A recent study conducted by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, Ulster University, and Queen’s University, Belfast, has unveiled compelling evidence that regular fishing may contribute to a significant reduction in the risk of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.
The research involved surveying 1,752 males, delving into their fishing habits, previous mental health issues, exercise routines, and overall well-being. Astonishingly, participants engaging in frequent fishing activities were found to be nearly 17% less likely to have experienced mental health conditions compared to their non-fishing counterparts.
The study, published in the journal Epidemiologia this summer, revealed a direct correlation between the frequency of fishing and improved mental health. The authors of the study emphasized that encouraging regular participation in recreational angling could serve as a dual strategy for promoting relaxation and positive mental health, along with fostering increased levels of physical activity among those dealing with mental health challenges.
Dr. Mike Trott, a researcher from the Centre for Mental Health Research at the University of Queensland, highlighted the unexpected nature of the findings. “We were expecting to find that angling in general has positive effects on mental health — however, we did not expect that the more often you fish, the better the benefits are,” Trott stated.
While acknowledging certain limitations of the study, such as its focus on male participants, Trott emphasized fishing as a potential mindfulness activity. He suggested that taking up the hobby regularly could offer notable mental health benefits.
The study’s findings resonate with the well-established notion that fishing positively influences mental health. Dr. Drew Ramsey, a psychiatrist and assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, although not directly involved in the study, expressed encouragement at the results. Ramsey highlighted the potential mindfulness aspect of fishing and recommended it as a valuable activity for mental well-being. For those not drawn to fishing, Ramsey proposed exploring alternative mindfulness-promoting activities like yoga, tai chi, or even colouring.
