Adventure therapy began over 60 years ago, utilizing outdoor adventures to assist individuals suffering with PTSD and depression. Activities encompass hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, horseback riding, scuba diving, and the most intense of all, tandem skydiving.
Tandem skydiving entails confronting and conquering profound fears. For those with PTSD and depression exposure therapy like tandem skydiving aids in facing and gradually overcoming traumatic experiences, fostering desensitization, and diminishing anxiety.
Completing a tandem skydive imparts a significant sense of accomplishment and empowerment. This positive reinforcement is especially valuable for individuals’ battling PTSD and depression, fostering improved self-esteem and a more positive self- perception.
While this therapeutic approach is complementary
to other therapies, tandem skydiving in a therapeutic context offers numerous potential benefits for individuals contending with mental health challenges.
Release of Neurotransmitters: The intense thrill and excitement of tandem skydiving triggers the release of neurotransmitters like adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin. These chemicals play a vital role in mood regulation, pleasure, and overall well-being.
Adventure Therapy is complementary to other therapies. Therapists often assist their patients in recalling and visualizing positive moments in their lives, leveraging these experiences to transition from a negative state to a positive state of mind. Trying to visualize a positive moment from the past and recall those feelings can be extremely challenging.
To aid in this, we provide each participant with a video of their tandem skydive. When participants watch themselves tandem skydiving, it instantly takes them back to those joyful feelings, happiness, and the sense of accomplishment from doing something they once considered impossible.
The video allows them to easily revisit that moment and shift to a positive state of mind whenever they want. And it’s natural and no medication required.
Adventure therapy with tandem skydiving, can have positive mental and emotional effects on the participants. These benefits range from short term effects, such as improved mood and learning new skills, to long term effects, such as a greater sense of humility, increased self-esteem, and an improved ability to confront, manage, and overcome fear.
Engaging in tandem skydiving will likely have positive effects on individuals with PTSD, depression, and anxiety, although it’s important to recognize that these activities may not be for everyone. Here are potential positive impacts:
Facing and Overcoming Fears: Tandem skydiving involves confronting and overcoming intense fears. For individuals with PTSD, exposure therapy, such as tandem skydiving, can help them confront and gradually overcome traumatic experiences, leading to desensitization and reduced anxiety.
Adrenaline and Neurotransmitter Release: The adrenaline rush and the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and endorphins during a tandem skydive can have mood-enhancing effects. This may be particularly beneficial for individuals with depression, as it can temporarily alleviate feelings of sadness and improve overall mood.
Mindfulness and Focus: The intense concentration required during a tandem skydive promotes mindfulness and being fully present in the moment. For individuals with anxiety, the focus on the present experience can help reduce rumination about past events or worries about the future.
Sense of Accomplishment: Successfully completing a tandem skydive can provide a significant sense of accomplishment and empowerment. This positive reinforcement can be particularly beneficial
for individuals struggling with depression, as it contributes to an improved self-esteem and a more positive self-perception.
Social Support and Connection: Participating in tandem skydiving often involves building connections with instructors and fellow jumpers. For individuals with PTSD or depression, establishing social support networks and connections with like-minded individuals can be valuable in the recovery process.
Novelty and Cognitive Shift: Engaging in novel and challenging experiences can lead to a cognitive shift, disrupting negative thought patterns. For individuals with depression and anxiety, the novelty of a tandem skydiving experience will likely provide a new perspective and a break from routine, contributing to improved mental well-being.
Promotion of Resilience: Overcoming the challenges and fears associated with tandem skydiving can contribute to the development of resilience. Individuals with PTSD, depression, or anxiety may find that the experience helps them build emotional strength and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Individuals should consult with mental health professionals before attempting adventurous activities like tandem skydiving to ensure it aligns with their treatment plan and overall well-being. Additionally, the supervision of trained professionals and a thorough understanding of an individual’s mental health history are crucial when considering such activities.
Skydive First Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving mental health through adventure therapy for veterans and others.
