Healing Waters: How Cold Water Immersion Helped Me Battle Seasonal Depression and Grief.

Seasonal depression can cast a shadow over life, it can cast a shadow over even the brightest of days. It looms, affecting our mood, energy, and overall outlook, making the arrival of winter a daunting prospect. Within the depths of this emotional struggle, I stumbled upon an unexpected glimmer of hope: cold water therapy.

More than a mere plunge, cold water therapy transcended its initial purpose—it became an act of self-care, a liberating escape from the clutches of seasonal depression. Unbeknownst to me, it would unravel into a pathway to rediscovering genuine joy. Yet, what was even more unforeseen was how this practice would evolve, transforming into a tool for navigating the grief and ultimately igniting the creation of East Coast Plunge.

Lake Ontario - Winter Cold Plunge

A Cold Awakening - Finding Solace in the Lake

Every Sunday morning, at 5:30 AM, I embarked on a 107-kilometer journey to Lake Ontario before the sun broke the horizon. There, alongside a dedicated community (Stay Unbounded), we shared a dip into the frigid waters. At the time, I couldn't fully grasp why I was drawn to this extreme act. Little did I know, this weekly plunge became my anchor. There was an undeniable inner knowing that this practice was helping me navigate the fog of seasonal depression, providing respite that lingered throughout the week.

Cold Plunge at Sunrise

Connection

Community

Using Cold Immersion to Cope with Grief

Fast forward one year, I moved to New Brunswick and then my world was shattered. My father battled Parkinson's Disease and in his later years, faced the additional burden of prostate cancer. The routine calls informing me of his hospitalizations due to falls became a regular part of my life. He was a fighter, resilient in the face of adversity, always managing to bounce back swiftly. Whenever I received a call about his hospitalization, I anticipated it to be another episode he would overcome, emerging stronger the next day. However, the call I received wasn't what I had expected—it carried the devastating news of his passing.

His unwavering spirit inspired me to confront my own grief with equal determination. Drawing from the resilience I had built through the practice of cold water immersion in Lake Ontario, I challenged myself to confront grief head-on. I embraced 100 consecutive days of cold water plunges throughout the winter, finding solace in the ritual and strength in honouring my father's memory, while also honouring those who were grieving the loss of a loved one.

This practice infused hope into my darkest days —an essential daily routine that motivated me to rise from bed. It was more than just a task; it was a lifeline that pulled me towards the light. While it couldn't erase my pain, it was never intended to be a mere band-aid. Instead, it helped me comprehend the intricate dance of life and death.

Embracing the 100 day challenge helped me grasp the delicate balance between patience and persistence. It encouraged me to be patient with myself as I navigated the turbulent waters of grief, to embrace rest when necessary, and to uncover the beauty in life's simplest moments.

Birth of East Coast Plunge - A Journey to Share Healing

Out of those 100 days emerged the concept. Encouraged by the inquiries and interest from my family, friends, and community, I realized the profound impact this practice could have on others. The concept = East Coast Plunge. A community that aims to bring the healing power of cold water immersion to people in need, whether for mental wellbeing or general physical wellness.

Every plunge is not only a dip into the cold waters but a leap towards a brighter, more resilient future. I discovered that amidst the trials of life, we can always find sources of strength within ourselves and the support of those around us. My vision for East Coast Plunge is to be a testament to the power of community and the healing potential of nature, reminding us that we can overcome even the darkest days when we stand together.

Even in the coldest of times, there is warmth to be found within ourselves and community.

One Love,

Cambria