TW: This content mentions mental health, depression and suicide, which some people may find upsetting.
Mental health problems can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender etc., but with suicide being the biggest cause of death in men under 50, and men making up three quarters of deaths from suicide each year, it’s clear that men’s mental health needs to be talked about more. Research carried out by the Samaritans shows that men don’t often get support early enough, and when they do, they’re much more likely to talk to others if that talking comes about through taking part in a shared interest or activity, rather than a ‘talking group’ with that as its only focus.
As November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we thought we’d look at a pastime that is considered so good for mental well-being that it’s even being prescribed by GPs – fishing. Some NHS Trusts have introduced a scheme known as ‘Social Prescribing’ that aims to help patients get involved in more social activities, whether that’s dancing, gardening or, in our case, fishing. So we thought we’d look into the reasons why fishing is so good for our well-being.
HOW CAN FISHING HELP YOUR MENTAL WELLBEING?
We’re lucky enough to have some great fishing destinations here in the UK, and we all know how calm and peaceful it can be on a riverbank, just the sound of the water, maybe a bit of birdsong, the wind in the reeds; it’s a great way to relax and switch off from everyday life, but why is that? A 2021 study by the mental health foundation found that 70% of UK adults said that being close to nature improves their mood, and most of us have probably experienced the restorative effects of a nice walk surrounded by nature, on a beach, for example, or along a canal, and as island dwellers we’re often drawn towards water. There is some science behind this; living near, or taking part in activities near ‘aquatic environments’, also known as ‘blue spaces’, has been shown to improve mental health and well-being. This has given rise to the term ‘Ecotherapy’, a kind of therapy that involves outdoor activities in and around nature.
Recreational fishing is a great way to spend time in blue space, and can help your mental health in a number of ways:
- It gets you moving – although there’s a lot of sitting around and waiting when you go fishing, you still have to carry your fishing equipment to your chosen spot, cast the line out, crank the reel etc., never mind haul in that massive barbel you’ve had your eye on for weeks! Physical activity helps decrease stress hormones such as cortisol and increases endorphins – the ‘feel good’ chemicals. With fishing you can go at your own pace, there’s no pressure to keep up with anyone.
- It helps build self-esteem – learning, or perfecting, a skill such as fishing can give you a great sense of accomplishment. It’s also quite common to swap tips and ideas with other anglers, and helping someone else can also boost self-esteem; for example, taking kids fishing and teaching them the basics will make you all feel good and is a way to connect and bond over a shared interest.
- It’s sociable – often when you’re struggling with your mental health it’s not easy to get outside, but fishing is a good way to get out there without any pressure to interact with people; you can interact as little or as much as you like. You can head out for a day by the river and feel like you’ve been out and about while still maintaining your personal space, and it creates a sense of belonging as you’re doing something alongside other people, all with the same aim. It can also be easier to talk to people while you’re occupied with something else; there’s less pressure, less eye contact and not as many expectations.
- It’s a distraction – fishing can take your mind off things for a while, all your focus is on waiting for the fish to bite. Your mind goes blank and there’s no room for other thoughts, so your mind gets a ‘break’, almost in the same way as meditating when you’re focusing on your breathing.
HELPFUL ORGANISATIONS
- Angling Trust – their ‘Get Fishing for Wellbeing’ project aims to improve access to fishing and offers opportunities to volunteer and mentor others. They believe that fishing incorporates the NHS ‘5 Ways of Well-Being’:
- Connect with others
- Physically active
- Learn a new skill
- Give to others
- Pay attention to the present moment
They also have opportunities to take part in conservation days, litter picking and species surveys.
- iCarp – a programme that was originally developed to support people who may need a different approach to mental health issues, possibly due to perceived stigma; in particular military veterans, emergency services personnel, people suffering with PTSD and vulnerable young people.
- Get Hooked on Fishing – a project designed to help communities that don’t have as many resources, and young people with mental health, well-being and learning and behavioural issues who might not fit conventional educational programmes. This project also contributes to the National Angling Strategy ‘Angling for Good’ which aims to increase the number of people being active outdoors, improve health and well-being, help people connect to nature and bring communities together.
- Tackling Minds – aims to get people into fishing who are maybe struggling with mental, personal & health issues; social deprivation, addiction, disability and long-term health conditions. The programme works with mental health organisations, schools and NHS Trusts to promote the mental health benefits of fishing to everyone, regardless of their background, ethnicity and level of expertise. They believe that ‘Fishing isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life.’
USEFUL HELPLINES
- Mind – Infoline: 0300 123 339
- The Samaritans – 116 123
- SHOUT – 85258
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – 0800 58 58 58
- ManHealth
- ANDYSMANCLUB
- Men’s Sheds
Men’s mental health has also been the focus of an unlikely hit TV show – Mortimer and Whitehouse; Gone Fishing, which on the surface is basically just two middle-aged men going fishing, but it’s ended up as a funny, touching spotlight on men’s mental and physical health. The almost 2 million viewing figures have shown just how much these conversations are needed, and how important male friendships are.
When it comes to mental health it’s clear that there’s not one solution that fits all and while things such as yoga, meditation and therapy have their place in the treatment of mental health issues, they might not suit everyone. Statistics show that men are less likely to access therapy – only 36% of NHS referrals are for men, and society has different expectations of men and gender stereotypes can be just as damaging for men as they are for women.
This isn’t to say fishing isn’t for women too, there’s a whole new wave of female fishing influencers out there inspiring women to take up the sport, but it’s clear something needs to be done to engage men in activities that encourage them to talk, and to seek help when needed.
Whatever kind of angler you are chances are you’ll end up with a decent amount of kit, and that doesn’t come cheap; so it’s always worth thinking about fishing insurance. Take a look at our website or give us a call for a free, no-strings quote today.
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