022 · 1 like · 912 followers View post →
Jordigasleo1512
@Jordigasleo1512 · X

RT @SaulNutri: Se ha propuesto también que nadar regularmente en agua fría disminuye el riesgo de desarrollar depresión y ansiedad.

Jan 24, 2022 · 1 share · 31 followers View post →
Saúl Sánchez
@SaulNutri · X

Se ha propuesto también que nadar regularmente en agua fría disminuye el riesgo de desarrollar depresión y ansiedad.

Jan 24, 2022 · 23 likes · 1 share · 108,245 followers View post →
Quirky Something
@Imfullofideas · X

@UoPSportScience @ProfMikeTipton I'm just reading "Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder" and wondered how the participant is doing now, I feel the benefits for my mental health and hope the participant is still finding it beneficial @H_Massey1979 @DoctorChrisVT

Mar 6, 2021 · 1 like · 1,060 followers View post →
Bill Taylor
@Physiobil · X

@loulouscorpio @Trewern_K @KeelePain @Bruneluni Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder Christoffer van Tulleken, Michael Tipton, Heather Massey, C Mark Harper Case Reports 2018, bcr-2018-225007, 2018

Nov 13, 2020 · 2 likes · 857 followers View post →
marc west
@westius · X

I first found her through this fascinating article, published with @DoctorChrisVT, on open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder https://t.co/nhy17XVdQw

Sep 21, 2020 · 3 likes · 1,319 followers View post →
Debz
@BubsandJacks · X

‘Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder.’ It definitely makes me feel much better. Going to go tomorrow

Jun 8, 2020 · 3 likes · 1,432 followers View post →
Debz
@BubsandJacks · X

@Celine_AD I’ve just read this! Wish I had known about wild swimming years ago! https://t.co/p5pcDQ4W3H

Jun 8, 2020 · 1,432 followers View post →
Patrick Walter
@PatrickBWalter · X

Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder https://t.co/1OlgLCxXVu

Jul 9, 2019 · 581 followers View post →
John Panaretos
@J_Panaretos · X

Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder https://t.co/jednkQZWIQ. In addition to all other benefits we knew already.

Jun 20, 2019 · 1 like · 3,966 followers View post →
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