# SH267: “Diver's depression” It's time to tackle stigma and taboos

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/counter-errorism-in-diving-applying-human-factors-to-diving-6626048/sh267-diver-s-depression-it-s-time-to-tackle-stigma-and-taboos
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/counter-errorism-in-diving-applying-human-factors-to-diving-6626048/sh267-diver-s-depression-it-s-time-to-tackle-stigma-and-taboos.md
Podcast: [Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving](https://stenobird.com/podcast/counter-errorism-in-diving-applying-human-factors-to-diving-6626048)
Published: 2026-04-04T08:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.thehumandiver.com/
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/4ed8b253-11c6-4571-9453-42d00085a8dc.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/counter-errorism-in-diving-applying-human-factors-to-diving-6626048/episodes/sh267-diver-s-depression-it-s-time-to-tackle-stigma-and-taboos
Duration seconds: 586

## Resource

This episode explores the link between diving, mental health, and trust, showing that anxiety, depression, and therapy are common parts of normal life and are also present in the diving community. Many divers hide mental health challenges or medication use because they fear judgment, exclusion, or losing opportunities, which actually makes diving less safe. The key message is that safety underwater depends more on trust between people than on equipment, and that honesty and psychological safety in a dive team allow divers to support each other properly. The episode explains that common treatments like antidepressants are not the real risk — the real danger comes from silence, stigma, and poor communication. It also highlights how diving can improve mental wellbeing, helping people feel calm, focused, and connected. Overall, the message is simple: openness about mental health is not weakness — it’s responsibility, professionalism, and an important part of keeping each other safe underwater. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/post/diver-s-depression-it-s-time-to-tackle-stigma-and-taboos Sources St Leger Dowse, M. et al. (2019) – Diving and mental health: The potential benefits and risks from a survey of recreational scuba divers. A study of 729 recreational divers in the UK shows that divers have similar levels of mental health problems to the general population, with as many as 90% reporting an improvement in their well-being thanks to diving.Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Journal Morgan, A. et al. (2019) – Can scuba diving offer therapeutic benefit to military veterans… An analysis of the Deptherapy UK program for veterans, confirming the therapeutic effects of diving in the treatment of PTSD and psychological trauma.Disability and Rehabilitation Journal Sold…

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